CHL gameday liveblog 20.08. (end)
event end
CHL gameday liveblog 20.08.

Thursday 20.08.2015, 12:00Champions Hockey League gameday liveblog
     
    Welcome. The live blog begins at 12:00 CET.
     
    Today's games (all times CET)
    17:30 TPS Turku – EHC Black Wings Linz
    18:30 HC Košice – EHC Red Bull Munich
    19:00 Djurgården Stockholm – Tappara Tampere
    19:00 SønderjyskE Vojens – Red Bull Salzburg
    19:00 Stavanger Oilers – Oceláři Třinec
    19:00 Storhamar Hockey Hamar – Sparta Prague
    19:00 Frölunda Gothenburg – Sheffield Steelers
    19:00 Växjö Lakers – Braehead Clan Glasgow
    19:30 Krefeld Pinguine – Kärpät Oulu
    19:45 Fribourg-Gottéron – Lukko Rauma
    20:00 Färjestad Karlstad – HC Davos
    20:00 Rapaces de Gap – ZSC Lions Zurich
     
    The day has finally, come, the CHL starts today! We'll be counting down over the next five and a half hours until the first puck drops in Turku!

     
    The first game to face off will be TPS Turku hosting Black Wings Linz at 18:30 local time, 17:30 CET.

    PS finished as runners up in their group last season behind Linkoping, before going out in the first knock-out round to Lukko. Linz meanwhile take to the ice in the CHL for the first time on the road in Finland, with captain Philipp Lukas excited for the challenge, telling us: “So far we don’t know much about our opponents, we try to focus on our game and our system. As a sportsman you are always searching for new challenges and the CHL is a new and exciting way to compete on another level.”

    Black Wings coach Rob Daum also thinks that the teams from Austria will be a match for anybody in the competition this year: “Our league puts itself into a bad light very often, but I am convinced that we are a tough opponent on this CHL level. Teams from the EBEL have shown very good results in the past and we are hoping to do that, too.”

    For the home side the off-season has seen several changes, something not lost on sports director Antero Nittymaki: “The new is new, the coaching staff are new as well. We’re still a work in progress, as the pre-season games have shown, but I believe our strengths will be shown now as the games begin.”
    The Black Wings in their dressing room before today's morning skate at HK Areena in Turku, site of tonight's CHL debut.


    Everything's looking good in the Braehead locker room ahead of tonight's game in Växjö ...

    And so the pre-match routines start to begin across Europe...

     
    We'd love to know your thoughts and experiences today, either if you're going to a game of following them online. Tweet us on #chl !
    Don't you just love pictures of locker rooms on gamedays?

     
    Just two hours to go until the first puck drops in Turku for TPS vs. Linz. What do the teams think about the game today?

    Black Wings coach Rob Daum: "Our league puts itself into a bad light very often, but I am convinced, that we are a tough opponent on this CHL level. Teams from the EBEL have shown very good results in the past and we are hoping to do that, too.”

    Sports Director Antero Nittymaki: “The new is new, the coaching staff are new as well. We’re still a work in progress, as the pre-season games have shown, but I believe our strengths will be shown now as the games begin.”

    What do you think about this game? Let us know on #chl!
     
    An hour later, at 18:30, things get going in the east of Slovakia with HC Košice hosting EHC Red Bull Munich.

    Košice Head Coach Peter Oremus: “Munich’s team has a lot of Americans and Canadians who prefer tough game, with physicality from the first puck drop. We have to be more active, play better and not let them push us about.”

    Red Bulls’ Coach Don Jackson: “In Kosice we expect to see an experienced club with guys that have played a long time. We feel we can match their youth and experience, and all we have to do is play the way we’ve been playing in the last couple of games.”
    Things are starting to be set up in the Turku Arena...

    Things are also starting to be set up in Vojens, ahead of SønderjyskE's 19:00 start against Salzburg!

     
    So after our early starts in Turku & Košice, the action really gets going at 19:00 with SIX games all facing off! In Stockholm, Vojens, Stavanger, Storhamar, Gothenburg, and Växjö, teams will get their CHL adventures underway!

    You can read what coaches and players from these teams thought looking ahead to the games tonight by reading our preview: http://www.championshockeyleague.net/news/today-s-the-day-thursday-s-preview/1116/
    With two hours to go, Munich are ready!

    On Facebook, we're asking you to tell us which game you'll be watching tonight and give us a score prediction!

