Four Continental Cup finalists found

This last weekend from Friday to Sunday the third round of the IIHF Continental Cup, the second biggest European tournament for men's club ice hockey, was played in Renon, Italy (group D) and Angers, France (group E).

Group D

Fischtown Penguins Bremerhaven from Germany's second tier DEL2 only were defeated in their first match against group D winners Ertis Pavlodar from Kazakhstan who usually play in their national championship. Despite an early 2-0 lead, the Penguins lost the game 2-3 in regulation after receiving three unanswered goals between the 52nd and 58th minute. They went on to defeat current Italian champions and tournament hosts Renon (2-1 SO) and Danish side Herning Blue Fox (2-1) to move on to the finals. Ertis Pavlodar (4-1 vs Herning / 4-0 vs Renon) finished the tournament with an impressive three wins and 11-3 goals, led by their roster full of Czech and Slovakian imports. Renon's only win came with a 5-1 on opening day against Herning. 

Standings:

1. Ertis Pavlodar (9 pts) 2. Fischtown Penguins Bremerhaven (5 pts) 3. SV Renon (4 pts.), Herning Blue Fox (0 pts)

Group E

British side Belfast Giants had failed to qualify for the third round when finishing second behind Bremerhaven in group B back in October. As the political situation in Ukraine didn't allow the organization of the local championship Kompanion Kyiv had to withdraw from Continental Cup though and the Brits were back in business as Kompanion's replacement in group E. And they used their second chance for an impressie performance and the near qualification for the finals. After defeating Belarussian champions Neman Grodno (1-0), they were beaten by hosts Ducs D'Angers (1-2) before entering the third spot with a win against Polish champions KH Sanok (5-3). The hosts from Angers beat KH Sanok (4-0) before losing the last group game against Neman Grodno (3-4). Grodno themselves had beaten KH Sanok 2-0 on Saturday which gave Angers, Belfast and Grodno a tie at 6 points for the first two places. In the end the better goal difference overall and in direct competition was in favour of Angers and Grodno.

Standings:

1. Ducs D'Angers (6 pts) 2. Neman Grodno (6 pts) 3. Belfast Giants (6 pts) 4. KH Sanok (0 pts)

For the tournament details and goal scorers click here.

The final tournament will be played from 9 to 11 January 2015. Which of the four teams will be the host, will be announced by IIHF at a later point.

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