In their long-awaited return to the Champions Hockey League, Comarch Cracovia host Straubing Tigers for their first match. The opening period came and went and neither team was able to score, but plenty of good work was visible on both sides.

The first two penalities came from Cracovia's Robert Arrak for hooking and minutes later, Kayle Doeztel for interference. 

Straubing followed with their own penalties, first with Mike Connolly for slashing at 19:39 and Marcel Brandt for delaying the game at 19:51.

As the second period began, Straubing's Marcel Brandt brought the first goal on deck during a powerplay, assisted by Taylor Leier. 

Feeling the heat, Cracovia suffered two more penalities, Marek Racuk for high-sticking and Martin Kasperlik for interference. 

With minutes left in the second period, Straubing scores two more goals, by Taylor Leier at 37:19, followed by Stephan Daschner at 39:38.

Entering the third period 3:0 for Straubing, Cracovia tried their best to organize themselves into a better position, but two more penalties gave Straubing their next opportunity to score a second powerplay goal. 

Taylor Leier would strike again, bringing a solid 4:0 lead for Straubing as time slipped away from Cracovia and any chance of a surprise return. 

Unfortunately, Cracovia wasn't able to catch up with their opponents, lagging behind on shots 77-34 for Straubing.

Yet, some real talent was present in the home team, including Cracovia's netminder Rok Stojanovic who fought hard to defend his team against the onslaught of Straubing shots. 

Be sure to catch up with more from Group F in the upcoming matches!