Viktor Waldhem, Tornado Luxembourg;
Credit: Luc Cordebar via Tornado Luxembourg
On Saturday 1 March 2025, Tornado Luxembourg played their first playoff game in Division 2 of the French Ice Hockey Championship (FFHG) on home ice at the Kockelscheuer rink.
Christer Eriksson’s team finished fifth in Group A of Division 2 and faced Vipers de Montpellier, who secured fourth place in Group B. Both teams entered the playoff clash following defeats in their final regular-season matches. However, unlike Montpellier, Tornado suffered their loss on home ice.
The home playoff game also began on a difficult note for the Luxembourgish side. In the first period, Tornado conceded twice, with Marius Cagigos netting both goals for Montpellier. To make matters worse, starting goaltender Jesse Miquel sustained an injury and did not return for the second period. Charles Perrin stepped in as his replacement and Tornado managed to get on the scoreboard through Filipp Chab. However, the hosts conceded two more goals, with Théo Lobstein and Maxence Dedreux adding to Montpellier’s tally, leaving Tornado trailing 1-4 heading into the final period.
Christer Eriksson’s team was unable to turn things around in the closing period, conceding twice more as Eric Cermak completed his brace. Viktor Wahlden pulled one back for Tornado, but the final scoreline stood at 6-2 in favour of Montpellier.
Tornado Luxembourg will have the opportunity to extend the series to a third game and keep their chances of advancing alive only if they secure a victory in the second-leg match on Saturday 8 March 2025. The game will take place away in Castres, where Vipers de Montpellier will host their home fixture.
Notably, Christer Eriksson’s team won six out of their nine away games during the regular season of Division 2 of the French Ice Hockey Championship (FFHG). Five of these victories came in regulation time, while one was secured in overtime.
IK
