3 minute read
A night to remember
A NIGHT TO REMEMBER
In February, a sold-out Scandinavium of 12,044 fans saw the Frölunda Indians win their third CHL title in Gothenburg. It was a highlight in the Champions Hockey League's five-year history – and an event leaving everyone with the feeling of wanting more.
5 February in Gothenburg had all the ingredients for a perfect night of ice hockey. On the one hand, hosts Frölunda Indians, the most successful team in the Champions Hockey League so far, competing in their fourth Final to win their third title. On the other hand, the away team traveling from Munich, the fairytale story of the season, the first German team ever to make it further than the Round of 16, and with it creating unbelievable excitement in their own country. This was all combined with the biggest ever CHL Final venue, a capacity almost double that of previous events.
The Scandinavium was sold out within a couple of hours. 12,044 fans were keen to be part of the ultimate European season showdown, with around 500 travelling from Germany. About 75 journalists and photographers also requested media accreditation, a new record for a CHL Final. And the broadcasting side raised the bar with 65 territories worldwide getting live coverage from 29 TV partners. Additionally, along with the Swedish host broadcaster SVT, four more TV stations announced the presence of their crews for on-site coverage (Sport1, ARD and ZDF from Germany, as well as MTV from Finland).
“Every single CHL Final so far was a great success and every edition had its own story,” CHL CEO Martin Baumann, who has been with the competition since the very beginning and thus witnessed the development very closely, said. “But during the build-up to the 2019 Final, there was something in the air. Everyone involved had the feeling that something truly great was being created for us.”
And he was right: When the countdown was close to face-off, the arena’s light dimmed and the intro show captured everyone there with its magic. Everything was set for an outstanding hockey night in Gothenburg. Two-time champions Frölunda took the lead right from the start. Backed by the home crowd the Swedes scored three goals, while the Munich team struggled to shine on D-day. Hope was restored after a late goal – but the minutes ticked away and the score stayed at 3-1 until the end of regulation time.
The magic night in Gothenburg culminated with the Frölunda Indians celebrating in front of a sold out home crowd, winning their third CHL title, leaving the ice as the undisputed force in European club ice hockey. But it was also a huge success for Red Bull Munich, their team, fans and a whole hockey country – despite the bittersweet loss.
“As beautiful our sport is, it can be just as painful. To fail at the final stage, and to watch the other team celebrating, hurts badly,” Munich’s Konrad Abeltshauser summarised shortly after the final buzzer. “For now, it is painful. But we must be proud of what we have achieved in the Champions Hockey League.”
Pain will heal, memories remain. History was made. It was truly a night to remember.
Winning their third CHL title in front of a sold-out home crowd at the Scandinavium was magic for the Frölunda players.
With 22 points, Ryan Lasch was not only a crucial part of Frölunda’s team, but he also became the league's undisputed Top Scorer.
Frölunda’s Head Coach Roger Rönnberg lifting the European Trophy. The CHL Final at the Scandinavium was his 60th Champions Hockey League game – a record!
