Flyers Rally Past Bulldogs 2–1 Behind Nordemann’s Power-Play Winner
Jasper Nordemann of the Unis Flyers Heerenveen skates during a CEHL game against the Liège Bulldogs. (Photo: FANFOTO/Nayra Blaauwbroek)
Written By Gina Anton
LIÈGE, Belgium – The Unis Flyers Heerenveen delivered a disciplined, opportunistic road performance Tuesday night, defeating the Liège Bulldogs 2–1 at the Patinoire Olympique de Liège to strengthen their position in the closing stages of the Central European Hockey League season.
After falling behind early, the Flyers controlled long stretches of play and capitalized on a key third-period power play, with Jasper Nordemann scoring the game-winning goal midway through the final frame.
The victory highlighted Heerenveen’s ability to execute in decisive moments, an increasingly important trait as the CEHL race narrows to its final contenders.
Flyers Respond with Strong First-Period Push
Liège struck first just 3:17 into the opening period, when Anthony Gagnon finished a quick offensive sequence to give the Bulldogs an early 1–0 lead.
But the Flyers quickly steadied themselves and began to tilt the ice in their favor. Heerenveen established cleaner zone exits and controlled the neutral zone, forcing Liège to defend longer shifts.
The pressure paid off at 15:13 of the first period.
Forward Tom Speel tied the game 1–1, finishing a passing play from Justus Mikkonen and Lennart Vosmer. The equalizer capped a strong Flyers stretch in which they generated sustained offensive-zone time and neutralized Liège’s early momentum.
Defensive Structure Sets the Tone
The second period showcased the Flyers’ defensive discipline.
Heerenveen’s blue line, anchored by Troy Williams and Jelle Kronenburg, kept Liège to the perimeter and limited second-chance opportunities. The Flyers’ structure through the neutral zone slowed the Bulldogs’ transition game, forcing dump-ins rather than controlled entries.
The teams combined for eight minor penalties on the night, with each side taking four, but neither club converted during the middle frame.
The result was a tightly contested defensive stalemate through forty minutes, with both teams locked at 1–1 heading into the third period.
Special Teams Deliver the Difference
The decisive moment came midway through the third period.
At 11:30, Liège was assessed a boarding minor, sending the Flyers’ power-play unit over the boards with a chance to take control of the game.
Heerenveen capitalized almost immediately.
Just 48 seconds later, Nordemann fired home a power-play goal at 12:18, finishing a quick puck-movement sequence from Matt Green and Williams to give the Flyers their first lead of the night.
The play illustrated the Flyers’ efficiency with the man advantage; rapid puck movement across the zone created the shooting lane Nordemann needed to beat the goaltender cleanly.
Flyers Lock Down the Final Minutes
Holding a one-goal advantage, the Flyers shifted into a composed defensive posture in the final minutes.
Liège pushed for the equalizer and eventually pulled its goaltender for an extra attacker, but Heerenveen’s defensive coverage remained compact. The Flyers blocked shooting lanes, controlled rebounds, and cleared the zone repeatedly to preserve the narrow lead.
When the final horn sounded, the Flyers had secured a 2–1 road victory, continuing a trend of tight games between the two clubs this season.
Flyers Stay Alive in CEHL Race
The win keeps the Flyers firmly among the teams still competing for CEHL honors, alongside Snackpoint Eaters Limburg, EHC Die Bären Neuwied, and HIJS Hokij Den Haag. During the regular season, Heerenveen demonstrated a balanced offense that continues to drive their late-season push, and Tuesday’s victory reinforced their formula for success: disciplined defense, efficient special teams, and timely scoring from top forwards.
Even though the loss ended their CEHL campaign, the Liège Bulldogs can take pride in an outstanding season. The team captured three major titles out of four competitions, including the CEHL Cup, Belgian Cup, and Belgian Championship, cementing their status as one of the strongest clubs in Belgian hockey. While the defeat was a bitter finale, the overall results underscore the Bulldogs’ consistency, depth, and championship pedigree throughout the year.
