Székesfehérvár, November 24, 2024. The expected tough trip to Hungary was on the agenda today. The duel between second and third was a thrilling duel at eye level, which the Graz team were unable to win despite being in the lead three times.
Frank Hora took the lead in the style of a baseball player
The duel between two table neighbors was the order of the day. Before this game, the home side from Hungary were in second place and the Graz99ers in third place. The Graz team had their first shot opportunities after just over a minute, but Paul Huber failed to get the puck past Dominik Horvath, who was already lying down, twice. An open exchange of blows developed in the new Alba Arena. Our current number 1, Nicolas Wieser, has been able to distinguish himself several times in a row. The goalie confidently parried both an advance from Josh Atkinson and a slap shot from Cameron Gaunce. Until the 16th minute, the 99ers couldn’t get through the best defense in the league. But then it hit for the first time behind Dominik Horvath. Paul Huber only hit the crossbar, from which the puck jumped in front of the goal and the advanced Frank Hora scored from the air in the style of a baseball player to make it 0-1. Since the Hungarians had the goal checked because of an alleged high stick, but were not correct, they were given a two-minute bench penalty. A few seconds before the half-time siren, Paul Huber had another huge chance. Lukas Haudum fueled himself up and served the #52 ideally, the shot from the slot was too central.
Fehervar equalized twice
Fehervar went offensive right from the start in the second third. A penalty from Sam Antonitsch played into the Hungarians’ hands and they were able to try their hand at the power play for the first time. A blueliner from Cameron Gaunce deflected and hit the crossbar. Trevor Cheek then had to go to the penalty box and the home team were able to temporarily equalize in a 4-on-4 game. Chris Brown was perfectly set up by Josh Atkinson and the striker scored with a well-placed shot. The fans’ joy didn’t last long. The 99ers had the right answer ready and immediately took the lead again. Frank Hora with the pass on the left half wall to Casey Bailey, who hit the short cross corner with a one-timer. The Hungarians’ subsequent equalizer was almost a copy of their first goal. Cameron Gaunce assisted Anze Kuralt, who gave Nicolas Wieser no chance – 2:2. When goalscorer Bailey had to go to the penalty box in the 37th minute for hooking, there was fire on the roof. However, it remained a 2-2 draw for the time being and with this score we went into the second break.
99ers narrowly lose game in Hungary
Everything depended on third period. A penalty against Jacob Pfeffer put us outnumbered. The Hungarians were hindered in their search for their first leadership. Our cracks threw themselves into the shots and Nicolas Wieser was there. Shortly after Istvan Terbocs missed a great chance, we scored. Casey Bailey brought down Tim Campball in a duel and won the puck for Kevin Roy – our #23 let an opponent slide into space and made it 2:3. Almost in return, the Hungarians cheered. Josh Atkinson was spot on with a rebound and made it 3-3. In the 55th minute, the home team took the lead for the first time in the game – Anze Kuralt directed a shot from Cameron Gaunce into the goal to make it 4-3. Harry Lange called a timeout with 1:20 left and assistant coach Nate DiCasmirro gave instructions for the final period. 50 seconds before the end, Wieser left his box and Anze Kuralt made the preliminary decision. The Graz team didn’t give up yet and 21 seconds before the end, Paul Huber reduced the score to 4:5.
21.Runde – ICE HOCKEY LEAGUE 24.11.2024
Fehérvár AV19 – Graz99ers 5:4 (0:1)(2:1)(3:2)
Torfolge: 0:1 Hora (16th), 1:1 Brown (25th), 1:2 Bailey (26th PP), 2:2 Kuralt (30th), 2:3 Roy (51st), 3: 3 Atkinson (52nd), 4:3 Kuralt (55th), 5:3 Kuralt (60th EN), 5:4 Huber (60th)
Photo: Attila Soos
