First win for Unia and first loss for ZSC

KAC Klagenfurt - Re-Plast Unia 4-5

KAC Klagenfurt suffered a dramatic 4-5 defeat on home ice against Unia Oświęcim in the fourth round of the 2024/25 Champions Hockey League. The match, held at the Heidi Horten Arena in front of 2,974 spectators, started in favor of the home team but ended with an astonishing comeback by the Polish side.

Klagenfurt took control early, dominating the first period with two powerplay goals. Johannes Bischofberger opened the scoring at 10:13, assisted by Nicholas Petersen and Thomas Hundertpfund, followed quickly by Hundertpfund himself adding a second goal less than two minutes later. KAC went into the first intermission with a commanding 2-0 lead, and their aggressive play continued in the second period.

Although Unia Oświęcim struggled to generate offense, they managed to capitalize on a 5-on-3 powerplay at 31:26, with Erik Ahopelto finding the back of the net. However, Klagenfurt restored their two-goal cushion just minutes later with a goal from Daniel Obersteiner, sending the home team into the final period with a 3-1 advantage.

The third period saw an incredible turnaround. David Maier extended KAC's lead to 4-1 early in the period, and it seemed as though the game was slipping away from the visitors. But Unia Oświęcim had other plans. Krystian Dziubiński scored at 47:38, quickly followed by goals from Daniel Olsson Trkulja and Henry Karjalainen, who tied the game at 4-4 by the 50th minute.

In a thrilling conclusion, Hampus Olsson scored the game-winning goal at 55:55, completing a stunning comeback for Unia Oświęcim. KAC Klagenfurt pulled their goalkeeper in the final moments, but their efforts were in vain. The Polish champions secured a historic 5-4 victory, marking their first-ever win in the Champions Hockey League.

Unia's captain Krystian Dziubiński had promised a surprise before the game, and his team delivered, showing immense determination and resilience. Despite being down by three goals, they fought back and claimed a memorable victory against one of Austria’s top clubs.

ZSC Lions - EC Red Bull Salzburg 2-4

Red Bull Salzburg triumphed 4-2 over ZSC Lions Zurich, handing the Swiss team their first defeat of the Champions Hockey League 2024/25 season. Salzburg’s dominance, especially in the opening period, proved crucial in securing the win in front of 3,707 fans.

Salzburg set the tone early, capitalizing on a powerplay just two minutes into the game when Peter Hochkofler scored following a penalty on Zurich's Santtu Kinnunen. Salzburg continued to apply pressure, and at 11:13, Peter Schneider doubled the lead with a quick rebound goal. Ryan Murphy extended the lead further at 13:30, beating Zurich goalie Robin Zumbühl with a well-placed shot, putting Salzburg ahead 3-0 by the end of the first period.

In the second period, Salzburg kept their momentum. Lucas Thaler made it 4-0 at 25:47, with a precise shot after a quick face-off play from Troy Bourke. Zurich managed to respond at 32:26 when Denis Malgin finally got one past Salzburg's goalie David Kickert, reducing the deficit to 4-1.

Zurich fought hard in the final period, outshooting Salzburg 15-2. Their efforts paid off when Santtu Kinnunen scored at 44:20, assisted by Malgin and Sven Andrighetto, bringing the score to 4-2. However, despite Zurich’s dominant offense, Kickert remained solid in goal, finishing the game with 29 saves. Red Bull Salzburg's disciplined defense held firm in the final minutes, even as Zurich pushed hard for a comeback.

Salzburg's win marked a strong statement as they became the first team to defeat Zurich this season, while ZSC Lions suffered their first loss despite outshooting their opponents 31-18. Salzburg's early lead and efficient scoring proved too much for Zurich to overcome.

Straubing Tigers - HC Dynamo Pardubice 3-2

Straubing Tigers staged a thrilling third-period comeback to defeat Dynamo Pardubice 3-2 at Eisstadion am Pulverturm. A strong powerplay performance by Straubing secured all three points, with the team scoring all of its goals on the man advantage in front of 3,548 spectators.

The Tigers struck first at 9:25 in the opening period, when Mario Zimmermann fired a powerful shot from the blue line during a powerplay, putting Straubing up 1-0. Pardubice responded before the end of the period, capitalizing on a 5-on-3 powerplay. Tomáš Zohorna’s shot beat Straubing goalie Florian Manuel Bugl, tying the game 1-1 at 14:58.

Pardubice took the lead late in the second period as David Musil found the back of the net with just 25 seconds remaining before the intermission, sending the Czech team into the break with a 2-1 advantage.

Straubing came out determined in the third period, and it didn't take long for them to level the score. Just 12 seconds into a powerplay at 42:58, Joshua Samanski scored off a rebound after a shot from Mike Connolly, tying the game at 2-2. The Tigers continued to push and were rewarded once again on the powerplay at 56:12, when Marcel Brandt unleashed a bullet from the point, beating Pardubice's Roman Will to give Straubing a 3-2 lead.

Pardubice applied pressure in the final minutes, pulling their goalie and gaining a late powerplay, but Straubing’s defense, led by Bugl’s 21 saves, held firm to secure the victory.

Sheffield Steelers - Skellefteå AIK 3-2

Steelers secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Swedish giants Skellefteå AIK, claiming their third consecutive win in the Champions Hockey League. In front of a roaring crowd of 7,844 at the Utilita Arena, Mark Simpson's second-period goal proved to be the game-winner in a tightly contested match that saw both teams deliver strong performances.

