Varsity (LA 1), U17 Austrian Championship

The Varsity team is one of two Academy teams participating in the Austrian U17 Championships and is comprised of 1995 and younger born players who are also primarily attending the 10th grade or 6L (LAIS).

LA 1 is the more experienced of the two U17 teams and benefited from being able to play in the U17 league last season. With new players from many countries joining the program at both the U20 and U17 levels we do expect it may take a little time to get adjusted to one another and our systems. Players from both U17 teams are always able to step up and play U20 if the coaching staff feels the player can handle the speed and size of the older league. There are no limits to what a player can achieve!

Much Needed Win!

Written by AWH.

After grinding out a tie against a solid VSV hockey club the host Stars looked to get a win when they took to the ice Sunday afternoon to face Linz.

Both teams started the contest a little hesitant, feeling each other out. The Stars seemed a little sluggish, perhaps a little tired from a hard fought game the day before. It was Linz who opened the scoring eleven minutes into the match putting one past starting goaltender Garnot Wagerer. Wegerer was solid in the first period making several key saves to keep the game close in the early going. The teams traded chances with the host Stars gaining momentum as the period wore on. Despite their improved play the Stars were unable to get one past the Linz goalie and left the period down 1-0.

The second period saw the Stars even the score on a good effort from Aljaz Chvatal as he worked the puck out from behind the Linz net to find Luke Znidarsic in the slot. Znidarsic buried the puck on a good wrist shot. Following the goal the Stars continued to apply pressure but to no avail as the Linz goalie turned aside the Stars chances. Finally with five minutes to play in the's second Alexander Karachun was rewarded for his hard work as he sent a bullet shot over the Linz goalies right shoulder, giving the Stars their first lead. With 2:57 left in the third the Star's winger was assessed a 5:00 major for kneeing. The Stars Penalty Kill (PK) had been strong all night and would be tested as the period wrapped up! The second period ended with the Stars holding a 2-1 lead.

The host squad still had 2:03 remaining in their major to start the third but their strong PK continued and the Stars held on the their 2-1 lead. The teams continued to battle with the Stars controlling the majority of the play. Things didn't get any easier however, because at 10:10 of the third the host were again shorthanded and needed another strong PK. Chvatal chipped the puck past the Linz defense and skated down the left side on a partial break. His determined effort allowed Chvatal to work the puck toward the net and on a solid backhand beat the Linz goalie for a shorthanded marker and a two goal lead for the Stars. After the first period goal Wegerer was able to turn aside all the remaining Linz shots and the host Stars got a much needed win.

Final Score: LA Stars 3, Linz 1