3-0 against Sparta Prague: Eisbären Berlin celebrate next victory

The Eisbären Berlin have celebrated their second home victory in three days in the Champions Hockey League (CHL). On Sunday evening, the German champions beat the Czech top club Sparta Prague 3-0 (1-0, 1-0, 1-0). New signing Markus Niemeläinen, Blaine Byron and Gabriel Fontaine ensured the capital city team’s success with their goals. After three wins from the first four main round games, they have a good chance of reaching the round of 16 of the European Ice Hockey Cup.

In front of 3,756 spectators in the corrugated iron palace, the guests started with a lot of pressure, but the home team took advantage of their first good opportunity. Debutant Niemeläinen, who had only been signed on Thursday, beat Prague goalkeeper Josef Kořenář in the seventh minute with a well-considered shot into the near corner.

The Berliners then incurred a few time penalties and came under pressure at times, but remained efficient. Shortly after the start of the second period, Byron pushed the puck over the line after a strong individual effort by Liam Kirk to make it 2-0 (22nd).

After that, the Berliners defended their lead with aplomb, and shortly before the final whistle, Fontaine scored the capital city team’s third goal to make it the final score (57th minute). The strong goalie Jake Hildebrand remained goalless for the first time in the current CHL season.