HC Innsbruck's 5-2 win over Genève-Servette last night was the biggest surprise of the first day of Champions Hockey League action.
The Austrian club are the only newcomer team in the 2023/24 season and were set to face a side that is favoured to win the entire competition in their very first game in the pan-European competition - Swiss champions Genève-Servette.
Innsbruck started the game as expected, going 2-0 down within the first three minutes and being outplayed in every battle, but in an astonishing turn of event, three second-period goals saw them take a one-goal lead against their Swiss visitors!
"We had a tough start but we settled in and got confident play by play," was Kevin Roy's first reaction when asked about the game, "I'm so proud of our guys - we really respected all their skill but we believed we could win!"
Innsbruck not only held on to their one-goal lead, they also added two more by the time the final buzzer sounded.
"We believe we have a great group and that we can beat anybody here," he added.
Roy scored a 32:23 equaliser for Innsbruck before adding a 59:57 empty-netter to seal the 5-2 scoreline.
"That's what I'm here for, but of course, it feels amazing!"
Innsbruck's TIWAG Arena is one of the smaller CHL venues but once you're inside, the fans really pack a punch.
"The atmosphere was awesome," commented Roy, "it was such a cool experience! They helped us through the entire game."
With six different opponents per team, the CHL schedule is packed. Innsbruck's next game is against EHC Biel-Bienne this Saturday.
"We have to enjoy this for a moment, but then we will go home, recover and hit the road."
"Everyday is a new battle," concluded the 30-year-old ex-NHLer who was glowing as if he'd just lifted the Stanley Cup - that's how much this win means to Innsbruck, its players and its fans.