Graz 99ers Overcome 2-Goal Deficit, Eye Top Spot in EBEL | Lukas Haudum & Michael Schiechl Key to Victory
Graz99ers Continue Comeback Trail, Eye Top Spot in ICE Hockey League
Graz, Austria – – The Graz99ers demonstrated resilience and growing confidence, securing a victory in Vienna and setting their sights on potentially overtaking the KAC for the top position in the ICE Hockey League. The team, reportedly, overcame a 2-0 deficit to defeat their opponents, showcasing a pattern of comeback success this season.
The turning point in the game, according to reports, came as Graz increasingly controlled the play. Lukas Haudum’s equalizing goal was described as a logical consequence of their improved performance, followed swiftly by Michael Schiechl putting Graz ahead for the first time.
“We got stronger from period to period. The trust we’ve built up plays a role in that. A deficit doesn’t throw us off our game so easily,” explained Ganahl, a player for the Graz99ers.
The team’s coach emphasized the importance of mental fortitude. “You have to stay in the moment. It sounds cliché, but it’s the best way to play the game,” he stated.
This ability to recover from early setbacks is becoming a hallmark of the Graz99ers’ season. They previously achieved a similar comeback in a 4-2 home win against league leaders, the KAC.
In a tightly contested final period, Nico Feldner and Schiechl sealed the 20th win of the season for Graz under coach Lacroix.
Comeback Qualities a “Very Important Attribute”
The Graz99ers’ ability to stage comebacks is now clearly evident and the result of a sustained development process. “You have to develop something like that,” Ganahl said, explaining, “You have to take a step forward as a team during a season, come together – and we’ve seen how we’ve grown closer and built trust.”
This development hasn’t happened solely on the ice. Team-building exercises organized by President Herbert Jerich, including trips to the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg and recently to the Olympic Games in Milan, have reportedly contributed to the team’s cohesion.
Ganahl stressed that this work is a collective effort, “from the entire organization,” and is a key part of the new direction established under Jerich in 2024.
He added that every player now possesses the belief that, “no matter what happens, One can always come back. We can turn around any game. That’s a very important attribute in the playoffs.”
Pushing for First Place, Preparing for Playoffs
With two games remaining in the regular season, the Graz99ers are within striking distance of the KAC, trailing by just one point. They will need to continue their winning form and hope for some favorable results from other matches.
Their upcoming schedule includes games against the VSV and the Black Wings Linz – all three teams are potential opponents in the quarter-finals of the playoffs.
Lacroix acknowledged the importance of these upcoming games, stating, “I expect my team to go out there and be ready. We’re playing against teams that are really fighting for their playoff spots.”
Ganahl outlined the team’s approach: “We want to just push through, not overthink things, and see if anything is still achievable in the race for first place.”
Regardless of their final regular-season position, Ganahl emphasized the importance of playing “the right hockey for the playoffs.” He concluded, “We’re going into the next games with full energy. It’s important to show how good we are.”