Sharp scores to win in overtime

Kitzbühel, September 18, 2021 – It was the third win in the third league game for the Rittner Buam. But, just like two days before in the South Tyrolean derby against HC Merano, the blue-reds had to work overtime against EC Die Adler Stadtwerke Kitzbühel. Only 19 seconds before the end of the overtime period, MacGregor Sharp's goal helped the team to the 0:1 of the blue-red victory.

The Rittner Buam had to do without Manuel Öhler, Jari Sailio and Marco Marzolini in their first game of the season in Austria. At the Sportpark in Kitzbühel the blue-reds immediately found themselves in trouble. Santeri Heiskanen's team is slightly superior on the ice, but it did not lead to an advantage. In the first period, the Rittner Buam were not able to capitalize on two powerplays.

 

The same situation was repeated in the middle period, in which - especially starting from the 30th minute - the South Tyrolean guests established themselves in front of Paul Mocher's goal. The eagles' goalie, however, was always ready and did not let Markus Spinell and his mates beat him. For the Rittner Buam the 13th challenge against EC Die Adler Stadtwerke Kitzbühel becomes more and more a game of patience.

 

Even in the final period, Santeri Heiskanen's team has to surrender in front of Paul Mocher, who makes the Renon's attack desperate. On the opposite side, Jake Smith had to stay sharp a few times to keep his team from going down a goal. At the end of 60 minutes without a goal, in a very hard fought game with many chances for both opponents, we go to the overtime.

 

In the overtime there is a tug of war with teams sharing chances to win it. Near the end of the overtime when the 215 spectators present at the Sportpark Kitzbühel are waiting for the penalty shots to decide the winning team, the goal of the South Tyrolean victory arrives. On a puck shot by Markus Spinell, that the strong Mocher can’t hold and gives up a rebound,  MacGregor Sharp finds himself in a perfect position and shoots it in the net for a hard-earned victory 0:1, this is the 12th win of the team from Collalbo against the Tyrolean ski resort team coached by Charles Franzen.

 

For the Rittner Buam, still undefeated this season, next week the Alps Hockey League will continue with two home games. On Thursday Simon Kostner and his mates will face HC Gherdëina, while on Saturday the Future Team of the KAC will be hosted at Ritten Arena.

 

 

EC Die Adler Stadtwerke Kitzbühel - Rittner Buam 0:1 OT (0:0, 0:0, 0:0, 0:1)

Goals: 0:1 MacGregor Sharp (64'41")

 

Photo: Max Pattis