Augsburg wins DEL opening game against Ingolstadt

The Augsburg Panthers have won their opening game in the German Ice Hockey League. In the Bavaria derby, coach Ted Dent’s team defeated ERC Ingolstadt 3:2 (1:0, 0:0, 1:2, 1:0) after extra time.

Augsburg, who were relegated in the last two seasons, are only playing in the DEL because the respective second division champions did not apply for a DEL license. However, the Panthers did not play like a candidate for relegation. Cody Kunyk scored after seven minutes to make it 1-0 for Augsburg.

Ingolstadt, who were in the playoff quarter-finals last season, came into the game better in the second round but were unable to capitalize on good opportunities. “Now we have to step it up a notch,” said Ingolstadt’s new signing Riley Sheen on MagentaSport before the third round.

Goal-rich final phase

After only one goal in more than 50 minutes of play, the final phase became goal-rich. Ingolstadt’s Alex Breton scored the deserved 1:1 after 53 minutes. Just twelve seconds later, Riley Damiani gave Augsburg the lead again. Philipp Krauß equalized with his goal to make it 2:2 (56th minute). Kunyk made the decision with his second goal in extra time (63rd minute).

Defending champions Eisbären Berlin will start the new season on Friday (7.30 p.m./MagentaSport) with a game against Kölner Haie. The club from the capital is one of the hottest contenders for the championship.