    'Like' the game that you're going to watch, and tell us your predictions in the comments.

    Posted by Champions Hockey League on Thursday, 20 August 2015
    We've told you once, now here it is in big letters!

     
    30 minutes to go until puck drop in Turku... or 1800 seconds, if you'd prefer!
    So here's how all this is going to work. In our Gamecenter, you can click on any game to read live updates from any of the games taking place tonight. Alternatively you can stay here in our 'Game Day Blog', where we'll let you know what's going on across all the CHL games in Europe tonight.

    The choice is yours, the pleasure is ours!

    We are just few moments away from the opening face-off of the 2nd #CHL season! You can follow all the games live at one place here:https://www.championshockeyleague.net/page/gamecenter/

    Posted by Champions Hockey League on Thursday, 20 August 2015
    And as we get closer to the first game starting, it means the others are not far behind either!

     
    And we're off, the 2015/16 Champions Hockey League is underway!
    Or we were... slight problem with the scoreboard, so they'll have to start over in Turku!
     
    The first penalty of this year's CHL season goes to Mr. Spannring of Linz, for Cross-Checking. Tsk...
    Loving the merchandise!

     
    And the first successful penalty kill of this year's CHL also goes to Linz – good job there, the game stays scoreless.
     
    And we have the first goal, Turku go 1-0 up!
     
    Golden chance for Mayerhauser there to tie it up, but he only find the netminder's chest. Halfway point in the opening period.
    Confirmation of that first goal...

     
    Chance for Linz here as they go on the PP
    30 minutes to go before we're live in Košice...

     
    Just what Linz didn't want – Turku go 2-0 up on the PP with just over a minute left before the break.
     
    And it's the first 'End of the first period' of the season (yeah ok, we'll stop with this now...) in Turku, with TPS leading Linz 2-0.
    Game two is getting closer now...

     
    As we wait for the action to start in Slovakia, teams are back on the ice in Turku for period two
    Looks like a great seat this fan has in Stockholm!

    Se on ny sit #globen #Tappara #chl #djurgården

    A photo posted by Heli Haapanen (@helihermu) on


     
    Another goal in Turku, TPS 3-0 up and yes, it's a HAT-TRICK for Tukonen!
    Warming up now in Växjö...

    We are underway with HC Košice – EHC Red Bull Munich!

    Sheffield fans have arrived in Frolunda!

    And they're warming up in a SOLD OUT arena in Norway!

     
    Munich have taken the lead in Kosice, 1-0!
    More teams getting ready for their 19:00 games!

    Meanwhile across the border in Sweden...


     
    In 10 minutes we will get going with SIX more games, including the debuts of Storhamar, Sheffield, and Braehead!
     
    Here we go then, it's time for SIX games!

    19:00 Djurgården Stockholm – Tappara Tampere
    19:00 SønderjyskE Vojens – Red Bull Salzburg
    19:00 Stavanger Oilers – Oceláři Třinec
    19:00 Storhamar Hockey Hamar – Sparta Prague
    19:00 Frölunda Gothenburg – Sheffield Steelers
    19:00 Växjö Lakers – Braehead Clan Glasgow
     
    Jerry AHTOLA has made it TPS 4-0 Linz in Finland, as the middle period draws to a close.
     
    And in Slovakia, Munich have taken a 1-0 lead into the break vs. Košice.
     
    We have our opening goal in the 7pm starts, Glinka has given Sparta Prague the lead in Storhamar!
     
    Växjö take the lead against Braehead, Lundh getting the opener!
     
    Meanhwile Sheffield have killed off an early penalty in Gothenburg, scoreless over there.
     
    Djurgården are a goal up on Tappara in The Globe, Alexander FALLSTROM with a PP marker. Over in Norway Christian DAHL-ANDERSEN has put Stavanger 1-0 up on Oceláři Třinec.
    Having drawn a blank on their own man advantage, Sheffield again find themselves down to four skaters for two minutes – the same fate for Braehead, who have also taken another penalty. In Switzerland, teams are on the ice for warm-up in Fribourg – it'll all go here!

     
    Vaxjo made the Clan pay, going 2-0 up in the PP. Sheffield have just had another guy sent to the bin, so now skate with just 3 men for over a minute.
     
    In our opening game, TPS are now 5-0 up on Linz as the final period gets underway. In Slovakia, Košice still trail Munich 1-0 in period two.
     
