Austria eliminate Germany at Olympic ice hockey qualification

BERLIN -- Austrian men's ice hockey team secured their berth at the Olympic Winter Games 2014 in Sochi, despite a 3-2 overtime loss to Germany in Bietigheim-Bissingen, Germany, on Sunday.

Meanwhile the German men's team would miss the Winter Games for the first time.

With 1:19 left in the first period Germany opened the scoring through a deflection by Benedikt Kohl. Austria equalized with 11:46 into the second period as Andre Lakos slammed the puck home from the blue line. Germany responded and took the lead with 6:54 into the third period when Michael Wolfs utilized a power play to make it 2-1. Austria kept it bowling and equalized the score midway through the third period as Markus Peintner made it two all draw on the scoreboards.

The Germans failed to produce goal-scoring opportunities during the dying minutes of the game. Yet, Germany were able to score the 3-2 winner through Patrick Reimer which was practically meaningless as they needed a win in regulation time to seal the ticket for Sochi 2014.

"We have to bite the bullet. The team played a good game but they failed to increase the lead. At least our women's team progressed from the qualification," Germany Ice Association President Uwe Harnos said.