Beijing clinches back-to-back titles with win over Shenzhen in Ice Hockey League Finals

The 2025-2026 Chinese Ice Hockey League Finals culminated in a fiercely contested battle as the Beijing Lions successfully defended their title, edging past Shenzhen Kunlun Red Star 3-2. Unlike last season's decisive 6-1 win, this year's final was characterized by tenacity and depth, with Shenzhen determined to upset the reigning champions.

Early on, Shenzhen's goalie Hu Haoran demonstrated his skill with a remarkable glove save during a breakaway just eight minutes into the first period, signaling the intensity to come. However, Beijing struck first, late in the opening frame, as Hou Yuyang executed a flawless wrap-around to set up Ilya Seryogin, who found the net from close range, giving the Lions a crucial 1-0 lead.

The second period saw a flurry of action, with Shenzhen quickly leveling the score early on. Yet, Beijing responded with impressive urgency, as Wang Jing netted two goals within a span of two minutes, pushing the score to 3-1 and putting them back in command.

Shenzhen's Guo Guoning provided hope for his team with a goal that narrowed the gap to 3-2, but that would be as close as they would come. The Lions demonstrated remarkable resilience, maintaining their focus through the closing minutes to secure a hard-fought victory.