Skellefteå AIK hosted the Lahti Pelicans in northern Sweden for Game Day 3 of the Champions Hockey League, where both teams fought hard for vital points to edge closer to Playoffs qualification. In the end, it was the home side that came out on top, leaving the ice satisfied with a well-earned victory.

The Swedes made an impressive start, energising their home crowd by scoring twice in the first period. The opening goal came just two minutes into the game when Andreas Johnson finished off a perfect pass, sending the puck into the net with precision. Skellefteå quickly doubled their lead, thanks to a well-coordinated play between Jonathan Pudas and Rickard Hugg. Pudas capitalised on the opportunity, sending the puck swiftly past Lahti's goalie to make it 2-0.

It should be mentioned that Lahti also showed strong form, creating scoring opportunities, including a close call on the powerplay in the 12th minute, but Skellefteå’s goalie remained sharp, keeping the Finns off the scoreboard.

The second period didn’t bring any goals, but was full of tense moments. Skellefteå maintained their offensive pressure, and both teams had chances on the powerplay. Lahti earned their opportunity after a holding-the-stick penalty at 27:50, and Skellefteå had a chance after a tripping call late in the period, but neither side could capitalise.

The third period opened up with excitement as Lahti’s Tim Lindfors scored on the powerplay, reducing the deficit to 2-1. Shortly after, Konsta Hirvonen equalised, tying the game at 2-2.

However, Skellefteå quickly regained their lead when Jonathan Pudas scored his second of the night at 54:58, making it 3-2. In a last-ditch effort, Lahti pulled their goalie, but the gamble didn’t pay off. Skellefteå’s Mārtiņš Dzierkals scored into the empty net, sealing a 4-2 victory for the home team, sending the Finns home with nothing.