Jason Akeson celebrated the 5:4. © HCI / Georgios Papaconstantis

“We have shown character”: Wolves full of praise

Two games, two wins: HC Pustertal couldn't have dreamed of a better start to the new season. On Sunday, the Wolves won a game they almost thought they had lost at HC Innsbruck. The joy afterwards was all the greater.

September 18, 2023

From: leo

When Corey Mackin converted one of the many counterattacks eleven minutes before the end to make it 4-2, not many people would have put their money on the HCP. Why? The HCI played strong offensive ice hockey, the Wolves simply couldn't find an antidote on defense. Within three minutes the Haie lead was gone again. Arvin Atwal and David Morley made it 4:4 before Alex Petan even made it 5:4 in the power play. Innsbruck came back again, but Mikael Frycklund & Co. stayed cool in the penalty shootout: “We kept fighting despite the two-goal deficit,” said Morley after the match: “That shows our character.”

The 1,71 meter small striker shone that evening with three goals, including the decisive penalty: “Innsbruck has a strong team – with great offensive skills. We had a great comeback, but they never gave up either. I think the fans saw an exciting game,” emphasizes Morley: “Starting with five out of six possible points is very good. It's still early in the season, we learn something new with every game - including about ourselves. We always want to do our best.” Now it’s time to recharge the batteries in order to be prepared for the next tasks.

Christian Kasastul cleans up. © HCI / Georgios Papaconstantis

In addition to the Canadian, goalie Andreas Bernard also played a major role in the success. Although the 33-year-old had to reach behind himself five times, he shone with spectacular saves - and two saved penalties. It wouldn't be a surprise if the Kalterer also guards the Wolves goal on Friday at home against Asiago. The game in the Intercable Arena starts at 19.45:XNUMX p.m.


The table

	SP	G	U	V	TV	P
1. Fehervar	2	2	0	0	6:1	6
2. Salzburg	2	2	0	0	8:4	5
3. HC Pustertal	2	2	0	0	9:6	5
4. Innsbruck	2	1	0	1	10:7	4
5. Olimpija Ljubljana	2	1	0	1	7:5	4
6. Villach	1	1	0	0	4:2	3
7. Vorarlberg	2	1	0	1	3:3	3
8. Vienna Capitals	2	1	0	1	5:7	3
9. Linz	2	1	0	1	5:6	2
10. Graz99ers	2	0	0	2	5:7	1
11. Klagenfurt	1	0	0	1	1:4	0
12. Asiago Hockey	2	0	0	2	0:5	0
13. HCB South Tyrol	2	0	0	2	2:8	0