First Battle in Shanghai: Dragons Fall in Tight Clash with Sibir

History was made on March 5 as the Shanghai Dragons played their first game on home ice in Shanghai this season, hosting Sibir Novosibirsk at Oriental Sports Center.

It was an event long awaited by fans all year. Both teams iced expected lineups, with Sibir desperately chasing playoff points while the Dragons returned to China after a long break. With Spencer Foo unavailable, the captain’s “C” went to Bischoff, and Shikin started in goal.

The evening began with a spectacular pregame show featuring ice projections, music, and a performance by Olympic figure skating star Kamila Valieva.

The ceremonial puck drop included Beijing 1979 goaltender Zhou Yunjie – named among the 100 most influential figures in hockey by The Hockey News – Beijing 1979 player Huang Yijun, and KHL president Alexei Morozov.

Feeling out the new ice

Both teams spent the opening period adjusting to the unfamiliar conditions – required more skating and tactical adaptation.

The pace gradually built as the period progressed. Each side generated chances and saw time on the power play, but neither could break through. Sibir struck the post once, while both goaltenders were sharp and defensive units cleaned up loose pucks.

The score remained 0–0 after twenty minutes.

Costly mistake

The Chinese crowd provided energetic support, reacting loudly to every hit and shot from the Dragons.

Shanghai increased its pressure in the second period, spending long stretches in the offensive zone. Several well-worked passing sequences led to shots, but Sibir goaltender Berdin either made the save or saw his defense block attempts in front.

Then came the turning point. As the Dragons pushed forward, a turnover at the offensive blue line sent Sibir the other way. Kosolapov finished the counterattack at 29:36 to give the visitors a 1–0 lead.

Moments later, emotions boiled over as Bischoff and Andreoff dropped the gloves in a spirited fight that ended in a draw.

Equalizer – but not enough

Shanghai finally broke through early in the third period. At 45:11, Parker Foo battled hard at the top of the crease and buried the rebound to tie the game 1–1. The goal carried special meaning. Foo scored the first goal in Chinese Olympic hockey history and the Dragons’ first goal of the season – and now added the club’s first-ever goal on Chinese home ice.

Unfortunately for Shanghai, the tie didn’t last long. Just three minutes later, Leshchenko broke in alone and beat Shikin to restore Sibir’s lead. The Dragons pushed hard for another equalizer, eventually pulling the goalie for an extra attacker in the final minutes. Despite sustained pressure, the tying goal never came.

Sibir held on for a 2–1 victory in the first KHL game played in Shanghai this season.

Shanghai will remain at home and face Barys Astana on March 7.

FONBET KHL Regular Season – KHL World Games
Shanghai Dragons – Sibir Novosibirsk region 1–2 (0–0, 0–1, 1–1)

March 5 | Shanghai, Oriental Sports Center | Attendance: 4,352
Goaltenders: Shikin – Berdin

Scoring Summary:

0–1 – Kosolapov (Koshelev, Abramov) 29:36
1–1 – P. Foo (Popugayev, Sutter) 45:11
1–2 – Leshchenko (Pyanov, Zaitsev) 48:34

Press Office, Shanghai Dragons, Shanghai