Story Summary
Thomas Raffl is currently sidelined through injury at EC Red Bull Salzburg, but the forward has already turned his attention to the win2day Mountain Classic presented by VKB in Bischofshofen. Raffl discussed the event while working as a co-commentator during Salzburg’s home game against Hydro Fehérvár AV19.
Salzburg will meet EC-KAC outdoors on Sunday 31 January 2027, the second day of the two-day event at the Paul-Ausserleitner-Schanze in Bischofshofen. Raffl described the prospect as “very cool” for both the league and hockey as a whole.
Key Facts
- Thomas Raffl is currently absent through injury for EC Red Bull Salzburg.
- Raffl worked as a co-commentator during Salzburg’s home game against Hydro Fehérvár AV19.
- The win2day Mountain Classic presented by VKB will take place in Bischofshofen on 30 and 31 January 2027.
- EC Red Bull Salzburg will play EC-KAC outdoors at 17:30 on Sunday 31 January 2027.
- EC iDM Wärmepumpen VSV will face Steinbach Black Wings Linz at 17:30 on Saturday 30 January 2027.
- Raffl previously played an outdoor game for Salzburg against Hydro Fehérvár AV19 in Budapest’s City Park in December 2016.
- Salzburg won that 2016 outdoor game 8-2, with Raffl recording two goals and one assist.
IHM Discussion
The Bischofshofen fixture will give Raffl another connection to an outdoor setting he clearly values. He recalled the Budapest game as something special, saying that these are the kind of spectacles people imagine when they think of hockey as children.
His memory carries sporting weight as well as nostalgia. Raffl was a decisive contributor in Salzburg’s 8-2 win over Fehérvár in Budapest, scoring twice and adding an assist. The January meeting with EC-KAC will be a different occasion, but it places one of the league’s familiar match-ups in a setting designed to make the event stand out beyond the usual schedule.
Why It Matters
The Mountain Classic gives the ICEHL two outdoor fixtures across one weekend, with Salzburg against EC-KAC providing the Sunday attraction. Raffl’s comments underline the appeal of putting established league opponents into a major event environment rather than treating the game as an ordinary date on the calendar.
For Salzburg, the occasion also arrives while Raffl remains injured.
Mini Q&A
When will Salzburg play EC-KAC at the Mountain Classic?
EC Red Bull Salzburg are scheduled to play EC-KAC at 17:30 on Sunday 31 January 2027 in Bischofshofen.
What is Raffl’s previous outdoor-game record with Salzburg?
Raffl scored two goals and added an assist when Salzburg beat Hydro Fehérvár AV19 8-2 in Budapest’s City Park in December 2016.
What Comes Next
The first Mountain Classic game is scheduled for 17:30 on Saturday 30 January 2027, when VSV play the Black Wings Linz. Salzburg’s outdoor meeting with EC-KAC follows at 17:30 on Sunday 31 January 2027.
IHM Final View
Raffl’s Budapest experience offers a useful reminder of why outdoor hockey remains memorable for players as well as spectators. The Bischofshofen event now gives Salzburg and EC-KAC the chance to add a new chapter to that tradition, with Raffl watching the build-up while he is sidelined.