Färjestad Karlstad made it look relatively simple at the Lofbergs Arena on Game Day 1, as they blew past HC05 Banská Bystrica by a 6-1 scoreline to move to the top of Group G. The points were wrapped up early in the first period, as Färjestad ran out to a three goal lead through goals by Michael Lindqvist, Per Åslund and Johan Ryno. Tempers flared in the first as Ján Brejčák and Gustav Rydahl both received game misconducts for fighting.

Banská Bystrica got off to a strong start to the second period, and capitalised on a powerplay opportunity as Mitchell Blake Wahl converted with a smart shot to beat Markus Svensson. However, any optimism that the away side may have had came crashing down after Jonathon Blum found the twine to send the teams into the second intermission with a three goal lead.

The hosts didn’t let up in the final period, as Martin Johansson and Lucas Ekeståhl Jonsson lit the lamp to give a final score of 6-1. Despite the one-sided score, shots on goal between the two teams were practically level (34 to 28 for Färjestad). Banská Bystrica will look to get their 2019/20 campaign back on the road on Saturday against Red Bull Munich, whilst Färjestad will host the raucuous fans of HC Ambrì-Piotta.