Red Bull Salzburg welcomed the Stavanger Oilers from Norway for their fourth game of the 2023/24 season of the Champions Hockey League. The home team entered tonight’s contest with no points to their name, while the Norwegians had managed to secure one from a lost shootout against the Växjö Lakers. It was certain one team would pick up their first win of the season and the lucky side proved to be Salzburg who secured a crucial +3 points on attempt #4.

The first period had a goal-scoring drought and despite numerous attempts from both sides, they all lacked in the quality department. Both teams displayed great discipline, as there were no penalties called, except for an interference call against the Austrians.

However, the middle period signalled the end of the struggles, with the hosts lighting the lamp on four occasions. The first goal of the night came just 20 seconds after the opening face-off when a passed puck deflected off Peter Schneider's skate and found its way behind Stavanger's goaltender Henrik Holm. After video inspection, it was confirmed as a legitimate goal giving Salzburg a 1-0 lead.

The hosts added to their lead on the scoreboard by upping the pressure and pushing the visitors deep into their defensive zone. Paul Huber seized an opportunity where he was left unguarded and fired a shot past the goalie to score his first-ever point in the Champions Hockey League.

Another goal came at 27:17, and credit goes to Chay Genoway who executed a wrap-around manoeuvre to bring the score to 3-0. The Austrians altered the scoreboard once more at 39:50, capitalising on the powerplay.

Salzburg found themselves in a bit of trouble early in the final period as they received two penalty calls leading to a 5-on-3 powerplay advantage for the visitors. Stavanger used this opportunity to the maximum, scoring two consecutive goals to fuel their comeback.

Unfortunately for them, they couldn't maintain their effort and ended up conceding an empty-net goal at 58:35, sealing their fourth consecutive loss of the season.