Florida Panthers prospect Aleksi Heponiemi set up Shaun Heshka’s 5-on-3 power-play goal 5:23 into the first period to open the scoring, but his club Karpat Oulu went on to drop a 4-3 decision to the Thomas Sabo (Nurnberg) Ice Tigers in Sunday action from the Champions Hockey League.
In addition to his assist, Heponiemi finished the game with four shots on goal, four blocked shots and an even rating while logging 16:39 of ice time.
19-year-old Heponiemi now has three points (1G/2A) in four games.
Despite suffering its first loss of the tournament, Karpat remained on top of Group F with nine points, one more than the Ice Tigers.
Karpat’s next Champions League game will take place on October 9, when they visit Mountfield HK of the Czech Extraliga.