Brynäs had to manage without their star acquisition Nicklas Bäckström in their first competitive match of the season. The former NHL player had a prior agreement that he would not play due to a "private family matter", writes Gefle Dagblad according to Expressen.
After the first period, Brynäs were trailing 0–1, and early in the second, the Czech champions made it 2–0 and 3–0. Jack Kopacka scored a consolation goal for the Gävle team to 1–3 before the final period.
The home team extended their lead to 4–1 in the end of the third period and the Swedish team will instead recharge for Sunday's match against Mountfield, also from the Czech Republic.
In parallel, Frölunda also played in the CHL against the Italian club Bolzano. Frölunda took the lead through Max Lindholm in the first period, and in the second, Jacob Petersson extended the lead to 2–0.
In the third period, the 3–0 goal also came via Henrik Tömmernes, which meant three secure points for Frölunda in the first competitive match of the season. Next, the Gothenburg team will face Lausanne.
