- Gustav Nielsen netted the lone goal for SønderjyskE
- Tappara's youngsters shine in the first period
- Hugo Gallet netted two goals for his side
SønderjyskE Vojens got off to a great start against Tappara Tampere on Game Day 5 of the Champions Hockey League, but couldn't sustain the lead ultimately going down to their Finnish rivals 7-1. Tappara dominated, outshooting their rivals 42-18, and averaging just over two goals per period.
Gustav Nielsen had the home crowd excited after sinking a shot low on the blocker side of Tappara's Juha Metsola, but the joy was short-lived as the Finns would score the equaliser less than five minutes later.
Petteri Puhakka orchestrated the magic with a beautiful hit in the corner and Nicholas Halloran was right in place to send the puck to Oiva Keskinen who had it shovelled past netminder Tobias Vilykke.
19-year-old forward Emil Järventie made it 2-1 for Tappara after he collected his rebound putting goal number two past Vilykke.
The team from Tampere showed renewed strength in the second period lighting the lamp a third time through defenceman Hugo Gallet. A duo of penalties levied on the Danes didn't help their situation, meanwhile, Tappara took every chance to extend their lead, but the gods of special teams paid no dues.
With even-strength play resuming, the game slipped away from SønderjyskE. A one-timer rocket sent in from Gallet would make it 4-1 and less than two minutes later, Aleksi Matinmikko cashed in his first goal of the evening taking the scoreboard to 5-1.
The remaining minutes saw Tappara in full control of the game while the Danes struggled to move the puck in their zone. Gabriel Desjardins looked like he caught the best break of the night but fanned on the shot, leaving the period to close and a hefty four-goal differential for the Danes.
Vilykke was kept busy by Tappara as they continued their barrage in the third period and offensive efforts proved futile. Jacob Panetta had a sensational chance but clipped the stick of Metsola, sending the puck out of play.
The visitors extended their lead to 6-1 through Aapeli Räsänen (powerplay goal number one) after Desjardins was called for tripping and goal seven would come off a wristshot from Benjamin Rautiainen who bested the glove-side of Vilykke.
With no time left to claw their way back into the game, the final buzzer sounded 7-1 in favour of Tappara and SønderjyskE exit carrying the burden of five straight losses.