Lustenau Stun Hohenems in Vorarlberg Derby, WEV Clinches Ö Ice Hockey League Title
A dramatic weekend in the Ö Ice Hockey League saw the Wiener Eislauf-Verein (WEV) clinch the regular season title with a dominant 4-0 victory over HDK Maribor. However, the focus quickly shifted to the fiery Vorarlberg derby, where EHC Lustenau emerged triumphant over SC Hohenems, solidifying their position as divisional champions.
The WEV, led by a masterclass from Marco Bayer, Lukas Kaider, Denis Simek, and Theodor Fichtinger, secured their top spot with a commanding performance. This achievement grants them the critical advantage of choosing their quarter-final opponents from the West Division, setting the stage for a potential clash against the likes of WEC Kundl or SC Hohenems.
Meanwhile, the EHC Lustenau showcased unwavering grit in their clash with SC Hohenems. Jonas Kutzer sparked the offense early on, netting two goals in quick succession, solidifying Lustenau’s control. While Christian Haidinger briefly narrowed the gap for Hohenems, Dominic Haberl and Adem Kandmir sealed a resounding 4-1 victory for Lustenau, sending a clear message to their rivals.
Elsewhere in the league, the KSV Kängurus showcased their offensive power with a thrilling 7-3 win over ATSE Graz. Neal Unterluggauer and Christoph Draschkowitz were instrumental in their success, leading the charge with a combined four goals.
The regular season has concluded, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the playoffs. The WEV enters the postseason as the undisputed favorites, but Lustenau’s proven strength has made them formidable contenders. With several teams vying for a chance to lift the championship trophy, the stage is set for an unforgettable battle of skill and determination in the upcoming weeks.