Steinbach Black Wings Linz travel to EC Red Bull Salzburg looking to extend their five-game winning streak. Linz are level on 21 points with leaders HCB Südtirol Alperia, who have played one fewer game. Salzburg sit ninth on 13 points after losing 5-3 to EC-KAC, but have won their last ten home games against Linz. Ty Rattie could strengthen Salzburg’s attack soon, although a Friday appearance is considered unlikely.
Bozen visit fourth-placed Olimpija Ljubljana, who have won three in a row. The Foxes remain unbeaten in regulation after nine games, while Ljubljana’s Joshua Lawrence and Marly Quince have each collected 15 points. The teams meet again after Ljubljana eliminated Bozen in last season’s playoff quarter-finals.
Other Friday matchups include EC iDM Wärmepumpen VSV against Moser Medical Graz99ers, EC-KAC hosting Vienna Capitals, and HC Falkensteiner Pustertal facing HC TIWAG Innsbruck. Pioneers Vorarlberg begin a two-game road weekend against FTC-Telekom in Budapest; they are still seeking their first win. On Saturday, Milano Hockey Club host Hydro Fehérvár AV19, and Vienna face the Pioneers.