Gallery | Home teams won the opening games of the hockey semifinals
In the Estonian men's ice hockey championship semifinals, Narva PSK and Kohtla-Järve SK Viru Sputnik secured victories in their opening matches, drawing over 1300 spectators combined.
The Estonian men's ice hockey championship semifinals kicked off with exciting matches held by Narva PSK and Kohtla-Järve SK Viru Sputnik, both winning their games and taking leads in the best-of-three series. Notably, Narva's victory came against Kohtla-Järve HC Everest with a 7-2 scoreline, showcasing a strong performance led by Nikita Kirillov who contributed two goals and two assists. This game attracted significant local interest, as evidenced by the attendance of 879 fans, contrasting sharply with a nearby empty football hall hosting Narva Trans's match due to safety concerns.
Meanwhile, in the other semifinal, Kohtla-Järve SK Viru Sputnik triumphed over the titleholders Tartu Välk 494, marking a notable upset since Tartu finished the regular season in third place. This win highlights the competitive nature of the semifinals, where both underdog teams began their series on a high note. The matches not only reflect the strengths of the teams but also underscore the growing popularity of ice hockey in Estonia, drawing in audiences and generating excitement within the local sports community.