The Lions started the Czech Hockey Games tournament with a tough battle against the host Czech Republic, but ultimately had to swallow a 2–3 defeat.

The match had a promising start for Finland when Saku Mäenalanen put the Lions in the lead at the end of the first period. However, the joy was short-lived: the Czech Republic equalized in the very last seconds when Matyas Melovsky’s shot surprised Harri Säteri just two seconds before the intermission.

In the second period, the hosts took the lead when the NHL familiar Dominik Kubalik scored the only goal of the period.

The Lions fought back in the third period with a goal from Juho Lammikko, but the joy was again short-lived. Matyas Filip decided the match for the Czech Republic with just under seven minutes left.

The Lions’ tournament continues on Saturday when they face the Swiss national ice hockey team in a match starting at 1 PM.

LUE MYÖS:

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