The Straubing Tigers excelled in their Champions Hockey League debut, shutting out Comarch Cracovia to claim their first win of the tournament. After an uneventful first, the German side went to work sailing three past Rok Stojanovic, including a powerplay goal, to take a commanding three-goal lead into the third.

When the puck dropped on period three, Straubing were already firmly in the driver’s seat when they extended their lead for a fourth and final time. An Eryk Nemec penalty awarded the German side their sixth powerplay and the visitors used it to their advantage. Taylor Leier found the net for a second time and with that what little hope of a comeback there was for Cracovia was all but extinguished.

Playing in his first CHL contest, Leier was outstanding. The Canadian managed to compile two goals and one assist to help lift his squad to victory. He was especially deadly on the powerplay where he picked up an assist to go with his goal.

As Straubing prepare to meet Färjestad Karlstad in Sweden, they’ll need to continue their strong special teams play if they hope to have success against the SHL champions.

Back in Sweden, Färjestad had their own grand opening, scoring seven against Villach SV as they showcased their skillset that captured the national title in the SHL last season. Led by Victor Ejdsell, Linus Johansson, and Henrik Björklund - each with two markers - the Swedish side had little trouble creating space against the Austrians.

The club kicked off their goal bonanza with an even strength tally 25 seconds in. They would go on to score four more at five aside and two on the powerplay. In the third period, the Swedes were their deadliest in the closing minutes and even managed to sneak one past the netminder with less than a second to go in regulation.

Like their German counterparts, Färjestad will be tasked with maintaining their success on the man-advantage. Having home ice advantage has also been beneficiary for the Swedes.