Asiago defeats Pioneers Vorarlberg after a thrilling extra time

Asiago defeats Pioneers Vorarlberg after a thrilling extra time

In an exciting duel in the Vorarlberghalle on Friday evening, the Pioneers Vorarlberg suffered a narrow 0-1 defeat after extra time against the team from Asiago. This game was particularly challenging for the Pioneers as they had to play with a severely weakened squad.

After winning 3-1 on the road in their first meeting this season, the Pioneers now faced new hurdles. The head coach was without several key players, including Lucas Sowder, who is suffering from an upper body injury, and Julian Metzler, who was unable to play due to a suspension. Newcomer Orrin Centazzo was also not in the squad due to not being eligible to play.

Tense game with no goals

The game began as many ice hockey games do: both teams cautiously felt each other out, which resulted in the first period remaining goalless. Nevertheless, the spectators were able to see more dangerous shots from the Pioneers in the first half of the game than in the last game against Linz. Despite several chances, the hosts were unable to get the puck into the opponent's goal. Defensively, however, the Pioneers remained stable and gave the guests hardly any opportunities to score.

By the second third at the latest, the game settled down more in the middle. Asiago was able to stage some dangerous attacks, but the Pioneers continued to have the upper hand in the battle for goals. Towards the end of the second period, a solo effort by the Asiago players caused great celebration, but Pioneers goalie Madlener made an impressive save and kept the Pioneers' chances alive.

There was no goal scoring in the final third either. A supposed PowerPlay goal by Lundegard was disallowed due to goalkeeper interference after a challenge by the opponent. Luckily for the Pioneers, the crossbar was shining as a shot from Gazzola tested the spectators' nerves.

The decision was made in overtime

After three goalless periods, it went into extra time, where the Italians were able to gain the upper hand. A shot from Kaspick ultimately led to the decisive goal, and so the Pioneers suffered another setback as they lost the extra point to a direct competitor.

The Pioneers now have a game-free weekend ahead of their next challenge against champions Salzburg on Wednesday. The pressure on the team is growing and the fans are hoping for a positive turnaround in the coming week to improve the dangerous situation in the table.

More details about this exciting game and the challenges facing the Pioneers can be found in a report www.vol.at.