KAC Klagenfurt started their 2021/22 Champions Hockey League campaign with an OT win against a determined Rouen Dragons side. After two goals in the first period, the score stayed untouched for the next 40 minutes, before three-on-three OT play freed up the space for Nicholas Petersen to score the game-winning goal.

Both teams were at it from the get go, eager to get the upper hand early on and that’s exactly what happened – Klagenfurt’s Manuel Ganahl scored a lovely wrist shot after poaching the puck right in front of the Rouen net.

It took the French champions most of the first period to score the equaliser but they got there eventually, as Rolands Vigners somehow found the back of the home team’s net in a very messy situation. Both teams headed for the locker rooms with the score tied 1-1.

A goalless second period saved all the action for the final 20 minutes of regulation, as both teams pushed for the winner. Klagenfurt seemed to have the upper hand as they played more on the puck and aimed their shots at the Rouen net more frequently, but the Dragons also had their chances, mainly hitting the post two minutes before the final buzzer.

As the minutes ticked away, it was clear this evenly matched game was heading to OT.

Three-on-three action in sudden-death OT freed up the play for Klagenfurt, who found the back of the net just one minute in.

Nicholas Petersen drove the puck forward and rid himself of a marking player to let off a shot at Matija Pintarič from close range. The shot was blocked, but Petersen was prepared for the rebound and this time he didn’t miss, sealing the deal for the Austrians as they kick-start the new season with a big win in front of their home fans.