The Eisbären Berlin started the Champions Hockey League (CHL) with a defeat. Coach Serge Aubin’s team suffered a 1:3 (1:0, 0:2, 0:1) defeat in the first competitive game of the season against the Swedish top team Växjö Lakers. The only goal for the Berliners was scored by Gabriel Fontaine.
In the Vida Arena, it was clear from the start that the game was fast-paced, with both clubs making their mark. The Eisbären were able to rely on their goalie Jake Hildebrand in the first third and also created their chances offensively. In the seventh minute, Fontaine, who was newly signed for the season, put the Berliners in the lead.
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In the middle period, Växjö used a power play shortly after the restart to gain momentum and took the lead within 68 seconds thanks to goals from Filip Eriksson and Emil Sylvegard. Dennis Rasmussen then made it 1:3 for the Eisbären in the 41st minute, who continued to play well but were unable to turn the game around in the final third.
“We had a good start, it was an open exchange of blows for a long time. And then mistakes came that cost us our lives,” said attacker Marcel Noebels. “At that level, it wasn’t good enough to get any points.”
The Berliners will face Polish representative Unia Oswiecim again in the CHL on Saturday (5.30 p.m./Magentasport). The new DEL season begins for the defending champions on September 20 with an away game against the Kölner Haie.