Tornado Claim Crucial Point in Châlons – Momentum Builds Ahead of Playoffs

22nd February 2026

Tornado Luxembourg closed out the regular season with a hard-fought overtime loss in Châlons, a performance that, despite the final result, provided strong encouragement heading into the playoffs.

After a difficult first period that saw Châlons take a 2–0 lead, Tornado regrouped and progressively took control of the game. The second period remained scoreless, but the visitors began to dictate the tempo and generate quality scoring chances.

The breakthrough finally came in a dominant third period. Matthias Pibernus cut the deficit before Tornado, pushing for the equalizer, pulled the goalie late in the game. With less than a minute remaining and playing 6-on-5, Justus Haavanlammi found the back of the net to send the game to overtime and reward a relentless push.

In a thrilling extra period, Tornado created multiple high-quality scoring chances but were repeatedly denied by an outstanding Châlons goaltender. Eventually, a loose puck turned into a decisive breakaway for the home side, who capitalized to seal the game.

Head coach Christer Eriksson acknowledged the slow start but emphasized the team’s response and overall performance:
“We started the first period a little bit like the last home game — passive and not really in the game. But from the second period we really stepped up and even started taking over. We were facing a goalie standing on his head in front of us.
In the third, we continued to press and finally got our first goal. Then we pulled the goalie to play six and scored with less than a minute left. In overtime we created several scoring chances, but again an exceptional goalie in front — and unfortunately, as often happens when you dominate, a loose puck leads to a breakaway and a goal.
All in all, it was a much better game than last week against a top team, so I’m satisfied anyway.”

Despite the overtime defeat, Tornado secured a valuable point — one that proved decisive. Following Évry-Viry’s 8–5 loss in Courbevoie, that single point allowed Tornado to move ahead of Évry-Viry in the standings and finish the regular season in 6th place.
That 6th-place finish now sets up a first-round playoff matchup against the 3rd-ranked team of Group B: the Renards de Roanne.
 
Playoffs Start at Home

Tornado Luxembourg vs Renards Roanne
🏒 Round of 16 – Game #1
📅 February 28
🕖 19:00
📍 Kockelscheuer Ice Rink
🎟️ [Get your Ticket Here!]

The regular season is behind us. The intensity rises. The margins shrink.
Now it’s time for playoff hockey.
We need your energy, your voice, and your support at Kockelscheuer.

Let the playoffs begin. 🔴🔵🏒