    GOLDEN chance for Sheffield in the breakaway in Gothenburg, but it goes wide. Munich are now 2-0 in Slovakia with Michael Wolf bagging another, and we have our first Brit team goal... Bearded Clan have halved the deficit against the SHL champions, 2-1 there now!
     
    Mads BODKER has opened the scoring for SønderjyskE, 1-0 up now they are over Salzburg!
     
    Växjö have restored their 2-goal lead over Braehead now, going 3-1 up. We're also just about to get going in Krefeld with the Pinguine playing Kärpät Oulu.
     
    Some goals to tell you about in Norway now – Hendrik SOLBERG has put Stavanger 2-0 up on Oceláři Třinec, while Petr KUMSTAT has given Sparta the same lead against Storhamar.
     
    A great effort by the Sheffield Steelers up in Gothenburg, they go int the break trailing just 1-0 against Frölunda. Sadly for the other Elite League side it's not going so well, as Växjö are now 4-1 up against Braehead.
    Wam-up is now underway in Carlsbad!

     
    Rob Hisey got Linz on the board in Turku, only for the hosts to get another and go 6-1 up. At the halfway stage in osseous, it's becoming a rout with Munich now leading 4-0.
     
    As it stands...

    So that was a pretty busy hour. Let's summarise where we are with the games that started at 7:

    Djurgården Stockholm 1–1 Tappara Tampere
    SønderjyskE Vojens 1–0 Red Bull Salzburg
    Stavanger Oilers 2–0 Oceláři Třinec
    Storhamar Hockey Hamar 0–2 Sparta Prague
    Frölunda Gothenburg 1–0 Sheffield Steelers
    Växjö Lakers 5–1 Braehead Clan Glasgow
     
    Game over!

    TPS Turku 6-1 Black WIngs Linz
     
    Jiri BICEK has got Košice on the board at home to Munich, they trail 4-1 however. In the game that started at half past, it's still loges between Krefeld and Oulu with both sides failing to take advantage of PP chances.
     
    Back on the ice in many of the 7pm starts, while we're now waiting for the final games of today to get going:

    20:00 Färjestad Karlstad – HC Davos
    20:00 Rapaces de Gap – ZSC Lions Zurich
     
    On his side's loss in Turku, Rob Daum, Coach of Linz, said: "They were a lot better than we were tonight, no question about that. They were quick to the pucks, and a much better team. Overall, we looked like we've been together for two weeks. We've had a lot of changes and it takes time to put things into place."
    Now warming up in Gap!

     
    Three goals in just under as many minutes in Switzerland, where Fribourg raced into a 2-0 lead. Luke Rauma are now back on the board, 2-1 there!
    Except that it's now 2-2 in Fribourg! Frolunda have gone 2-0 up on Sheffield, and Braehead currently trail 6-1 in Växjö.

     
    Probably not the opening 40 minutes HC Košice were expecting in the CHL... they trail Munich 4-1.
     
    We're now underway in the final two games of the day, Färjestad Karlstad – HC Davos and Rapaces de Gap – ZSC Lions Zurich
     
    No goals in the opening 20 minutes in Krefeld, 0-0 vs. Oulu.
     
    Finns love a good comeback, and we're seeing two at the moment. Tappera have just got into a 3-2 lead in Stockholm against Djurgården, and Lukko Rauma have come from two down to lead Fribourg by the same score.
     
    A little bit of a shock is brewing in Denmark where, in the mid-part of the game, SønderjyskE lead Salzburg 2-0.
    Not a scoreline people would have expected, Gap take the lead against the ZSC Lions!

     
    Corey QUIRK has scored a third for SønderjyskE Vojens, who lead Salzburg 3-0. Shock of the night so far?
     
    ZSC are back level with Gap, a rocket of a slapshot from on the PP getting them back to 1-1.
     
    Gap's joy against ZSC has been short-lived, as the Lions have now turned it around to lead 2-1.
    While Krefled and Oulu are back on the ice for period two, Salzburg are headed to the locker room in Vojens with a bit of a mountain to climb...

    Over in Slovakia, Munich are still 4-1 ahead on Košice with 10 minutes left to play; while in Stavanger the Oilers are now 3-1 ahead of Třinec. In Stockholm it's got a bit heated, Tappara lead 3-2.

     
    Commentator's curse! Košice pull anorher goal back to make it 2-4 vs. Munich with seven minutes to play.
     
    As things stand...

