Story Summary
KAC head coach Kirk Furey has called for a swift reset after his depleted side lost 6-1 in Linz on Sunday evening.
Furey said turnovers in the neutral and offensive zones prevented KAC from getting the puck deep often enough. Although an power-play goal left him reasonably satisfied with the first period, two early Linz goals in the second swung momentum decisively.
KAC were missing a number of players and fielded a notably young line-up, but Furey stressed that absences were not an excuse. He hopes the squad can recover before Tuesday’s meeting with the Finnish runners-up, with the possibility that one or more players could return to the line-up.
Key Facts
- KAC lost 6-1 away to Linz on Sunday evening.
- Head coach Kirk Furey said KAC produced too many turnovers in the neutral and offensive zones.
- KAC scored a power-play goal and Furey said the side could be reasonably satisfied with the first period.
- Two early Linz goals in the second period shifted momentum, according to Furey.
- Furey said KAC had numerous absences and a very young line-up, while adding that the situation was no excuse.
- KAC are due to face the Finnish runners-up on Tuesday.
IHM Discussion
Furey’s assessment centred on puck management rather than the missing personnel. His concern was that turnovers stopped KAC from establishing territory, while the failure to get pucks deep quickly enough left the side unable to build sustained pressure.
The second period then became the turning point. Furey identified two early concessions as the moment Linz took control of the game, and said KAC could not reclaim the momentum afterwards. With a younger group carrying a heavier share of the responsibility, the immediate task is to put the performance behind them rather than allow one difficult week to linger.
Why It Matters
The loss was KAC’s second scoreless result in succession, and the margin in Linz underlined how quickly a game can get away from a side struggling to manage the puck cleanly. Furey’s focus on recovery is also practical: KAC have another fixture on Tuesday and may need returning players to broaden their options.
Mini Q&A
What did Kirk Furey identify as KAC’s main problem in Linz?
He said KAC committed too many turnovers in the neutral and offensive zones, limiting their ability to get the puck deep in time.
What is next for KAC?
They are scheduled to play the Finnish runners-up on Tuesday, with Furey hoping players can return to the line-up.
What Comes Next
KAC will face the Finnish runners-up on Tuesday. Furey said the team will use the following day to recharge and hopes that one or more players may be available to return to the line-up.