Continental Cup Semifinals Day 2 Recap

Group E

Rittner Buam - Arlan Kokshetau 1-2

Rittner Buam SkyAlps fall short against Arlan Kokshetau

The Rittner Buam SkyAlps faced a challenging defeat in their second game of the third round of the IIHF Continental Cup, falling 1-2 to Kazakh champions Arlan Kokshetau. This result effectively ended their hopes of advancing to the final stage of the competition.
Coming off a 1-5 loss to the Cardiff Devils in their opening match, the Buam were under pressure to deliver. Despite showing flashes of resilience, they couldn't overcome a strong Kokshetau side, which rebounded from its own overtime loss to hosts Vlci Zilina in their first game.
The opening period saw both teams in a cautious exchange, with Kokshetau creating more opportunities but unable to capitalize. Goalies Colin Furlong (SV Renon) and Timur Meider (Arlan Kokshetau) kept the scoreboard clean, resulting in a scoreless first frame.
The second period brought the game to life. At 27:11, Diego Cuglietta skillfully recovered the puck behind Kokshetau's net and set up Ethan Szypula for a precise shot, giving the Rittner Buam a 1-0 lead. However, their advantage was short-lived. Just under six minutes later, an uncharacteristic error from Furlong allowed Vladimir Borovkov to level the score for Kokshetau at 1-1.
Arlan Kokshetau turned up the intensity in the final period, taking the lead at 45:07. Borovkov struck again, this time with a long-range shot that slipped past Furlong. Despite several attempts to equalize, including a late-game push with an extra skater, the Buam couldn't find the back of the net. Meider and Kokshetau's defense held firm under pressure, securing the win.

With two losses, the Rittner Buam are now out of contention for the final round of the IIHF Continental Cup. Their final game against Vlci Zilina on Sunday, November 17, will serve as an opportunity for redemption and to finish the tournament on a positive note.

Cardiff Devils - Vlci Zilina 4-1

Cardiff Devils Secure Spot in Continental Cup Final, Žilina's Hopes Hang by a Thread

In the second match of Group E in the Continental Cup semi-finals, Cardiff Devils delivered a commanding performance against Slovakia's Vlci Žilina, winning 4-1 to secure their place in January's tournament final. Despite an encouraging start from Žilina, the Welsh team’s consistent quality and depth proved insurmountable, leaving Žilina's progression dependent on other results.

Coach Milan Bartovič’s side began the game with energy and determination. "I think we had a good start to the match; the entire first third was successful from our side," Bartovič noted. However, the first period ended with Cardiff leading 1-0, courtesy of a power-play goal by Kohen Olischefski.

Cardiff extended their lead early in the second period with Zach O’Brien capitalizing on a well-coordinated play involving Reid Duke and Jarrod Gourley. Žilina responded through Šimon Betak, whose effort reduced the deficit to 2-1, but their push for an equalizer lacked consistency. “We lost pucks, personal battles, and when we had chances, we lacked ferocity and composure,” admitted Bartovič.

The third period cemented Cardiff’s control. Goals from Ben Davies and Josh MacDonald dashed Žilina’s hopes of a comeback. Cardiff’s roster, which features 15 North American players, displayed the physicality and discipline of a top-tier hockey team. “They showed us a different level of hockey,” Bartovič said, acknowledging Cardiff's superior play.
Žilina’s defeat places them in third position in Group E, with progression still possible but no longer in their hands. They must win their final match against Italy’s Ritten Sport on Sunday, while relying on Cardiff to defeat Kazakhstan's Arlan Kokšetau, ideally in extra time or a shootout.

Despite the loss, Bartovič expects more from his team’s leaders. "It wasn’t ideal from them on Friday either. We want to advance, but it’s not just in our hands anymore," he remarked, hinting at the need for greater consistency and leadership in their next outing.
The stakes remain high as Žilina prepares for their must-win clash against Ritten Sport. With Cardiff already through, all eyes will be on whether they can influence the group’s final standings and keep Žilina’s Continental Cup dreams alive.

Group F

GKS Katowice falls to Grenoble Brûleurs de Loups in intense match 

GKS Katowice - Grenoble 2-4

In their second game of the tournament in Denmark, GKS Katowice faced a tough battle against the French team Grenoble Brûleurs de Loups. Despite a promising start, Katowice fell 2-4 in a game filled with intense action, missed opportunities, and decisive moments.  

