The German champions Eisbären Berlin started the Champions League with a record victory, and runner-up Red Bull Munich also celebrated a successful start.
The Berliners scored their highest success on the European stage with 8: 2 (2: 1, 5: 0, 1: 1) at Grenoble Metropole Hockey 38. Munich won 4-1 (1-1, 2-0, 1-0) at Rapperswil Jona-Lakers in Switzerland.
The Eisbären conceded a goal in the eighth minute – but then they rolled over the hosts who had no chance: Especially in the second round, which went 5-0 to Berlin, the team from the German Ice Hockey League (DEL) ensured clear conditions. The Polar Bears had six different scorers, with Zach Boychuk (10th, 30th) and Matt White (22nd, 49th) scoring twice.
Munich’s match winners were double packer Ben Street (2nd, 38th) and national goalkeeper Mathias Niederberger, who destroyed many good chances for the hosts.