The Austrian champions travelled to Norway knowing that three points from this game were vital leading into GD 5 & 6’s crucial games against EHC Biel-Bienne. Frisk Asker started young netminder Henrik Fayen Vestavik. In the end, KAC Klagenfurt ran out comfortable winners, but Frisk Asker showed once again that they are no pushover on home ice.

Five minutes into the first period, KAC took the lead on a Daniel Obertsteiner one-timer. They doubled their lead at the ten minute mark as Matthew Neal, who has been a revelation for KAC during their return to the CHL, scored his 5th goal in 4 games to take the game away from KAC early on. The Austrian side ran into penalty trouble at the end of the first period, but the home side were unable to capitalise on their chances, as Norwegian goalie Lars Haugen looked imperious in the Klagenfurt net.

In the second period it was Frisk Asker’s turn to lead a march to the penalty box, taking five minor penalties. Eventually KAC were bound to capitalise, as Obersteiner turned from scorer to provider, finding Marco Richter who beat Vestavik to make the score 3-0.

KAC started the third period with a 5-on-3 powerplay after Frisk Asker’s continued illdiscipline, and Andrew Kozek punished the Norwegian side by making it 4-0. Frisk tried as best they could, but couldn’t solve the Haugen puzzle, who made 26 saves for his shutout. This win leaves KAC in a solid, but not yet comfortable position in Group A. When the CHL resumes in October, they face a home-and-home series with EHC Biel-Bienne. For Frisk Asker, the games get no easier, as they will have to face Tappara Tampere, who have begun to find their form in the CHL this season.