    End TPS Turku 6–1 EHC Black Wings Linz
    In 3rd HC Košice 2–4 EHC Red Bull Munich
    End 2 Djurgården Stockholm 2–3 Tappara Tampere
    End 2 SønderjyskE Vojens 3–0 Red Bull Salzburg
    End 2 Stavanger Oilers 3–1 Oceláři Třinec
    End 2 Storhamar Hockey Hamar 2–2 Sparta Prague
    End 2 Frölunda Gothenburg 2–0 Sheffield Steelers
    End 2 Växjö Lakers 7–1 Braehead Clan Glasgow
    In 2nd Krefeld Pinguine 0–0 Kärpät Oulu
    End 1 Fribourg-Gottéron 2–3 Lukko Rauma
    In 1st Färjestad Karlstad 0–0 HC Davos
    In 1st Rapaces de Gap 1–2 ZSC Lions Zurich
    Some happy TPS Turku players after their 6-1 win today!

     
    Deadlock broken in Krefeld, and it's the visitors that take the lead... 1-0 Kärpät Oulu with just over four minutes gone in the middle period.
     
    Great effort Gap, they've tried the game at 2-2!
    It's a great atmosphere down in the South East of France!

     
    The end of the first period in Gap, and the home players are going off to a hero's reception – they currently tie with ZSC Lions at two each. It's also the end of the opening 20 minutes in the Färjestad Karlstad – HC Davos game, which is goalless.
    A good win for Munich in Slovakia tonight to earn their first CHL win at the first attempt.

     
    Two quick goals for Frölunda put them 4-0 up against Sheffield. Bearded have pulled a goal back in Växjö, but still trail the Lakers 6-2 – scratch that, it's now 7-2. Nathan MARCHON has scored for Fribourg to their them at 3-3 with Lukko.
     
    Stavanger how now got their goal number 4 to move three ahead of Oceláři Třinec. In the meetings between these two sides last season, the away team won both! Looks like that's going to change this year...
     
    Sheffield again fall foul of taking too many penalties, as Frölunda go 5-0 up on the PP.
     
    Finally a goal in Karlstad, but not for the hosts! Davos take the lead through Ambühl, double-shorthanded no less!
     
    The start of the second period in Gap was delayed due to a rather enthusiastic Zamboni (or possibly Olympia...) driver who made the ice pad look rather like a swimming pool. Good job the referees are wearing their armbands!
     
    As many games are now drawing to a close, Växjö have hit 8 against Braehead, with the Clan still on 2. Over in Gothenburg, another 1-on-0 goes begging for Sheffield who are yet to get on the board.
     
    Sheffield have been awarded a penalty shot!
     
    ZSC Lions take the lead again in Gap, meanwhile Sheffield have a goal in Sweden! A penalty shot from Fretter sends the travelling fans into raptures!
     
    Djurgården are still trailing Tappara 2-3 as that game moves deep into the final stages.
     
    Patrik LAINE has given Tappara a 4-2 now in Stockholm against Djurgården to most likely win his side the game – what a win that is for the Liiga side. Down in France, ZSC Lions are 4-2 on Gap.
     
    All over in Norway, Storhamar lost 2-3 to Sparta Prague, while in Denmark SønderjyskE Vojens have beaten Red Bull Salzburg 4-1.
     
    It's also finished at the DNB Arena, where Stavanger Oilers beat Oceláři Třinec 4-1. Over in Karlstad, Davos are 3-0 up now in period two, whilst in Krefeld the teams are back on the ice for period three where Oulu still lead 1-0.
     
    It's all over in Växjö although for Braehead it was done long ago. The Clan fall to the Lakers 10-2 in their first CHL outing. Sheffield meanwhile are now 8-1 down in Gothenburg.
     
    We're also done in Gothenburg, Frölunda running out 9-1 winners over the Sheffield Steelers. In Germany, Karat Oulu are now 2-0 up on Krefeld, the hosts letting in a shorty.
     
    How things stand...

