When Skellefteå AIK visited Bolzano on Gameday 1, the Swedish team admittedly knew little about the EBEL champions. However, following a 4-3 shootout defeat, they know now and aren’t likely to take them lightly when they meet again in Northern Sweden.

Two days after that meeting, Skellefteå took out their frustrations on GKS Tychy, drubbing the Polish champs by scores of 8-1 and 6-2. The Foxes, meanwhile, have shown no signs that their opening win was a fluke as they remain unbeaten, defeating IFK Helsinki 4-1 in regulation time, and then 2-1 for another shootout win.

With that, both of these teams are tied atop Group C with seven points each, meaning the winner will be alone in first with two rounds to play. For Bolzano, a regulation win will secure their place in the Round of 16.

Individually, netminder Leyland Irving has been Bolzano’s biggest start so far. The Canadian goaltender has played in all three games, with a goals-against average of 1.58 and save percentage of 95.58. He’s also stopped 11 of 12 penalty shots. Offensively, five players have recorded three points so far – the LGT Top Scorer’s jersey goes to Michael Blunden with three goals. Alexander Petan is 2-for-4 on penalty shots.

For Skellefteå, Joakim Lindström and Mathis Olimb both have five points – Lindström has one goal, while Olimb has all assists. Mantas Armalis has played two of the first three games in goal, including the shootout loss to Bolzano, while Gustav Lindvall played in Tychy.