(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Ilves Tampere Stuns Belfast Giants with Late Four-Goal Surge in CHL
Belfast, Northern Ireland: A stunning late rally from Ilves Tampere saw the Finnish side score four goals in the final 10 minutes to secure a 7-4 Champions Hockey League victory over the Belfast Giants at the SSE Arena.
The Giants had fought back three times to take a 4-3 lead, but fatigue and a lapse in concentration allowed Ilves to dominate the closing stages. Bo Hanson, Belfast’s defenseman, said, “Maybe fatigue played a part, but they’re one of the best teams in Finland—you can’t switch off for a second.”
Ilves started strongly, outshooting the Giants 12-3 in the first period, but only led 1-0 thanks to Timi Teuho-Markkola. Belfast responded in the second period with goals from Nicolas Guay, JJ Piccinich, and David Goodwin, briefly taking a 4-3 lead.
The third period initially favored the Giants as Goodwin and Hanson scored to put Belfast ahead 5-4. However, Ilves hit back with a remarkable four-goal blitz from Jarkko Parikka, Simon Johansson, Matic, and Lukas Svejkovsky in just over four minutes, sealing the win.
Hanson reflected on the challenge: “It’s one of the best leagues in Europe. They’re fast, skilled, and every line can make plays. It’s another level, but we’ll learn from this and get better.”
The Giants now face a tough road ahead, traveling to Switzerland next week to face Lausanne and Zug, seeking their first away victory in the CHL to remain in knockout contention.
