Eisbären Berlin hosted the Sheffield Steelers in the German capital for the Return Game of their Champions Hockey League Round of 16 match-up. The match promised to be interesting, as Sheffield aimed to overturn a two-goal deficit while Berlin looked to defend their lead and secure a spot in the Quarter-Finals – and the Germans delivered!

The first period brought a single goal, scored by Sheffield’s Marc-Olivier Vallerand on a powerplay awarded after a hooking penalty. This goal narrowed the aggregate score briefly, bringing the Brits within one and setting up a tense battle as the period ended.

Berlin dominated the second period, extending their aggregate lead to 7-4 with two quick goals. Yannick Veilleux struck first at 24:18, slipping the puck between the Sheffield goalie’s pads in a one-on-one situation.

Just over a minute later, at 25:48, Korbinian Geibel fired a sharp shot from the left circle to double Berlin’s tally. Sheffield also had their chances, including a 5-on-3 powerplay increased by playing with an empty net, but they failed to take advantage.

In the third period, Berlin solidified their victory. Ty Ronning added to the lead at 48:53, and while Sheffield mounted a late push with a goal three minutes before the buzzer, their efforts to close the gap fell short. Pulling their goalie for an extra attacker backfired, as Blaine Byron sealed the win with an empty-net goal at 57:46.

As the final buzzer sounded, Berlin could finally celebrate their well-earned 9-5 aggregate victory and qualification for the Quarter-Finals, keeping their Champions Hockey League season alive.