When Färjestad last week beat Sparta Prague with a clear 6–2 away in the Czech Republic, the Värmland residents had at least one skate in the final of the Champions Hockey League (CHL).
Even though the home semi-final return in Karlstad was even during the first period – actually the whole match – Färjestad's final ticket was never threatened.
After a little over a quarter, Joel Kellman scored the leading goal in the top corner in numerical superiority. Sparta Prague quickly replied, but needed the help of home goalkeeper Max Lagacé to get an equalizer. The Färjestad goalkeeper tried to save a dump puck, but it all ended with him sweeping it into his own goal.
The definitive decision came in the middle act. Already after 1.34, Magnus Nygren sent in 2–1 in numerical superiority with a powerful slapshot, and after 7.25, Michael Lindqvist was clinical when the Värmland residents counter-attacked.
Sparta Prague reduced before the break, but a little over seven minutes into the third period, Marian Studenic set 4–2 and 10–4 total to Färjestad, which also became the final result.
This is the seventh time Färjestad plays in the CHL, but this will be the first final.
Waiting there is ZSC Lions, who won the all-Swiss meeting against Genève-Servette with 9–4 overall after the semi-final return ended 3–3.
The final is decided in one match and will be played on February 18. Then, ZSC Lions will have home advantage in Zurich.
2024: Genève-Servette, Switzerland–Skellefteå 3–2
2023: Tappara, Finland–Luleå 3–2
2022: Rögle–Tappara 2–1.
2021: Cancelled due to the pandemic.
2020: Frölunda–Mountfield, Czech Republic 3–1
2019: Frölunda–Red Bull München, Germany 3–1
2018: Jyp, Finland–Växjö 2–0
2017: Frölunda–Sparta Prague, Czech Republic 4–3 after overtime
2016: Frölunda–Kärpät, Finland 2–1
2015: Luleå–Frölunda 4–2
