Jesenice celebrates its victory in its first game. © Johannes Radlwimmer

Jesenice starts with away win in final series

SIJ Acroni Jesenice kicked off the Alps Hockey League finals with a 3-1 away win against EK Die Zeller Eisbären. For Zell am See, this marked their first loss in their ninth playoff game.

05 April 2025

From: pm

More than 2.600 fans were eager to attend Zell am See's first final in the history of the Alps Hockey League – and they were treated to a treat. The home team started strongly and created several chances right from the start, but it was the visitors who scored the first goal through Jack Lyons in the 15th minute. The score was 1-0 at the first intermission.

Just two minutes after the restart, Jesenice increased their lead to 2-0 through Luc Slivnik. Jasa Jenko provided the primary assist on both goals. Both teams subsequently had several chances, but their goalkeepers put in strong performances. It took until the 50th minute before Zan Us was beaten for the first time in Jesenice's goal. Center Robin Johannson narrowed the gap for the home side.

The Slovenes resisted the Austrians. © Johannes Radlwimmer

In the end, Us saved 24 of 25 shots on goal, while Max Zimmermann saved 22 of 24. When Jesenice scored their third goal, EKZ goalkeeper Zimmermann was no longer in goal – the home team took a big risk, trying to force an equalizer in a six-on-four game. But Luc Slivnik sealed the deal with an empty-net goal, sealing Zell am See's first loss of the current playoffs. The final series continues on Tuesday in Jesenice.

Zeller Eisbären – Jesenice 1:3

Goals: 0:1 Lyons (14.21), 0:2 Slivnik (22.12), 1:2 Johansson (49.13), 1:3 Slivnik (58.21)
Audience: 2615
Score in the series: 0:1