KAC against Salzburg: a final to watch or to despair?

KAC against Salzburg: a final to watch or to despair?

Salzburg, Österreich - On April 4, 2025, the final of the Win2day Ice Hockey League begins with the first game between KAC and the EC Red Bull Salzburg. This duel is not only a new edition of last year's final, but also a fragment of the story between two of the most successful teams in the league. The Red Bulls won the final series in seven games in 2024 and won their ninth title. However, the burning question before the start of this year's final remains: "Please not again Salzburg against KAC again?" This thesis is illuminated by experts in a discussion and evokes different opinions in the ice hockey community.

Expert Maximilian Girschele argues that another final duel of the league would have brought more visibility for foreign teams and that the league would be fine. Both teams have won 13 of the last 17 championship titles, which underlines their dominance. An opposite point of view comes from Johannes Bauer, who doubts that a final with South Tyrolean participation would have sparked more interest. This is shown by current developments that indicate that the top of the league moves closer together.

The playoff series of the Red Bulls and the KAC

The EC Red Bull Salzburg previously competed in the quarter-finals against Székesfehérvár, which they won confidently with 4-0. In the subsequent semi-finals, the Red Bulls prevailed against HCB South Tyrol Alperia with 4-1, although the games were often very scarce. Finally, the final pairing in the eleventh playoff series between the two clubs was decided, including previous final series, which also went over seven games.

The way to the final was much more difficult for the KAC. After a 4-2 victory in the quarter-finals against HC Pustertal Wolves, they needed 7 games against the Linz Black Wings in the semi-finals. It is believed that the KAC does not go to the final as a favorite, since Salzburg appeared very convincingly in the playoffs. Injury problems and a strenuous series could also have their influence on the upcoming final.

statistics and top scorer

The statistics of both teams show that the Red Bulls have a strong offensive. You have the following top scorers in the playoffs:

• Benjamin Nissner: 7 goals
• Peter Schneider: 6 goals
• Thomas Raffl: 3 goals in 9 games

On the side of the KAC, the top scorers are as follows:

• Raphael Herburger: 7 goals in 13 games
• nick Petersen: 6 goals in 11 games
• Matt Fraser: 5 goals in 13 games

An additional challenge will be presented for the KAC Mathias from, who noticed as a top scorer in the basic round with 21 goals, but has only scored 2 goals in 13 playoff games so far.

Further discussions among the experts examine the effect of the final on the entire league. Girschele finds that the final in the previous year did not provide and criticize the low presence on TV, which indicates a necessary increase in visibility. Finally, the risk of injuries during longer playoffs, which could be important for the national team.