HL Anyang has claimed the top spot in the Asia League ice hockey in its 30th anniversary.
Under the leadership of head coach Baek Ji-sun, HL Anyang won 2-1 against the Hokkaido Red Eagles after a closely contested overtime in Game 4 of the 2024-2025 Asia League ice hockey final, held at the HL Anyang Ice Rink on the 5th.
With this victory, HL Anyang finished the series with a record of 3 wins and 1 loss, securing its third consecutive championship (regular season first place - playoff championship).
Goaltender Matt Dalton, who will retire after this season, showcased exceptional defense leading to the win. Dalton was also named playoff MVP, enjoying double the joy.
HL Anyang's Asia League ice hockey championship marks three consecutive seasons of triumph. Additionally, it is the team's ninth overall championship.
HL Anyang finished the first period without scoring a goal. As if that were not enough, they allowed the first goal to the Red Eagles shortly after the start of the second period.
However, HL Anyang quickly netted an equalizer. At 13 minutes and 30 seconds into the second period, Lee Hyun-seung scored from a consolidation between Kim Gun-woo and Ohtsu Yusei, leveling the score at 1-1.
HL Anyang and the Red Eagles continued their fierce battle. Both teams' goalkeepers made relentless saves, preventing any additional goals. Ultimately, HL Anyang and the Red Eagles struggled to score, leading to overtime.
The bloodshed continued in overtime, with HL Anyang taking the initiative and competing fiercely. The winning goal was scored by Kang Min-wan. The shot from Kang Min-wan, who received a pass from Ahn Jin-hwi, could not be stopped by the Red Eagles, ultimately scoring and elevating HL Anyang to the pinnacle of the Asia League.
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