The Belfast Giants played a tightly-contested game with Finnish side Lukko Rauma. The visitors from Northern Ireland scored the first goal of the game in the middle frame but a Lukko Rauma equaliser and a two-goal final period saw the Finns take three points into the Regular Season Standings.

Both teams started off their first Game Day of the 2023/24 Champions Hockey League season rather cautiously with the first period not bringing the opening goal of the tie. A tripping call was made in Lukko's favour, giving them a chance to put pressure on the Giants, however, this opportunity didn’t lead to a change on the scoreboard.

The away team also had a chance to utilise a powerplay after a holding penalty at 15:01 but unfortunately for them, Lukko fended off any threats on goal.

The Giants took the lead at 29:18 after Ara Nazarian carried the puck right in front of the home goalie’s doorstep, giving Greg Printz the perfect chance to score the first goal of the night. Belfast picked up a slashing call not long after, and Lukko punished them on the powerplay, levelling the score at 1-1.

The home team got into the lead for the very first time in the game when Brayden Burke got the puck behind Tyler Beskorowany's back during a three-player break for the Belfast goalie at 45:33.

With the final buzzer approaching, Belfast had no choice but to risk it all by pulling their goalie. This did not bring the results they wanted and unfortunately, the visitors were caught out with an empty-net goal just seconds before the end of the game, cementing the scoreline at 3-1 to Lukko.

Lukko must keep up the pace as they will face the Aalborg Pirates in Denmark on Sunday. Belfast have to refocus and regain their strength quickly, as they prepare to face the 2023 CHL Champions Tappara Tampere in the state-of-the-art Nokia Arena tomorrow.