Ingolstadt, Bavaria – On December 23, the ERC Ingolstadt’s impressive 14-game home winning streak at the Saturn-Arena came to an end with a 3-1 loss to EHC Munich. The defeat saw the Panthers drop from the top spot to fourth place in the German Ice Hockey League (DEL) standings, while Munich extended their own winning streak to eight consecutive victories.
Munich’s Efficiency Trumps Ingolstadt’s Unlucky Shots
Despite a strong performance, ERC Ingolstadt was plagued by misfortune, hitting the goalpost three times throughout the game. ERC captain Morgan Ellis commented on the team’s efficiency, stating, “Our efficiency wasn’t as good as it could be today. Especially since Munich doesn’t allow much anyway, defensively they are brutal. After Christmas Eve, we will step on the gas again.”
Former ERC captain Fabio Wagner, now playing for Munich, acknowledged Ingolstadt’s early dominance: “The Panthers were stronger at first and had the better chances. In one way or another, we also had a bit of luck with the puck. But we finished it well and took our opportunities.”
Game Highlights and Key Moments
The game started with both teams showing intensity. Kenny Agostino of ERC Ingolstadt narrowly missed an early goal in the first minute. EHC Munich’s Taro Hirose and Jeremy McKenna tested Ingolstadt’s goaltender Brett Brochu early on.
The pace intensified in the 12th minute when Philipp Krauß nearly scored for Ingolstadt, followed by Sam Ruopp hitting the goalpost. Munich’s Hirose, however, was more precise, scoring the opening goal during a four-on-four situation in the 16th minute. ERC’s Riley Barber quickly equalized in the 17th minute with his 23rd goal of the season, and his fourth against Munich, after a successful face-off by Peter Abbandonato.
Second Period: Munich Takes Control Amidst Ingolstadt’s Missed Opportunities
The second period saw more missed chances for Ingolstadt, with Myles Powell hitting the post in the 21st minute and Daniel Schmölz missing an open net in the 24th. EHC Munich, however, capitalized on their opportunities. Chris DeSousa scored his first goal in the 26th minute, putting Munich back in the lead. Ingolstadt continued to struggle with finishing, as Girduckis hit the post for the third time in the 32nd minute, and DeSousa scored his second goal shortly after, extending Munich’s lead to 3-1.
ERC coach Mark French identified a turning point: “The crucial point was that we didn’t have a suitable answer to the second goal.”
Third Period: Munich’s Defense Holds Strong
In the final period, Ingolstadt’s efforts to create scoring chances were largely thwarted by Munich’s engaged and concentrated defense. Despite power plays and even a two-man advantage for a brief period, Ingolstadt could not beat Munich’s strong goaltender, Antoine Bibeau. The Panthers’ lack of efficiency and Munich’s solid defense ultimately sealed the victory for the visitors.
ERC Ingolstadt will now face Adler Mannheim, the new league leaders, on December 26.
Match Statistics
ERC Ingolstadt: Brochu – Ellis, Breton; Hüttl, Ruopp; Preto, Spornberger; Tropmann – Girduckis, Powell, Agostino; Barber, Abbandonato, Schmölz; P. Krauß, Keating, Sheen; J. Krauß, Pietta, Hauf.
EHC Munich: Bibeau – Pokka, Wagner; Abeltshauser, Heatherington; Murphy, Daubner; Warnecke – Hirose, DeSousa, Oswald; McKenna, Fontaine, Schreiner; Krening, Ferguson, Ehliz; Hager, Heigl.
Referees: Ansons/Palkövi.
Goals: 0:1 Hirose (16.), 1:1 Barber (17.), 1:2 DeSousa (26.), 1:3 DeSousa (33.).
Penalty Minutes: 8/8.
Attendance: 4591 (sold out).
Source: https://www.donaukurier.de/lokales/ingolstadt/heimserie-reisst-und-platz-eins-weg-auch-weil-der-erc-bei-1-3-gegen-muenchen-dreimal-das-torgestaenge-trifft-20205187
