At the weekend, an international junior ice hockey tournament took place in Lustenau for the first time since the 1990s.
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An international ice hockey tournament was held in the Rheinhalle to commemorate EHC founding member Sigi Haberl senior.
Lustenau “It was an ice hockey festival that we were able to experience here in the past two days,” summarized Martin Stadlober, stadium announcer at the EHC. Twelve U11 youth teams from Austria, Germany, Switzerland and France accepted the EHC’s invitation and at the commemorative tournament held for the first time in memory of founding member Sigi Haberl sen. took part. The atmosphere in the Rheinhalle in Lustenau could not have been better on Epiphany and on Saturday. Dancing mascots, ratchets, horns, drums and chants could be seen and heard from Friday to Saturday. Parents, relatives and friends cheered on their children and rooted for the teams.
From Friday to Saturday, the hall was firmly in the hands of the international guests, who were enthusiastic about the tournament and the great flair in the ice rink. Sigi Haberl junior, son of founding member Haberl senior, who died last year, also came and followed the tournament with joy. Together with organizer Birgit Dietrich and EHC President Herbert Oberscheider, he presented the medals to the players. “My father would be very happy that an international youth tournament would take place here in the Rheinhalle again,” said Sigi Haberl junior. Lucas Haberl, grandson of Sigi Haberl Sr., also came and followed the tournament.
High level among players
“It’s a lot of fun to play against other teams. I’m always a bit nervous before the first change. After that I just play and do my best,” explained Paula Hollenstein (11) from EHC Lustenau. The children of the twelve teams worked hard and gave everything. Exciting games, great atmosphere among the spectators and extraordinary talents could be seen. In the end, EV Augsburg won the tournament. Followed by Annecy Hockey from France and EHC Lustenau in third place. Particularly pleasing from Vorarlberg’s point of view was the fact that two local teams were among the top four teams: fourth place went to the team from VEU Feldkirch, third place went to the young cracks of EHC Lustenau – a confirmation of the excellent youth work in Vorarlberg. bvs
How do you like the tournament?
“Our team won the first match against Erding. That’s a good start. We are all well prepared. I’m really looking forward to the two days and I’m excited to see how we’ll continue to play.” Linus Hörmannseder, 9 years old, VEU Feldkirch
“For me it is the first international tournament here in Lustenau. Normally we always have to travel long distances to compete against other teams. The mood in the hall is great.” Luis Waibel, 10 years, EHC Lustenau
“I like it very much here. The atmosphere is great, everyone is very nice to us. It’s just a shame that my goal to equalize in the second game didn’t count. However, I am ready to keep fighting.” Jesse Uetrecht, 10 years old, Stuttgart Young Rebels
“Today I can slip into the role of our weasel mascot and cheer on our children. The tournament is well organized and the children are well looked after. Also the food is delicious. We really appreciate that.” Michelle Gfeller, mascot, mother and trainer from HC Wisle, Bern
8th place: Young Gladiators Erding
10th place: Red Bull Salzburg
11th place: Stuttgart Young Rebels
