EHC Neuwied Fends Off Match Point, Keeps CEHL Title Hope Alive with 5-1 Victory
Neuwied, Germany – EHC Neuwied extended its quest for the Central European Hockey League (CEHL) championship with a decisive 5-1 victory over UltimAir Hijs Hokij Den Haag on Tuesday evening. This win successfully defended against a match point for the Dutch team, leveling the best-of-five final series at 2-2.
Early Lead Sets the Tone
The game began with a swift goal by Jeff Smith just 19 seconds into the first period, assisted by Rajala and Alexandrov, igniting the atmosphere in the arena. The early lead established a confident tone for the Bears.
Controversial Incidents and Defensive Resilience
The first period also saw a series of contentious moments involving Donovan de Zwart of Hijs Hokij, who received penalties for elbowing and unsportsmanlike conduct, but escaped suspension. Despite these incidents, Neuwied’s defense proved resilient, successfully preventing Hijs Hokij from capitalizing on power play opportunities. Neuwied had three power play opportunities in the first period but failed to convert.
Nailing the Game
The second period saw Neuwied extend its lead, with Jeff Smith scoring again at the 38th minute, assisted by Rajala and Götz, bringing the score to 2-0. Artjom Alexandrov further solidified Neuwied’s advantage in the 54th minute with a goal assisted by Wasser and Rajala, making it 3-0. Matias Mustonen scored for Hijs Hokij at 56th minute, assisted by Desaultes and van der Schuit, but Neuwied responded with goals from Jeff Smith (59th minute, assisted by Wasser) and Philip Kecojevic (60th minute) to seal the 5-1 victory.
Series Heads to The Hague
With the series now tied 2-2, the deciding Game 4 will be played in The Hague on Friday, March 27th. Neuwied manager Carsten Billigmann expressed confidence in securing a win on enemy territory, aiming to bring the series back to Neuwied for a final game.
Game Statistics
Neuwied: Köllejan – Götz, Walkowiak, Polok, Hedström, Burghard, Marten, Becker – Rajala, Chetik, Asbach, Beeg, Dötsch, Sprez, Jamieson, Kecojevic, Sperling, Stumpe, Wasser, Smith, Alexandrov.
The Hague: Culina – Helenklaken, van Oeveren, Haisma, de Bruijn, van Oorschot, Buis, Desaultes, Doop – Oosterveld, Monds, Bison, van der Schuit, J. De Zwart, de Ruiter, van Schilt, Collard, Mustonen, D. De Zwart, Huisman, Bijsterbosch.
Referees: Chris van Grinsven/Marcus Eberl.
Viewers: 1527.
Penalty minutes: 4:10.
Goals: 1:0 Jeff Smith (Rajala, Alexandrov) 1′, 2:0 Jeff Smith (Rajala, Götz) 38′, 3:0 Artjom Alexandrov (Wasser, Rajala) 54′, 3:1 Matias Mustonen (Desaultes, van der Schuit) 56′, 4:1 Jeff Smith (Wasser) 59′, 5:1 Philip Kecojevic 60′.