    End TPS Turku 6–1 EHC Black Wings Linz
    End HC Košice 2–4 EHC Red Bull Munich
    End Djurgården Stockholm 2–4 Tappara Tampere
    End SønderjyskE Vojens 4–1 Red Bull Salzburg
    End Stavanger Oilers 4–1 Oceláři Třinec
    End Storhamar Hockey Hamar 2–3 Sparta Prague
    End Frölunda Gothenburg 9–1 Sheffield Steelers
    End Växjö Lakers 10–2 Braehead Clan Glasgow
    In 3rd Krefeld Pinguine 0–2 Kärpät Oulu
    In 3rd Fribourg-Gottéron 3–3 Lukko Rauma
    End 2 Färjestad Karlstad 0–3 HC Davos
    In 2nd Rapaces de Gap 2–4 ZSC Lions Zurich
     
    Sheffield Coach Paul Thompson was not a happy man with his side's discipline after their loss in Gothenburg tonight. "I think it's a big lesson for everyone in our locker room – you didn't see Frolunda taking penalties today" he said in his post-match interview.
     
    Another explosion of noise from the Gap crowd can only mean one thing... yes, the home side are back in at 3-4, and will start the final period with some leftover PP time too.
    It's getting a bit tasty in Fribourg, where both teams are tied late in the third...

    Davos leading 3-0 in Karlstad as the teams return to the ice for the final period...

     
    Final two minutes coming up in Krefeld, the hosting still trailing Oulu 0-2. Are they going to be the first team today to get shutout?
    Dedication!

     
    Krefeld have pulled their goalie, they've got 55s to find two goals...
     
    Nothing doing for the Pinguine as they become the first side in this year's competition to be shutout, and it was at home too in a 2-0 loss to Kärpät Oulu.
     
    The final period has started in Gap with the hosts 3-4 down to ZSC Lions. All of the remaining games in today's schedule are now in their last 20 minutes.
     
    Still waiting for goals in the last three matches, although Gap have just survived a two minute penalty to stay only a goal behind Zurich.
     
    That might just be curtain for Gap now, as ZSC go 5-3 up with half the period left.
     
    Davos look to be home and dry in Karlstad now at 4-0 up. In Fribourg, we're going into OT as the hosts and Lukko tie at three after 60 minutes.
     
    4-1 now to Davos with Färjestad pulling a goal back. OT in Fribourg didn't produce any goals, so they'll be starting "Game winning shots" will follow soon.
     
    It's a 4-0 win for Davos in Färjestad... apologies for the earlier post, we must have imagined the hosts scoring.
     
    The shootout is about to get going in Fribourg, while over in Gap the home side have just over a minute to try and level the score.
     
    A fine effort from Gap in their CHL opener, but they go down 4-5 to ZSC Lions. France still searching for its first CHL point...
     
    Lukko Rauma win the shootout in Fribourg, and take the game 4-3.
     
    After a great evening of hockey, here's a final summary...

    Tonight's final scores

    TPS Turku 6–1 EHC Black Wings Linz
    HC Košice 2–4 EHC Red Bull Munich
    Djurgården Stockholm 2–4 Tappara Tampere
    SønderjyskE Vojens 4–1 Red Bull Salzburg
    Stavanger Oilers 4–1 Oceláři Třinec
    Storhamar Hockey Hamar 2–3 Sparta Prague
    Frölunda Gothenburg 9–1 Sheffield Steelers
    Växjö Lakers 10–2 Braehead Clan Glasgow
    Krefeld Pinguine 0–2 Kärpät Oulu
    Fribourg-Gottéron 3–4 (SO) Lukko Rauma
    Färjestad Karlstad 0–4 HC Davos
    Rapaces de Gap 4–5 ZSC Lions Zurich
     
    That's it for tonight -thanks for following the opening day of CHL 2015/16 action with us live here. Our correspondents all over Europe are now putting together the post-game reactions they've got, so be sure to check back on the website for analysis and quotes from today's games. Until tomorrow, goodnight! (22:33:13)

    Luke Fisher

    Today's games (all times CET)
    17:30 TPS Turku – EHC Black Wings Linz
    18:30 HC Košice – EHC Red Bull Munich
    19:00 Djurgården Stockholm – Tappara Tampere
    19:00 SønderjyskE Vojens – Red Bull Salzburg
    19:00 Stavanger Oilers – Oceláři Třinec
    19:00 Storhamar Hockey Hamar – Sparta Prague
    19:00 Frölunda Gothenburg – Sheffield Steelers
    19:00 Växjö Lakers – Braehead Clan Glasgow
    19:30 Krefeld Pinguine – Kärpät Oulu
    19:45 Fribourg-Gottéron – Lukko Rauma
    20:00 Färjestad Karlstad – HC Davos
    20:00 Rapaces de Gap – ZSC Lions Zurich