Graz 99ers Reach ICE Hockey League Final for the First Time - News Directory 3

Graz 99ers Reach ICE Hockey League Final for the First Time

April 5, 2026 David Thompson Sports
News Context
At a glance
  • The Moser Medical Graz99ers have reached the ICE Hockey League final for the first time in the history of the franchise.
  • The win completed a best-of-seven semi-final series sweep, with Graz winning the series 4-0.
  • The decisive game in Szekesfehervar began with a scoreless first period.
Original source: kleinezeitung.at

The Moser Medical Graz99ers have reached the ICE Hockey League final for the first time in the history of the franchise. The Styrian team secured their place in the championship round on April 5, 2026, by defeating Fehervar AV19 with a 5-1 victory in Hungary.

The win completed a best-of-seven semi-final series sweep, with Graz winning the series 4-0. This achievement follows a dominant postseason run in which the Graz99ers also eliminated VSV in the quarterfinals without suffering a single loss.

Match Breakdown and Key Performances

The decisive game in Szekesfehervar began with a scoreless first period. The momentum shifted in the second frame when Kasper Kotkansalo scored in the 24th minute, followed quickly by a goal from Lukas Haudum in the 26th minute.

Paul Huber extended the lead in the 31st minute with a power-play goal, giving Graz a 3-0 advantage. While Anze Kuralt managed to score for Fehervar in the 48th minute, the lead was quickly restored by Michael Schiechl, who scored a shorthanded goal in the 50th minute.

Schiechl sealed the 5-1 victory by scoring his second goal of the game in the penultimate minute. The team achieved this result despite the absence of their injured starting goaltender, Max Lagace, who was replaced by Nicolas Wieser.

Road to the Final

The Graz99ers entered the playoffs as the winners of the regular season. Their path to the final has been characterized by a consistent unbeaten streak throughout the 2026 win2day ICE Hockey League playoffs.

Road to the Final

In contrast, Fehervar AV19 had reached the semi-finals after successful campaigns in the pre-playoffs against the Vienna Capitals and a 4-2 quarterfinal series victory over KAC.

Upcoming Final Opponent

Coach Dan Lacroix and his squad now await the winner of the other semi-final series between HC Pustertal and Olimpija Ljubljana. As of April 5, 2026, the South Tyrolean side, HC Pustertal, held a 3-0 lead in their series before their scheduled game in Slovenia.

The first game of the final is scheduled to take place at the Merkur Eisstadion.

Detailed Scoring Summary

  • 0:1 Kasper Kotkansalo (23.34)
  • 0:2 Lukas Haudum (25.11)
  • 0:3 Paul Huber (30.28)
  • 1:3 Anze Kuralt (47.18)
  • 1:4 Michael Schiechl (49.41)
  • 1:5 Michael Schiechl (58.12)