Overview
- Kölner Haie defeated defending champion Frölunda HC 5-2 at home with Marcel Noebels scoring twice and Kevin Niedenz, Daniel Fischbuch and Frederik Storm also on the scoresheet in front of a CHL-record 18,104 spectators.
- The result gives Köln eight of nine possible points from three group matches and leaves the club level on points with HC Davos near the top of the overall CHL table.
- Eisbären Berlin recovered from two heavy away losses in Switzerland to claim their first CHL victory, beating Graz99ers 4-1 with Leonhard Pföderl scoring twice and Markus Vikingstad and Eric Mik adding goals.
- The CHL group phase ranks all 24 teams in one table with the top 16 advancing, so these early points matter as clubs manage squad rotation with the DEL domestic season about to start.
- Rosters are already influencing results: Köln’s summer signing Noebels made an immediate impact, while Berlin are coping without top forward Liam Kirk and are leaning on younger arrivals to fill gaps.