Red Bulls Salute· Season 2026
EHC Biel-Bienne won the Red Bulls Salute 2026 in their debut appearance, thrashing EC Red Bull Salzburg 6-2 in the final at KE KELIT Arena in Zell am See.
Match Analysis
AI SummaryHow It Unfolded
Salzburg had a disastrous start to the final. After just four minutes, Biel were already 2-0 ahead. Lias Andersson opened the scoring with a rebound at 1:18, and Dominic Zwerger doubled the lead at 3:30 with a well-placed shot from a sharp angle.
Mark Sever made it 3-0 at 14:28, converting a one-timer from close range after a slick passing move. Gaetan Haas added the fourth on the power play at 17:25, his shot deflecting off Salzburg goaltender David Kickert and into the net. Biel led 4-0 after 20 minutes.
Salzburg rallied in the second period. Benjamin Nissner scored on a 5-on-3 power play at 22:17, and Jayden Lee added another on the power play at 23:14. At 4-2, the deficit was halved, and the KE KELIT Arena crowd found their voice.
But Biel's goaltender Viktor Östlund stood firm, denying Salzburg a third goal that would have made it a one-goal game. The Swiss side took their 4-2 lead into the second intermission.
In the third period, Biel extinguished any Salzburg hopes. Yanick Stampfli restored the three-goal cushion with a backhand from close range at 46:05, and Toni Rajala made it 6-2 at 48:27 after a textbook passing play. Salzburg pushed until the final whistle but could not break through again.
The Turning Point
Salzburg's two quick power-play goals early in the second period cut the deficit to 4-2 and could have swung momentum. But Östlund's saves during that spell — particularly during a dangerous 5-on-3 situation — preserved Biel's advantage. Had Salzburg scored a third at 4-2, the game could have shifted entirely. Instead, Biel regained control and sealed the win in the third.
Key Performers
Gaetan Haas (Biel) — Biel's captain scored the crucial fourth goal on the power play and controlled the tempo from centre ice. His leadership steadied Biel during Salzburg's second-period push.
Lias Andersson (Biel) — Scored the opening goal inside 90 seconds, setting the tone for Biel's explosive start. His early strike forced Salzburg onto the back foot from the first shift.
Viktor Östlund (Biel) — The towering goaltender made critical saves during Salzburg's second-period surge, turning aside multiple high-danger chances. His composure under pressure was instrumental in preserving the lead.
Benjamin Nissner (Salzburg) — Scored Salzburg's first goal on a 5-on-3 power play, sparking the brief fightback. He was the most dangerous forward for the home side.
By the Numbers — Interpreted
Biel scored four goals on 11 first-period shots, converting at 36% in the opening frame to build a lead that proved decisive. Salzburg's two power-play goals in the second (from three opportunities) showed their special-teams quality, but Biel's discipline and Östlund's saves limited the damage. Biel's two third-period goals came in a 2:22 span — a statement response as Salzburg pushed for a third.
What It Means
EHC Biel-Bienne become winners of the Red Bulls Salute at their first participation, the first Swiss champion to lift the trophy since SC Bern in 2018. Biel entered the tournament as underdogs but beat HC Dynamo Pardubice 3-2 in overtime in the semifinal before dismantling Salzburg in the final.
For EC Red Bull Salzburg, the runner-up finish follows an overtime semifinal win over EHC Red Bull Munich. Salzburg begin their Champions Hockey League campaign in two weeks. Biel continue their pre-season preparations ahead of the 2026-27 National League season.
Verdict
Biel's clinical first period and Östlund's goaltending were the difference. Salzburg showed heart in the second period but could not overcome a four-goal deficit against a disciplined Swiss side that defended intelligently and counter-attacked with precision.
Biel and Salzburg have met 1 times — Biel won 1, Salzburg won 0, with 0 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2019. Biel leads the head-to-head with 1 victory from 1 meeting. A combined 9 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 9.00 per match (5 for the home side, 4 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 1 match (100%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 1 game (100%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. The highest-scoring encounter finished 5–4 in 2019.
Statistics are for informational purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
API data: 23 Aug 2026