The Eisbären Berlin players celebrate a goal Photo: City Press GmbH
From BZ/dpa
The Eisbären Berlin celebrated their first home win in the Champions Hockey League (CHL).
On Saturday, the German ice hockey champions beat the French champions Brûleurs de Loups de Grenoble 5-2 (3-2, 1-0, 1-0).
Zach Boychuk scored three times, Kevin Clark scored the other two goals for the capital city, who owed their success not least to their strong overnumbered game.
Zach Boychuk from the Eisbären Berlin celebrating the goal to make it 4:2 Photo: City Press GmbH
In front of 2554 spectators in the Wellblechpalast, the hosts started strong, Clark scored in the first power play. After that, however, the polar bears allowed themselves some negligence. Dylan Fabre equalised, Chad Nehring put the French ahead when two Berliners were in the penalty box. But the capital city also benefited from time penalties against the opponent: Boychuk scored with a simple majority and Clark again with a double majority.
In the second third, the game remained hectic and hard-fought. However, the home side managed to defend consistently even when outnumbered and were the more dangerous team on the offensive. Boychuk took advantage of one of the numerous chances and extended the lead with his second goal. The French increased the pressure in the final period, but the polar bears were solid on the defensive until Boychuk’s third goal 23 seconds from time made the difference.
Kevin Clark from Eisbären Berlin after the goal to make it 3-2 Photo: City Press GmbH