Eisbären Berlin lose their CHL opener against Genève-Servette HC 2:6

The Eisbären Berlin started the Champions Hockey League (CHL) with a defeat. The German champions lost at the start of the main round at Genève-Servette HC 2:6 (1:2, 1:1, 0:3). Gabriel Fontaine and Ty Ronning scored the goals for the Berliners, who didn't make enough of their chances against the top Swiss club.

In front of 4,567 spectators at the Patinoire des Vernets ice rink in Geneva, the Berliners started bravely, but the hosts were the more efficient team in the early stages. Vili Saarijärvi gave Geneva the lead in the 3rd minute, Markus Granlund increased it a little later (5th). However, the guests kept trying and took advantage of their first advantage opportunity to score Fontaine's goal (19').

The Genevans are the more efficient team

After the first break, the Eisbären increased the pressure and Ronning scored to equalize (31'). But twelve seconds before the end of the period, the Swiss took the lead again with a goal from Sakari Manninen.

In the final period, the Berliners missed a few good opportunities before Granlund scored Geneva's fourth goal (49th). James Vesey finally made the decision in favor of the Swiss with a power play goal (54th). Noah Rod scored the final point after Eisbären goalie Jack LaFontaine went off the ice for an additional field player (58th).