Austria starts off with a win

Thomas Raffl had a goal and an assist, while Brian Lebler and Michael Raffl added each a goal, the latter 50 seconds before the end that won Austria a point. An extremely important one.

But they didn't stop there and completed the comeback with a shootout win over Switzerland at their World Championship opener in Prague. Konstantin Komarek was the lone scorer in the shootout and sent thousands of Austrian fans into a delirium.

Komarek decided the game. Photo: Stanislav Souček

Cody Almond recorded two assists for team Switzerland, who had a great start to the game. After only 1:14 they were behind the steering wheel as Felicien du Bois tucked one in.

Patrick Peter was called for hooking just two minutes after and the Swiss were rewarded a penalty shot. Kevin Romy couldn't convert.

Two minutes into the second period Thomas Raffl fired one home to even the score, but the joy lasted short when Andres Ambuhl restored the lead.

Matthias Bieber brought back the lead for the Swiss after Brian Lebler had tied the score at 2 early in the third.

Bernhard Starkbaum earned the MVP for Austria with 34 saves.

"It's good to start like this. We gained a lot of confidence recovering like this!", said Thomas Raffl of the game.

"For sure it's easier to play with the players I've been playing with, our coach is the same as in Salzburg so we're playing with the same system,that makes things easier."

Thomas Raffl was one of the best individuals on ice and he justified the C on the jersey.

"It's good to come to the World Championship as the winner of your league. I'm proud to be the captain of my national team. We have a lot of young players and me and the rest of the crew want to lead by example", he added.

 

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