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.