Skellefteå AIK managed to secure a two-goal aggregate lead against Czech challengers Vítkovice Ridera as the Swedes won the First Game of this Semi-Final series of the 2023/24 season of the Champions Hockey League by a 4-2 final. Linus Söderström made nearly 30 saves as four different goal-scorers found twine on the night.
King among them was Skellefteå's Dylan Sikura who recorded a goal and an assist in the First Game.
"We don't give up much."Dylan Sikura, Skellefteå AIK
"We had an excellent start scoring the first goal but once they equalised and once they got the crowd into it they played a strong game," started the 28-year-old.
If anyone was expecting a slow and cautious start to this Semi-Finals series, they would have been left very surprised because when the first buzzer sounded, the scoreboard already read 2-2. What were Sikura's thoughts on such a hectic opening 20 minutes?
"We weren't expecting that," he started, "we're a good defensive team and we don't give up much - especially not early on."
"Overall, I don't think it was our best all-round effort but it was important to get the win and the two-goal lead in the series."
Vítkovice finished the game with more shots on goal and with six powerplays (one of which they utilised). Were they a tough opponent?
"They're a good team and have a high-power offence, some really strong players," commented the Canadian.
With a two-goal lead heading into the Return Game, Skellefteå are in a comfortable position and just 60 minutes of game time away from a spot in CHL Final 2024. How will they approach the game?
"We don't need to be giving anything up, so we'll focus on helping out our goalie," he commented, adding, "it's a real honour for us to be in the position we're in but we can't be thinking about the Final just yet," ended Sikura.
Skellefteå AIK will face Vítkovice Ridera in the Return Game of their Semi-Finals series at home on Tuesday, 16 January, at 19:00 CET.