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Graz 99ers Secure Champions Hockey League Bid with Win over Vienna Capitals
Former F1 champion Mika Häkkinen performs ceremonial puck drop as 99ers clinch CHL spot
Published on Feb. 26, 2026
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In a high-stakes win2day ICE Hockey League match, the Graz 99ers defeated the Vienna Capitals 5-2 to secure their spot in the prestigious Champions Hockey League. The game was highlighted by the ceremonial puck drop performed by former Formula 1 world champion Mika Häkkinen, a known ice hockey fan. The Capitals initially took a 2-0 lead, but the 99ers fought back to win the game and punch their ticket to the CHL.
Why it matters
The Champions Hockey League is one of the premier European ice hockey competitions, and qualifying for the tournament is a major accomplishment for the Graz 99ers. The win also showcases the growing crossover between motorsports and ice hockey, with Häkkinen's appearance underscoring the high-profile nature of the match.
The details
The Vienna Capitals jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the game, with goals from Jeremy Gregoire and Zane Franklin. However, the 99ers, inspired by their CHL qualification bid, battled back and scored five unanswered goals to secure the victory. Graz's win came despite the Capitals dominating play for much of the game, mirroring a recent matchup against KAC where the 99ers also overcame an early deficit.
- The ceremonial puck drop by Mika Häkkinen took place before the start of the game on Wednesday evening.
- The Vienna Capitals took a 2-0 lead in the 7th and 11th minutes of the first period.
- The Graz 99ers scored five unanswered goals to win the game 5-2.
The players
Mika Häkkinen
A two-time Formula 1 world champion in 1998 and 1999, Häkkinen performed the ceremonial puck drop before the game as a known ice hockey fan.
Jeremy Gregoire
A player for the Vienna Capitals who scored the team's first goal in the 7th minute.
Zane Franklin
A player for the Vienna Capitals who scored the team's second goal on a power play in the 11th minute.
Dan Lacroix
The head coach of the Graz 99ers, who led his team to the comeback victory and Champions Hockey League qualification.
Sebastian Wraneschitz
The goaltender for the Vienna Capitals, who made several key saves to keep his team in the game.
What they’re saying
“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”
— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)
What’s next
The Graz 99ers can now focus on continued success in the win2day ICE Hockey League, while the Vienna Capitals look ahead to next season with the addition of key player Nick Bailen.
The takeaway
The Graz 99ers' comeback victory not only secured their spot in the prestigious Champions Hockey League, but also showcased the growing crossover between motorsports and ice hockey, with the appearance of former F1 champion Mika Häkkinen adding to the high-profile nature of the match.
