The Italians won 5-3 in Salzburg and are level on points in Group H before the second leg on Tuesday.
Red Bull Salzburg missed the early Group H victory in the Champions Hockey League (CHL). The team of coach Matt McIlvane was defeated on Tuesday evening in the fifth game at home to the ICE Hockey League rivals HCB Südtirol after a 1-0 lead with 3: 5. Bolzano thus drew level with the “Bulls” on points. High tension is guaranteed before the decisive “return game” on October 12th on South Tyrolean soil in the battle for the pool win.
Both teams already have the promotion in their pockets, but the group winner has the advantage that he will be assigned to the runner-up in another group in the round of 16 draw on October 15th. Without the convalescent JP Lamoureux, Ty Loney and Lukas Schreier as well as the sick Alexander Pallestrang, Salzburg suffered their first defeat in front of 864 spectators.
Exciting finish
In the Salzburg ice arena, Peter Hochkofler (11th) made a great start with one shot. Matthew Maione (15th) and Brett Findlay (19th) turned the game around before the first third break. It was Findlay who increased the lead with his second goal (32nd). The home side then pressed on the connection goal, which Peter Schneider (56th) actually managed. This ensured a gripping finish.
Salzburg risked everything, but received an empty net hit from Dustin Gazley (59th). Danjo Leonhardt (60th) managed to make it 3: 4, but Domenic Alberga (60th) made everything clear immediately. Thus, Salzburg's revenge for the 0-3 ICE home defeat in a direct duel two weeks ago failed.
The KAC will play against Donbass Donetsk on Wednesday.
