Zīle's assist not enough as Liberec falls in IIHF Champions League opener

Latvian national hockey team defenseman Kristaps Zīle set up a goal in the first round of the Champions League on Thursday, but it was not enough to save his Czech Extraliga club, Liberec's "Bili Tygri," from defeat. The team lost 3:6 (1:1, 0:2, 2:3) away to Finland's Tampere "Tappara."

Zīle's assist came in the 16th minute of the first period, while Liberec was playing shorthanded. His pass led to a goal by Radan Lenc, which tied the score at 1:1 at the time. On the winning side, Aapeli Rasanen stood out with a hat trick.

Another Czech club's match

Also in the first round, another Czech Extraliga team, Plzen's "Škoda," featuring defenseman Kristiāns Rubīns, beat Sweden's Engelholm "Rogle" 4:0 (0:0, 2:0, 2:0) on home ice.

About the tournament

The Champions League group stage features 24 teams, each playing six matches, with the top 16 in the overall standings advancing to the playoffs. Last season's title went to Sweden's Frolunda of Gothenburg, who beat fellow Swedish club Lulea 3:2 in overtime at home in the final. The tournament was first held in the 2014/2015 season.