Dynamo Pardubice secured a thrilling 3:2 victory over Fribourg-Gottéron in the opening match of the 96th Spengler Cup, decided by a penalty shootout. After a heated first period, Fribourg mounted a comeback to tie the game late in the third. Despite strong performances, including an injury to Pardubice’s goalie Roman Will, the Czech team prevailed with a single goal in the shootout while Fribourg’s attempts were thwarted.