Pioneers Vorarlberg took the friendly 5-3 over HC Thurgau in regulation, leaning on a decisive second period. After a 1-1 opening frame, Vorarlberg scored twice in the middle period without reply, building a 3-1 lead that proved enough.
The first period stayed even, but the second period swung the game: Vorarlberg outscored Thurgau 2-0 to take a 3-1 edge. The visitors answered with two goals in the third, yet the hosts matched that with two of their own, holding on for the 5-3 final.
The standout number was the middle frame — a 2-0 margin that turned a tied game into a two-goal cushion. Vorarlberg's ability to go shot-for-shot with Thurgau in the third, 2-2, kept the match in regulation and sealed the win.