The Steelers came out flying, and it didn’t take long for them to light up the scoreboard. Just 2:47 into the game, Brandon Whistle opened the scoring, rifling a shot into the top corner after a slick pass from Cole Shudra. Less than a minute later, Joel Janatuinen doubled the lead with a brilliant effort, capitalizing on a broken play and sending the home fans into an early frenzy.

However, Skellefteå, the reigning Swedish Hockey League champions, showed their resilience. By the middle of the first period, the visitors struck back with two goals in quick succession. Andreas Johnson cut the deficit at 9:38, pouncing on a rebound to beat Steelers goalie Matthew Greenfield. Moments later, Zeb Lindgren fired a shot from the slot that went bar-down, tying the game at 2-2 as Skellefteå found their rhythm.

The second period saw a more controlled and physical game. Despite Skellefteå's heavy offensive pressure, the Steelers' defense and penalty kill units rose to the occasion, keeping the Swedes at bay. Sacha Guimond's tripping penalty and Anton Heikkinen's interference call both passed without damage, thanks to strong goaltending and disciplined defense.

Then, at 34:03, Mark Simpson provided the decisive moment. Receiving a perfect stretch pass from Joona Huttula, Simpson raced in on a breakaway and calmly beat Alexander Hellnemo to restore Sheffield’s lead. The Steelers had regained control and carried a 3-2 advantage into the final frame.

The final period was a tense, defensive battle, with Sheffield determined to protect their one-goal lead. Greenfield was the star, making crucial saves as Skellefteå pushed for an equalizer. The Steelers blocked shots, cleared pucks, and won key battles, with the home crowd willing their team to victory.

Despite pulling their goalie for the final minutes, Skellefteå couldn’t find a way past the resilient Steelers' defense. Sheffield closed out the game with poise, earning a hard-earned 3-2 victory.

With this impressive win, the Sheffield Steelers now sit 8th in the Champions Hockey League standings, with 8 points from four games. Their relentless work ethic and stellar goaltending have propelled them into a strong position as they eye a spot in the playoff round.

SønderjyskE - Pelicans Lahti 2-4

Pelicans emerged victorious with a 4-2 win over SønderjyskE Vojens at Sydjysk Sparekasse Arena. The Finnish side came out strong, dominating from the start and holding off a late rally from the Danes to secure the much-needed points.

Lahti wasted no time asserting their dominance, with Miika Roine putting the visitors on the board just 1:26 into the game. Roine connected on a pass from Leevi Tukiainen, sending a close-range shot past SønderjyskE's goaltender Mattias Pettersson. The Pelicans capitalized on their first power play when Gustav Nielsen was sent to the box for tripping. At 5:54, Tukiainen netted his first of two goals with a quick strike on the man advantage, extending the lead to 2-0.

The Pelicans continued to pile on the pressure, and at 16:40, Adam Bareš added a third goal for the visitors. Circling behind the net, Bareš fired a shot that beat Pettersson cleanly, giving Lahti a commanding 3-0 lead by the end of the first period.

The second period saw more of the same as Lahti maintained control of the game. SønderjyskE’s struggles continued, and they found themselves down a man once again after Alexander Wiklund was penalized for slashing at 31:44. Lahti took full advantage, with Tukiainen scoring his second goal of the night on the power play just 35 seconds later, increasing the Pelicans' lead to 4-0.

The third period saw a spirited response from SønderjyskE as they tried to claw their way back into the game. Just over two minutes into the period, Alexander Wiklund scored, cutting the deficit to 4-1. Jacob Schmidt-Svejstrup added another goal at 49:01, bringing the score to 4-2 and injecting some life into the home crowd.

However, despite their late push, SønderjyskE couldn't break through Lahti’s defense any further. Olof Lindbom was solid between the pipes for the Pelicans, making 24 saves to secure the victory.

Eisbären Berlin - HC Sparta Praha 3-0

Eisbären Berlin secured a dominant 3-0 victory over Sparta Prague in their fourth game of the Champions Hockey League season, with goaltender Jake Hildebrand delivering a perfect performance at Wellblechpalast. Berlin's strong defensive display, combined with clinical finishing, earned them the shutout win in front of 3,756 fans.

Berlin took an early lead in the first period, scoring the opening goal at 6:45. Markus Niemeläinen found the back of the net, with assists from Gabriel Fontaine and Frederik Tiffels. Despite being heavily outshot 17-9 in the period, the German side's defense, led by Hildebrand, stood firm, keeping Sparta off the scoresheet. Berlin had to kill off three penalties during the period, including one late in the frame when Leonhard Pföderl was called for hooking, but they successfully kept their 1-0 lead.

Eisbären Berlin started the second period aggressively, and it paid off just 1:42 into the frame when Blaine Byron extended their lead to 2-0. Assisted by Liam Kirk and Lean Bergmann, Byron’s goal gave Berlin a comfortable cushion. The rest of the period saw both teams trade chances, but neither side could capitalize.

In the final period, Berlin focused on maintaining their lead, and despite allowing 10 shots on goal, Hildebrand continued to frustrate the visitors. Berlin added a third goal at 56:28 when Gabriel Fontaine scored his second point of the night, assisted again by Tiffels and Eric Hördler. With less than three minutes remaining, Sparta pulled their goaltender in a desperate attempt to get on the scoreboard, but the move proved fruitless.

Jake Hildebrand’s stellar performance, making 36 saves on 36 shots, was the cornerstone of Berlin’s victory, earning him a well-deserved shutout. Despite being outshot 36-22, Eisbären Berlin's efficiency and defensive resilience secured them an impressive 3-0 win over Sparta Prague

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