Matt White from Eisbären Berlin (archive photo) Photo: dpa picture radio
By Kolya Zydatiss
The Eisbären Berlin started with a convincing away win in the Champions Hockey League (CHL).
At the start of the group phase, the German ice hockey champions won 8:2 (2:1, 5:0, 1:1) at the French titleholder Brûleurs de Loups de Grenoble on Thursday evening.
Zach Boychuk and Matt White each contributed two goals to the clear win, while Marcel Noebels, Frank Mauer, Giovanni Fiore and Frank Hördler also scored for the capital city.
In front of 3,408 spectators in the Patinoire Polesud, the hosts were initially the more dangerous side and took the lead through a Dylan Fabre goal.
However, the Berliners responded promptly: Boychuk and Noebels consistently exploited inattentiveness in the Grenoble defense and ensured that the German champions went into the first break with a narrow lead.
IIn the second third, the capital city improved significantly and quickly ensured clear conditions. White and Mauer scored within 27 seconds shortly after the restart, Boychuk again, Fiore and Hördler extended the lead. The Berliners remained focused in the final section. White scored his second goal before Julien Munoz struck just before the end for France.