SønderjyskE Vojens’ first Champions Hockey League game in four seasons ends in disappointment as Red Bull Munich uphold their role as favourites. The home team put on a good show, but it was Munich who dictated play, having nearly double the amount of shots and shots on goal.

After a few minutes of back and forth, Trevor Parkes opened the scoring for the night nine minutes into the game, putting the hosts in the lead. But SønderjyskE were quick to react – a minute later, Matt Salhany found himself two-on-one in front of Danny aus den Birken. He took the shot upon himself and drove the puck into the corner of the net, just out of the netminder's reach to tie the game 1-1.

Five minutes into the second period, Jonathon Blum was dealt a two-minute interference penalty, but SønderjyskE failed to break through the tough Munich defence of Yannic Seidenberg and co.

Ten minutes later, Munich’s Ben Smith tried a solo effort on goal, showcasing his remarkable puck-handling skills and agile skating ability. Sadly for him, Patrick Galbraith was prepared and neutralised his chance.

Despite having more chances and being on the offensive for the majority of the second period, Munich’s defensive actions were deemed penalties five times. For a brief moment, the Germans were even down to just three men. On the plus side, they tested their penalty kill unit, which passed with flying colours.

As the second period slowly ended, Munich captain Patrick Hager launched the puck into the top right-hand corner of the SønderjyskE net, earning his side a one-goal lead as both teams headed for the locker rooms.

SønderjyskE tried to up the tempo as they returned for the final period, but they found it hard to break down Munich’s defence. The DEL side dug deep, enjoying their one-goal lead and waiting for their chance to come.

Nine minutes in, Trevor Parkes drove the puck in front of the net where he linked up with Frederik Tiffels, who doubled Munich’s lead with a close-range shot that sailed in without resistence.

Munich’s fourth was destined to come as SønderjyskE started to lose their grip on the game. Seven minutes before the final buzzer, an unmarked Daryl Boyle sniped one in from point-blank range – Trevor Parkes yet again with the assist.

Goal number four for the Germans was reviewed by the referees but ultimately stood. The third period ended with the away side scoring an empty-net goal, compounding the misery for the hosts.