ZSC Lions Zurich began their title defence with a surprise setback, falling 3–2 in overtime to German side Pinguins Bremerhaven. The Lions showed flashes of their attacking power, particularly in the second period when Sven Andrighetto, last season’s CHL MVP and Top Scorer, struck on the powerplay to give them the lead.

But Zurich were unable to hold on, conceding an equaliser in the third period before Jan Urbas sealed it for Bremerhaven in the extra frame. Head Coach Marco Bayer will be expecting a sharper and more disciplined performance from his team on Sunday, especially with their home crowd behind them again at the Swiss Life Arena.

GKS Tychy, the Polish champions, also suffered late heartbreak in their opening game. Facing Red Bull Salzburg, they held the Austrians to a tense 1–1 contest deep into the third period after Joona Monto had equalised in the second. But Salzburg struck twice in the final minute, handing Tychy a 3–1 defeat.

Despite the loss, there were positives to take, including a solid defensive effort for much of the night and a promising showing from their Finnish forwards.

That sets up an enticing encounter on Game Day 2. Zurich will be determined to avoid a second straight slip, while Tychy are eager to prove that Polish hockey can compete with Europe’s top teams. With both sides chasing their first win, this one has the makings of a hard-fought contest in Switzerland.