Before CHL – Eurohockey presents EHC Black Wings Linz
Also 4 clubs from the Erste Bank Eishockey Liga will participate in this year’s edition of the Champions Hockey League. Eurohockey tries to make sure you know the teams before you head to the arena. This time we take a look at the Black Wings Linz.
The two-time
Austrian champion from Linz may have the weakest roster of the four EBEL clubs
in CHL, but should not be underestimated by Turku and Düsseldorf. The Black Wings, founded in 1992, has
established itself as one of the top teams in their domestic league, qualifying
for the semifinals in both previous seasons. The team is coached by Rob Daum,
who goes into his fifth season with the Black Wings and brought a championship
to the Upper Austrian town in 2012.
In net
Michael Ouzas gives Linz the chance to win every night, helped out by a proven
defence with Austrian national team members such as Mario Altmann, Daniel
Mitterdorfer or Robert Lukas. They also possess an exciting offensive weapon on
the blue line in Sebastian Piche, who might be EBEL’s most exiting offensive defenceman.
Offensively
the biggest loss this off-season might be Brian Lebler, who continues his
career in Germany. They should though still have enough offensive talents, such
as topscorer Andrew Kozek or Jason Ulmer. New aquisitions Dan DaSilva and Brett
McLean can also add some valuable experience to the roster.
Faceoff in last season's EBEL semifinal series Vienna Capitals vs EHC Black Wings Linz