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Image: GEPA pictures/ Christian Moser (GEPA pictures)
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Double goalscorer Brian Lebler
Image: GEPA pictures/ Christian Moser (GEPA pictures)
Ice hockey: Before the match against Graz it was announced that ex-Linz coach Kim Collins had died at the age of 62
Sporting events are limited on All Saints’ Day, but November 1st is traditionally a working day in the ICE Hockey League. However, a frothy one in the Linz AG ice arena, where 4030 visitors watched the Steinbach Black Wings’ 4:3 (0:0, 1:0, 2:3/0:0/1:0) victory over the Graz 99ers after a penalty shootout.
A few hours before the opening face-off it became public that Kim Collins had died unexpectedly on Wednesday at the age of 62. The Canadian coached the Upper Austrians from 2009 to 2011 (126 matches, 67 wins), with whom he made history. He was part of the team that achieved the legendary “resweep” in the 2010 play-off series against the Vienna Capitals – from 0:3 to 4:3.
Image: (GEPA)
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Former Black Wings coach Kim Collins has died.
Image: (GEPA)
The Black Wings remembered “KC” (as he was called) with a minute of silence and in the entrance area remembered the man who ended his coaching career at HC Meran in 2021.
“Thank you for letting us be a part of your journey. Rest in peace,” the people of Linz wrote in their condolences.
The show still had to go on. The game needed a certain amount of time to get going. The first goal of the evening, which Linz scored after 35:42 minutes despite being numerically inferior, broke the ties. While Andreas Kristler warmed the penalty box, Luka Maver made it 1-0.
Just 15 seconds into the third period, the Black Wings were wide awake again. Captain Brian Lebler confidently sank a cross pass from Nico Feldner to make it 2-0 (41st). It wouldn’t be number 7’s last goal of the evening.
Picture gallery: 4:3 – Black Wings defeated Graz 99ers in the shootout
(Photo: Hannes Draxler) Bild 1/25
View gallery
The 3:2 (53rd) after video evidence came at just the right time. It came in the middle of a pressure phase from the Styrians, who had previously forced the score to 2-2 through Sam Antonitsch (47th) and Marcus Vela (51st).
As was the case recently in the 5:4 after extra time in Villach, the Linz team did not take the lead across the finish line in regular time. The 99ers equalized 47.9 seconds before the siren through Casey Bailey to make it 3-3 and force overtime.
The Black Wings had the better end, having the upper hand in the penalty shootout. Shawn St-Amant and Graham Knott sank their attempts, and things are starting to get a bit uncomfortable for the “nouveau riche” guests who had a fantastic start after their fifth defeat in the last seven matches.
The Black Wings continue their game against the Vienna Capitals on Sunday (5:30 p.m., live ticker on ). This is followed by the international break, during which a decision must be made as to whether the expiring contracts of the two Slovenians Ken Ograjensek (he was missing against Graz due to a flu-like infection) and Maver will be extended.
The trend is clear: they have come to stay. “These are great guys. We are very happy with them, they have contributed to our recovery,” said Black Wings President Peter Nader.
In any case, it shouldn’t fail because of the money.
Also listen to the latest episode of the icebreaker podcast:
Black Wings striker Marcel Witting in the icebreaker podcast about newfound self-confidence, lessons learned from defeats, his move from Klagenfurt to Linz and what he does exactly 48 minutes before every game.
ePaper
Based on the content provided, it seems to be an article about a recent ice hockey match between the Black Wings Linz and the Graz 99ers. Here’s a summary and analysis of the key points:
### Match Overview
– **Final Score**: Black Wings Linz 4 – 3 Graz 99ers (after a penalty shootout).
– **Key Events**:
– The Black Wings took the lead, but the 99ers equalized repeatedly, forcing overtime.
– Graz’s Casey Bailey scored the equalizer with just 47.9 seconds left in regulation.
- In the penalty shootout, Shawn St-Amant and Graham Knott scored for Linz, giving them the victory.
### Game Dynamics
- The match was described as having a tense atmosphere, particularly in the final minutes of regular time when Graz equalized.
– The article highlights the pressure phase the Graz team applied, successfully tying the score following goals from Sam Antonitsch and Marcus Vela.
– The shootout outcome indicates the resilience and skill of the Black Wings in high-pressure situations.
### Player Focus
– **Marcel Witting**, a striker for the Black Wings, is mentioned, suggesting he has notable contributions both on and off the ice.
– He shares insights in the icebreaker podcast, discussing themes of self-confidence, transitional experiences in his career, and pre-game rituals.
### Future Considerations
– The article mentions the upcoming game against the Vienna Capitals and upcoming contract decisions concerning two Slovenian players, Ken Ograjensek and Maver.
– It emphasizes the importance of maintaining team stability and building on the positive contributions of current players.
### Conclusion
The victory represents a critical moment for the Black Wings, who are working to overcome recent challenges after a series of defeats. Their next games will be pivotal as they navigate player contracts and aim to build momentum in their season.
This summary provides a concise understanding of the match and its implications for the team, along with a focus on player dynamics and future challenges.
