A Nordic showdown unfolded in Sweden as Brynäs IF hosted Finns KalPa Kuopio at the Monitor ERP Arena for the first of two Quarter-Final encounters in the Champions Hockey League. With both teams aware that the margins grow thinner at this stage of the competition, they approached the game with full intensity from the opening shift, but the night ultimately favoured the home side.

KalPa struck first, needing less than thirty seconds to silence the arena. Andreas Okany converted from the slot after a brilliant pass from Teemu Hartikainen, giving the visitors an early lead. Brynäs responded quickly, however, as Axel Jonsson-Fjällby finished a superb individual rush with a smooth deke at 4:57 to tie the game.

The remainder of the opening period settled into a tighter rhythm, with neither side generating chances dangerous enough to change the score.

The second period swung heavily in Brynäs’ direction. Gustav Hillström opened the scoring at 29:10, and just over two minutes later, Jack Kopacka doubled the advantage with a powerful shot from the blue line.

KalPa looked set to escape to the locker room trailing by two, but Brynäs struck again. Johannes Kinnvall added a late blow with only five seconds left in the frame, widening the gap to three.

The final period further solidified Brynäs’ control. At 48:47, Axel Andersson found himself unmarked in the slot and calmly finished to stretch the lead even more, making KalPa’s comeback prospects even slimmer.

As the final buzzer sounded, Brynäs celebrated a convincing victory that gives them an excellent position heading into the Return Game in Finland.