The opening match of the Hockey India League season delivered a heart-stopping finale as HIL GC snatched a dramatic 3-2 victory from the jaws of a shootout, thanks to a last-gasp hat-trick hero from drag-flick specialist Kane Russell. The win came at the expense of SG Pipers, who once again faced disappointment in their quest for a maiden tournament victory.
A Goalless First Half Sets the Stage
The initial two quarters at Chennai's Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium were a cagey affair, with both teams probing but failing to break the deadlock. SG Pipers earned an early penalty corner in just the 4th minute, but could not convert. HIL GC responded with a penalty corner of their own towards the end of the first quarter, which also went begging. Despite a more open second period with multiple chances at both ends, the halftime score remained locked at 0-0, setting the stage for a frantic second half.
Russell's Double Strike Answers Pipers' Opener
The game exploded into life immediately after the restart. Ky Willott gave SG Pipers the lead in the 31st minute, expertly lifting the ball over HIL GC goalkeeper James Mazarelo after collecting a neat pass from Tomas Domene. However, the lead was short-lived. HIL GC's Kane Russell took centre stage, converting two penalty corners in quick succession in the 35th and 37th minute. His powerful drag flicks swung the momentum decisively in favour of HIL GC, turning a 1-0 deficit into a 2-1 lead in a matter of minutes.
Late Drama and a Last-Minute Winner
SG Pipers, showing resilience, pushed hard in the final quarter. They were repeatedly denied by the outstanding James Mazarelo, who made several crucial saves, including a brilliant one-on-one stop against Domene. The Pipers' persistence finally paid off when Dilraj Singh scored in the 56th minute, pouncing on a rebound from a penalty corner to level the scores at 2-2. As the match seemed destined for a shootout, HIL GC captain Hardik Singh won a crucial penalty corner with a driving run that ended in a foul just outside the circle. After the initial routine broke down, Kane Russell stepped up for the retake and completed his hat-trick with another low, thunderous drag flick in the dying seconds, sealing a 3-2 win for his team.
The victory marks a positive start for HIL GC, a team operated by the league's Governing Council after UP Rudras' late withdrawal. For SG Pipers, who finished at the bottom last season, the search for their first outright win in the Hockey India League continues, with this match serving as another lesson in closing out tight games.
