On the backs of a lone goal from Cup MVP Sergei Tolchinski, and a shutout from Šimon Hrubec, Avangard Omsk defeated CSKA Moscow 1-0 to complete their Gagarin Cup series victory in six games, capturing their first ever KHL championship.

Returning the favour after being swept in the most recent Gagarin Cup in 2019 by the Red Army squad, Avangard overcame a 2-1 series deficit following a dramatic overtime win in Game Four, and Hrubec shut the door on CSKA in both games five and six. The “home” crowd in Balashikha, Avangard’s de facto home since 2018 due to arena issues in Omsk, roared when Tolchinski’s point shot was redirected in front past CSKA goaltender Lars Johansson just as the first period was winding down. Hrubec turned away all 25 shots faced, and the Hawks’ defence closed out CSKA to capture the title.

Members of Avangard and CSKA will now join their respective national teams for the final stage of the Euro Hockey Tour, the Carlson Hockey Games in Prague, before the World Championships start in just under three weeks’ time in Latvia, with defending champions Finland set to open the tournament on 22 May against the United States, while Russia opens on opening day, 21 May, against Czechia.

Our congratulations go out to the players, management and fans of Avangard Omsk, with those on the roster that have also held the IHLC highlighted in bold:

Photo Credit: iSport – CSKA Moscow – IIHF – HHOF – IOC