The 2016 Erste Bank Eishockey Liga playoffs begin this Friday in Austria. Colorado College hockey alums Brett Sterling and Brian Connelly look to help EC Red Bull Salzburg defend their EBEL title when they square off against Klagenfurt (KAC) in first round action. As usual, Salzburg will be heavy favorites in this first round matchup after finishing first in the regular season. Klagenfurt, who finished 8th in the regular and was the last team to qualify for the playoffs will be looking for the upset. Overall this should be a great serious as the two highest budget teams in EBEL and historic rivals square off for game one on Friday night in Salzburg.