Story Summary
The Graz99ers return to the Merkur Eisstadion to meet French debutants the Bordeaux Boxers in a Champions Hockey League regular-season fixture that carries early-season significance. Bordeaux arrived in the competition with energy and earned a point from a 2-1 overtime defeat after Quentin Tomasino scored the club’s first-ever CHL goal 12 minutes into their opening game. Graz, the reigning ICE HL champions, are looking to recover from a defeat in which Fribourg scored three times in the final period to snatch victory. Both sides need points and momentum as they head into this cross-border clash on Saturday, 5 September at 18:30 CEST.
Key Facts
- Match: Graz99ers vs Bordeaux Boxers in the Champions Hockey League regular season.
- Venue: Merkur Eisstadion, Graz (home for Graz99ers).
- Date and time (as stated in source): Saturday, 5 September at 18:30 CEST.
- Graz99ers are described as the reigning ICE HL champions.
- Bordeaux Boxers are the reigning French champions and are making their CHL debut.
- Bordeaux earned one point in their CHL opener via a 2-1 overtime defeat to Klagenfurt.
- Quentin Tomasino scored Bordeaux’s first-ever Champions Hockey League goal 12 minutes into their opening game.
- Graz conceded three goals in the final period against Fribourg on Game Day 1 and lost that match.
- Philipp Pinter, Graz99ers Sport Director, said: “Bordeaux are a big unknown for us. I know their head coach, Olivier Dimet, from the national youth team. We’ll just have to wait and see! Graz doesn’t get to see French teams all that often.”
- Olivier Dimet, Bordeaux Boxers Head Coach, said: “Graz are the reigning ICE HL champions. I expect a very intense and physical game. We will have to be ready from the start, stay disciplined and be able to match their pace. It will be a very good test for our team.”
IHM Discussion
This fixture presents an early test for both sides. Bordeaux’s first Champions Hockey League outing produced the club’s inaugural CHL goal, scored by Quentin Tomasino, and a point despite an overtime loss. That is an encouraging start for a debutant side entering unfamiliar territory.
Graz return home after Fribourg scored three times in the final period of their opening match. The 99ers will look to apply the lessons from that finish as they seek their first win of the campaign.
Philipp Pinter highlighted Bordeaux’s unfamiliarity, while Olivier Dimet expects an intense, physical game in which discipline will matter. The opening results suggest a close contest, with special teams, late-period composure and momentum likely to be important.
Why It Matters
The match gives Bordeaux another opportunity to test themselves in Europe after taking a point from their CHL debut. For Graz, it is a chance to respond at home after a difficult final period against Fribourg. Early results can build confidence, and both teams are seeking points after opening their campaigns with setbacks.
Mini Q&A
When and where is the match?
The game is at the Merkur Eisstadion in Graz on Saturday, 5 September at 18:30 CEST.
Which teams are involved and what are their recent statuses?
The match pits the Graz99ers, described as the reigning ICE HL champions, against the Bordeaux Boxers, the reigning French champions making their Champions Hockey League debut.
How did Bordeaux fare in their CHL opener?
Bordeaux lost 2-1 in overtime to Klagenfurt but earned a point; Quentin Tomasino scored Bordeaux’s first-ever CHL goal 12 minutes into that match.
What went wrong for Graz in their opening match?
Graz conceded three goals in the final period against Fribourg and lost the match.
What have the coaches highlighted as key for this game?
Philipp Pinter noted Bordeaux are a big unknown and that Graz don’t often face French teams; Olivier Dimet emphasised expecting an intense, physical game and the need for his side to stay disciplined and match Graz’s pace.
What Comes Next
The match is scheduled for Saturday, 5 September at 18:30 CEST at the Merkur Eisstadion.
IHM Final View
Bordeaux arrive encouraged by their first CHL point, while Graz have the opportunity to respond on home ice after their opening defeat. With both teams seeking a first win of the campaign, discipline and late-game composure may be decisive.