Graz99ers Narrowly Miss Champions Hockey League Upset Against Swiss Champions Fribourg

The Moser Medical Graz99ers returned to the Champions Hockey League on the opening matchday after an absence of nearly seven years, falling 2-4 to reigning Swiss champions Fribourg-Gottéron.

CHL Return Built on Resilience Despite Roster Shortages

Returning to Europe’s club competition for the first time since October 16, 2019, the Graz99ers faced an immediate uphill climb. Despite the depleted lineup, the visitors from Switzerland applied pressure early, breaking through in the 4th minute when Lucas Hedlund capitalized on a rebound to secure an early lead.

Graz responded immediately through a fast rush from Paul Huber, who narrowly missed the equalizer. After killing off a 10th-minute tripping penalty called against Johannes Gruber, the 99ers earned two power-play opportunities. Chris Collins converted the second man-advantage before the first intermission, burying a loose puck to tie the game 1-1.

Tension Builds Through Scoreless Middle Frame

The intensity carried into the second period as Graz maintained their tactical gameplan. Captain Marcus Vela delivered a precise pass to Huber, who again found himself alone in front but missed high against the Swiss defense. As the period progressed, the 99ers seized control of the pace, establishing sustained zone time in Fribourg territory without finding the go-ahead goal.

Manuel Ganahl pushed the tempo in the opening minutes of the third period, firing a wrist shot just wide of the post. Mid-way through the frame, Fribourg tested the Graz defense on a breakaway, but goaltender Nico Wieser delivered a crucial save against Christoph Bertschy to keep the score level.

Late Penalty and Final Seconds Seal the Result

The deadlock broke inside the closing minutes when Yannick Rathgeb and Anthony Richard struck in quick succession to hand Fribourg a 3-1 advantage. Trailing late, Graz earned a power play with 3:02 remaining on the clock. Coach Lacroix pulled Wieser for an extra skater to create a 6-on-4 advantage, a gamble that paid off when Huber deflected a power-play marker to narrow the deficit to 3-2.

The 99ers threw every available skater forward in search of an equalizer in the dying seconds, but Fribourg cleared the zone and deposited an empty-net goal to establish the final 2-4 scoreline.