EHC Basel Rides Power Play to Victory, Climbing League Standings – Breaking News!
St. Jakob Arena witnessed a captivating clash tonight as EHC Basel edged out a strong EHC Winterthur side 2-1, fueled by two decisive power play goals. This win marks Basel’s third victory in their last four games, signaling a significant turnaround after a challenging start to the season. For hockey fans following the National League, this is a game that showcased both skill and resilience, and a potential turning point for Basel.
Henauer Shines in Loan Debut, Earns Player of the Game Honors
The game also marked the debut of Mika Henauer, loaned from Rapperswil-Jona Lakers to bolster Basel’s defense. Henauer didn’t disappoint, logging an impressive 24+ minutes of ice time – second only to Winterthur’s Molin – and earning the well-deserved title of best player of the game. Loaned players often bring a fresh perspective and energy to a team, and Henauer’s immediate impact is a testament to that. This strategic move by Basel highlights a growing trend in professional hockey: leveraging loan agreements to address short-term needs and develop young talent. It’s a win-win for both the player and the receiving club.
An Intense Match-Up: Basel’s Offensive Surge
Despite a delayed start due to a lighting issue, both teams came out firing, delivering an “attractive game” characterized by offensive plays and minimal stoppages. Basel demonstrated a noticeable increase in intensity compared to their earlier season performances, creating numerous scoring opportunities. While Brodecky in the Winterthur goal initially proved difficult to beat, Basel’s persistence paid off on the power play.
Power Play Prowess Seals the Deal
The first goal arrived in the 17th minute, courtesy of Liniger, assisted by Rexha and Aeschbach, capitalizing on a power play opportunity. Basel doubled their lead midway through the game when Brügger converted a pass from Henauer, also during a man advantage. Interestingly, power play efficiency is a key indicator of a team’s overall success in hockey. Teams that can consistently convert on power plays often have a significant edge in close games. Brügger briefly left the game for treatment but thankfully returned to the ice.
Winterthur Fights Back, But Basel Holds Firm
Winterthur refused to go down without a fight, with Ortensky scoring in the 46th minute to narrow the gap. A coach’s challenge from Basel’s Himelfarb regarding a potential penalty to Haller was ultimately unsuccessful, but the team managed to weather the ensuing minor penalty. The final minutes were filled with tension, but Basel’s disciplined defense held strong, securing the 2-1 victory. This demonstrates the importance of defensive structure and composure under pressure, qualities that separate good teams from great ones.
Looking Ahead: Basel’s Upcoming Schedule
EHC Basel will next face HC La Chaux-de-Fonds in a home game next Friday, following a Cup round of 16 match against EHC Olten next Wednesday at 7:45 p.m. in the St. Jakob Arena. These upcoming games present Basel with an opportunity to build on their recent momentum and continue their climb up the league standings.
Game Details & Standings
- Final Score: EHC Basel – EHC Winterthur 2:1 (1:0, 1:0, 0:1)
- Venue: St. Jakob Arena – 1740 spectators
- Referees: Joshua Blasbalg, Michael Weber; Sandro Baumgartner, Christophe Pitton
- Goals: Liniger (Rexha, Aeschbach), Brügger (M. Henauer, Supinski), Ortensky (Antenen)
- Current League Ranking: 1. Thurgau, 2. Sierre, 3. La Chaux-de-Fonds, 4. GCK Lions, 5. Winterthur, 6. Visp, 7. Olten, 8. Basel
The win propels EHC Basel further into contention, and with Henauer’s promising debut, the team appears to be gaining confidence and momentum. For hockey enthusiasts, keeping an eye on Basel’s progress will be a key storyline as the season unfolds. Stay tuned to archyde.com for the latest updates, analysis, and breaking news from the National League and beyond.
