San Sebastián, Spain – The Club Hielo Jaca completed a remarkable run to the championship, defeating Txuri Urdin 3-1 on Sunday in the fourth and final game of the best-of-five series to claim the inaugural Iberian League title. The victory marks a significant milestone for the Aragonese club, even as bringing an conclude to a promising season for Txuri Urdin, who had upset a favored Puigcerdà team in the semifinals.
The atmosphere at the Palacio del Hielo de Anoeta was electric, with a capacity crowd urging on the home team. However, despite the fervent support, Txuri Urdin struggled to find the back of the net consistently against the formidable Jarvinen, Jaca’s goaltender, who stopped 34 of 35 shots – a save percentage of 97%.
Jaca quickly established control early in the contest, scoring two goals within the first minute. Iker Barandiaran answered for Txuri Urdin, cutting the deficit to 2-1, but that would be the extent of their scoring. The second period saw Txuri Urdin press for an equalizer, but they were unable to convert their opportunities. Jaca’s defense effectively limited the quality of the shots, forcing the Donostiarra team to take attempts from distance.
A penalty against Jaca’s Juan Fernández midway through the second period offered Txuri Urdin a power play opportunity, but they failed to capitalize. The third period began with Txuri Urdin again shorthanded due to a penalty assessed to Iker Barandiaran, and the team appeared to be feeling the physical toll of a grueling playoff schedule, including a 3-5 loss the previous day.
With just four minutes remaining, Txuri Urdin coach Tito Marcelino called a timeout, opting to pull goaltender Virtanen in favor of an extra attacker. The gamble didn’t pay off. The final minutes were marred by tension, culminating in a scuffle near the Txuri Urdin net that resulted in a game misconduct penalty for Txuri Urdin defenseman Bikendi Arregui following a disagreement with the referee.
Despite the disappointing result, the Txuri Urdin players were met with applause from the appreciative home crowd, acknowledging a season that exceeded expectations. The team’s semifinal victory over Puigcerdà, the top team in the domestic competition with twelve wins and only two losses, was a major accomplishment.
The road to the final wasn’t easy for Txuri Urdin. After finishing fourth in the league standings, they faced Puigcerdà in the playoffs. Having been unable to defeat the Catalans during the regular season, overcoming them in the semifinals presented a significant challenge. They managed to extend the series to a decisive fifth game, securing their place in the championship round.
This championship win for Jaca comes on the heels of Puigcerdà’s victory in the Copa de la Reina, where they defeated Jaca 3-0. Puigcerdà’s Copa de la Reina title adds to their growing trophy case, making them the second most decorated team in the competition’s history with three titles, trailing only SH Majadahonda’s eleven.
The victory solidifies Jaca’s position as a leading force in Iberian hockey. The team’s success is a testament to their strong goaltending, disciplined defense, and opportunistic offense. For Txuri Urdin, the loss is undoubtedly a setback, but their performance this season demonstrates their potential for future success.
The 2026 Iberian League season has concluded, marking a new chapter in the development of hockey in the region. Fans will now appear ahead to next season, anticipating another competitive battle for the championship title.
What’s Next: The focus now shifts to the off-season for both teams, with roster evaluations and preparations for the next league campaign. Details regarding the start date and schedule for the 2026-2027 season will be announced by the league in the coming months.
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