Leh, Jan 29 (NationPress) The much-anticipated third season of the Ice Hockey League has commenced with an exhilarating opening day at the Nawang Dorjay Stobdan (NDS) Stadium in Leh, Ladakh. The event featured five thrilling matches, a lively opening ceremony, and an impressive audience of around 1,500 fans, setting a vibrant atmosphere for the tournament.

The inaugural match showcased the Sham Wolves, who kicked off their campaign with a decisive 4–1 victory against the new entrants, Kharu Falcons. After a balanced start, the Wolves took the lead courtesy of Tsewang Namgail, who netted the first goal in the eighth minute with a well-placed wrist shot, assisted by Nawang Gyaltsan.

Following a period without goals, the Wolves dominated the third period, with Dorjay Gyaltson and Namgail scoring in quick succession, and Stanzin Dorjay adding another. Kharu Falcons managed to score late in the game through Padma Thinles, but the win was comfortably secured by the Wolves.

In the subsequent match, Humas Warriors displayed their prowess with a composed 3–1 win over Purig Warriors. Waseem Bilal opened the scoring in the fifth minute, and later cemented the victory with a long-range shot into an empty net just before the final whistle. Gulam Nabi contributed a goal late in the second period, while Villayat Ali's goal in the last period was not enough to change the outcome.

After the thrilling matches, the league was officially inaugurated during a vibrant opening ceremony, which included a cinematic showcase of the Royal Enfield Ice Hockey development program and a parade of teams, where players proudly showcased their team placards. The event culminated with a ceremonial puck drop as Changla Lamos faced off against Sham Eagles.

The chief guest, Ashish Kundra, Chief Secretary of the Union Territory of Ladakh, addressed the crowd, stating, “Events like the Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League illustrate how organized winter sports can unite communities, bolster regional identity, and provide valuable opportunities for youth during the winter months. I wish all teams the best and encourage them to embody sportsmanship and excellence.”

The ceremony also featured the unveiling of the Season 3 trophies, followed by the ceremonial puck drop to officially commence the competition.

The action continued with the women’s match between Changla Lamos and Sham Eagles, which turned out to be the most high-scoring game of the day. The Sham Eagles triumphed with a commanding 7–2 victory, pulling away decisively after a 2–2 tie at halftime. Captain Semzes Dolma led an impressive final period, scoring five unanswered goals along with Tashi Dolker, Chunzin Lhamo, Jigmet Youtso, and Sherap Zangmo.

Defending champions Kangs Sing began their title defense with a strong performance against Changthang Shans, winning 6–3. After trailing early, Kangs rallied back with goals from Stanzin Phuntsog, captain Karma Rigyal Stein, Mushtaque Ahmad Giri, and Tsering Galpo. Despite a brief comeback attempt by the Shans, Kangs closed out the game strongly.

The day concluded with Zanskar Chadar Tamers overpowering Changla Blasters with a 6–1 victory, highlighted by Jigmath's first-period hat-trick, which set a solid foundation for the team, complemented by goals from Rinchen Wangyal and Tsering Sangay.

To add to the festive spirit, the Ladakhi folk-rock band Dashugs performed lively music during the breaks and post-game celebrations, seamlessly blending traditional sounds with modern rock, making the opening day of REIHL Season 3 truly memorable.

The League will resume on Friday, featuring the women's match between Shakar Chintan Queens and Sham Eagles, followed by men's matches with United Nubra against Maryul Spawo, and defending champions Kangs Sing taking on Shakar Chintan Royals. Changthang Shans will also compete against Purig Warriors, wrapping up the day with a showdown between Humas Warriors and Sham Wolves.