Tornado Luxembourg;
Credit: Yannick Herry via Tornado Luxembourg
On Saturday 8 March 2025, Tornado Luxembourg played their second playoff game in Division 2 of the French Ice Hockey Championship (FFHG), facing Vipers de Montpellier in Castres, France.
Christer Eriksson’s team had won six out of their nine away games during the regular season. However, this time, they had only one chance to keep their playoff hopes alive, as Montpellier had secured a 6-2 victory at the Kockelscheuer rink in Luxembourg a week earlier. To extend the series to a decisive third game, Tornado needed to win.
The opening period saw nearly as many goals as the entire first game in Luxembourg. Eric Cermak put the hosts in front, but Nolan Eriksson and Filipp Chab quickly turned the tide in Tornado’s favour. However, before the first 20 minutes ended, Montpellier struck back with three more goals from Alexandre Vigor and a double from Tigran Petrosian. Juris Upitis managed to pull one back for Tornado, leaving the score at 4-3 in favour of the home side heading into the first intermission.
The second period remained highly competitive, with both teams scoring twice. For Montpellier, Tigran Petrosian completed his hat-trick, while Simon Tagliapietra also found the net. Meanwhile, Tornado responded through familiar scorers, as Juris Upitis and Nolan Eriksson each netted again.
Heading into the final period with a narrow 6-5 lead, Montpellier quickly took control. Alexandre Vigor and Martin Vojsovic extended the advantage to three goals. Although Juris Upitis immediately responded with another goal for Tornado, the gap remained too wide to close. Montpellier sealed their victory with further goals from Eric Cermak, who completed his hat-trick, and Marius Gagigos, ultimately securing an 11-6 win.
As a result, Tornado Luxembourg were unable to advance to the quarter-finals of Division 2 of the French Ice Hockey Championship, bringing their season to an end in the first round of the playoffs.
IK
