The international invitational tournament is taking place for the 18th time, and EVZ is participating for the second time. In their last participation in 2022, they finished in third place after a defeat against Red Bull Salzburg and a victory against Red Bull Munich.
In the current edition, head coach Michael Liniger’s team will once again face Red Bull Salzburg – an opponent they have tested themselves against many times in the past: after losing three years ago, Zug emerged victorious against Salzburg in both 2023 and 2024. The EVZ will also face a familiar face from the National League when they take on the ICE Hockey League champions: Michael Raffl moved from Lausanne to his home town for this season. There, he will play alongside his brother Thomas, who captains the team, for the first time since 2009.
On Friday and Saturday, EVZ will participate in Red Bulls Salute for the second time. In their first game, Zug will face Salzburg on Friday at 4 p.m.
FINAL MATCHES ON SATURDAY
Depending on the outcome of Friday’s two semi-final games, EVZ will face either Red Bull Munich or Rögle BK on Saturday afternoon at 3 p.m. or in the evening at 7 p.m. Last Saturday, the Kolinstädter defeated Munich 5-2 at the EIS Fäscht, securing back-to-back titles at the Lehner Cup.
If they face Rögle, it will also mean a reunion with long-time EVZ head coach Dan Tangnes and last year’s forward Fredrik Olofsson. Dan Tangnes returned to his adopted home of Ängelholm this summer after seven years with EVZ.
All games will also be shown via livestream (info via link, scroll down).
GAMES AT A GLANCE
Semifinal 1 | 22. August 2025 | 16:00h | EC Red Bull Salzburg – EVZ
Halbfinale 2 | 22. August 2025 | 19:30h | EHC Red Bull München – Rögle BK
Small Final | 23. August 2025 | 15:00h | Loser HF 1 – Loser HF 2
Final | 23. August 2025 | 19:00 Uhr | Winner HF 1 – Winner HF 2
TRAINING CAMP IN ZELL AM SEE
The EVZ has been at its training camp in Zell am See since Monday, preparing for the season, which kicks off on August 28 with an away game in Luleå in the CHL.
