Salzburg is facing a critical juncture in their quest to defend their title as champions of the Win2day ICE Hockey League. After a 3-4 loss to Pustertal on Saturday, the defending champions uncover themselves trailing 0-3 in the best-of-seven quarterfinal series and are now on the brink of elimination. Despite a quick start with a goal from Troy Bourke just three minutes into the game, Salzburg couldn’t maintain the momentum, allowing Pustertal to seize control and ultimately secure the victory.
The loss underscores the challenges Salzburg faces in this year’s playoffs. A disallowed goal for Pustertal due to a high-sticking penalty offered a brief reprieve, but the team struggled to contain Pustertal’s offensive pressure. Nash Nienhuis tied the game at 2-2 in the 28th minute, but Salzburg ultimately conceded two more goals before the end of the second period, leaving them with a deficit they couldn’t overcome. The game also saw escalating tensions, culminating in a brawl and a game misconduct penalty for Salzburg’s Mario Huber in the 15th minute.
Despite the setback, Salzburg captain Thomas Raffl remains optimistic. “Greatness is created through situations like these. We need to regenerate and fully attack on Tuesday,” Raffl stated after the game, signaling a determination to fight for survival in the series. The team will need to regroup quickly as they travel to Bruneck for Game 4 on Tuesday, where they will face elimination.
The situation in Salzburg isn’t the only compelling storyline unfolding in the ICE Hockey League playoffs. Graz 99ers continue their dominant run, securing a 3-1 victory over VSV, extending their series lead to 3-0. Nick Swaney (11th minute, power play) and Paul Huber (14th minute) propelled Graz to an early lead, while Kasper Kotkansalo added another goal in the second period to seal the win. VSV was without Nick Hutchinson in their top line, after he sustained facial injuries, including lost teeth, during a training session.
Ljubljana Takes Series Lead, KAC/Fehervar Series Resumes
In Bozen, Olimpija Ljubljana pulled off a stunning comeback to accept a 2-1 lead in their series against Bozen Südtirol Alperia. Trailing 0-2 after two periods, Ljubljana scored three goals in a remarkable 38-second span in the third period to secure a 3-2 victory. The goals came from Mahkovec, MacWilliam and Meyer, turning the tide of the game in a dramatic fashion.
The quarterfinal series between KAC and Fehervar will resume on Sunday after being suspended following a frightening incident involving KAC defenseman Jordan Murray. Murray collapsed on the bench during Tuesday’s game and required resuscitation after suffering a cardiac arrest. He has since been moved to a regular ward at the Klinikum Klagenfurt hospital, according to reports.
Playoff Results – Saturday, March 14, 2026
Here’s a summary of the results from Saturday’s playoff games:
- Salzburg – Pustertal 3:4 (1:1, 2:3, 0:0) – Series Stand: 0:3
- Graz – VSV 3:1 (2:0, 1:1, 0:0) – Series Stand: 3:0
- Bozen – Ljubljana 2:3 (1:0, 1:0, 0:3) – Series Stand: 1:2
Salzburg vs. Pustertal: Goals scored by Bourke (3’), Nienhuis (28’), and Auer (38’) for Salzburg, and Bardreau (14’), Frycklund (22’), Lauridsen (36’), and Blum (38’) for Pustertal. Salzburg received 27 penalty minutes, while Pustertal had 7.
Graz vs. VSV: Goals scored by Swaney (11’), Huber (14’), and Kotkansalo (36’) for Graz, and Wall (27’) for VSV. Graz accumulated 16 penalty minutes, while VSV had 22.
Bozen vs. Ljubljana: Goals scored by Bradley (3’, 28’) for Bozen, and Mahkovec (48’), MacWilliam (48’), and Meyer (48’) for Ljubljana. Bozen received 8 penalty minutes, while Ljubljana had 14.
The Win2day ICE Hockey League playoffs are proving to be a thrilling spectacle, with unexpected twists and turns. Salzburg’s precarious position highlights the competitive nature of the league, and their upcoming game in Bruneck will be a crucial test of their resilience. The league will continue to monitor Jordan Murray’s recovery, and the resumption of the KAC/Fehervar series will be closely watched.
What comes next for Salzburg is simple: they must win in Bruneck to retain their championship hopes alive. The team’s ability to overcome adversity and regain their form will be critical as they face a determined Pustertal side. Stay tuned for further updates as the ICE Hockey League playoffs continue to unfold.
What are your thoughts on Salzburg’s chances of overcoming this deficit? Share your predictions and comments below!