The Polish team entered the game with momentum after a dominating 9-2 victory over Corona Brașov. In contrast, Grenoble came into the match under pressure, having suffered a 3-5 defeat to the hosts, Aalborg Pirates. A loss for the French side would have seriously jeopardized their promotion chances, setting the stage for an intense clash.  

The match began with both teams eager to gain the upper hand. In the 8th minute, Bartosz Fraszko capitalized on a two-on-one counterattack, converting a pass from Patryk Wronka to give Katowice an early 1-0 lead. Grenoble responded quickly, with Alexandre Mallet finding the net just two minutes later after a miscue in front of John Murray’s goal.  

Katowice regained the lead in the 15th minute when Marcus Kallionkieli showcased skillful puck handling and fired a powerful shot past Cebald Debiak, making it 2-1. Despite opportunities to extend their lead, including a prolonged power play, Katowice couldn’t capitalize, leaving the score unchanged heading into the first intermission.  

Grenoble emerged stronger in the second period, increasing pressure on John Murray, who made a series of impressive saves to keep Katowice ahead. However, the Polish side's defense faltered during a four-minute penalty kill, allowing Aurélien Dair to level the score at 2-2 in the 36th minute.  

The equalizer marked a turning point in the game. Katowice's frustration became evident, with head coach Jacek Płachta expressing displeasure at the officiating. Despite some late chances in the period, including a near-miss by Mateusz Bepierszcz, the teams remained deadlocked heading into the final period.  

The third period saw Grenoble take the lead in the 50th minute when Alexandre Mallet struck again, finishing a play set up by Christophe Boivin and François Beauchemin. Minutes later, Nicolas Deschamps extended the French side's advantage to 4-2. A match penalty for Mateusz Michalski left Katowice shorthanded for five crucial minutes, eliminating their chances of a comeback.  

Grenoble's disciplined play and strong defense secured the win, handing Katowice a bitter defeat despite an impressive performance from goalkeeper John Murray, who made 38 saves with a 90.48% save percentage.  

GKS Katowice must regroup quickly to keep their tournament hopes alive. With their defensive vulnerabilities exposed and power-play inefficiencies highlighted, adjustments will be crucial for the Polish team to remain competitive. For Grenoble, the victory breathes new life into their campaign as they prepare for their next challenge. 

A thrilling battle ends in narrow defeat: Aalborg Pirates edge CSM Corona Brașov 3-2

Corona Brasov - Aalbrg Pirates 2-3

The hockey fans in Aalborg were treated to a thrilling and hard-fought encounter between CSM Corona Brașov and the Aalborg Pirates on the penultimate night of the tournament. Despite a valiant effort by Dave MacQueen's team, the match ended in a narrow 3-2 victory for the Danish side, who now lead the standings by six points, already punch its ticket for the January Superfinals

The evening saw both teams showcasing their skills and resilience in a tightly contested match. CSM Corona Brașov, despite being outshot 27-14 and facing challenges with an atypical lineup, demonstrated their strength as a cohesive and competitive team. The Romanian side kept pace with the Pirates, leveling the score twice, but a late power-play goal sealed their fate.
In the first period the Pirates opened the scoring in the 14th minute with Julian Jakobsen capitalizing on a power play, assisted by Joonas Niemelä and Darien Craighead. However, CSM Corona Brașov responded swiftly. At 15:15, Albert Zagidullin scored off a precise assist from Evgeny Skachkov and Tamas Gajdo, tying the game at 1-1.
Aalborg regained the lead in the 37th minute when Joonas Niemelä, with assists from Craighead and Eric Gotz, struck during another power play. The period saw the Pirates dominate the shot count (13-3), testing CSM’s goalkeeper Zoltan Toke extensively.
Brașov fought back fiercely in the final period, with Skachkov equalizing at 51:54 off a setup by David Levin. The game seemed destined for overtime until the dying moments. With just 46 seconds left, Julian Jakobsen netted his second goal of the game, assisted by Troy Lajeunesse and Craighead, securing a 3-2 victory for Aalborg. The goal, reviewed by the referees, was ultimately upheld, cementing the Pirates' triumph.

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