Kang Sings beats Changthang Shans 5-2 to defend men’s title in Ice Hockey League 2025

Kang Sings beats Changthang Shans 5-2 to defend men’s title in Ice Hockey League 2025

Stanzin Angchok’s hat-trick and two goals from wing-forward captain Mushtaq Ahmed Giri saw Kang Sings beat Changthang Shans 5-2 and retain the men’s title of Royal Enfield Ice Hockey League Season 2 at the Nawang Dorjay Stobdan (NDS) Stadium here.

“It’s not just about the victory but the journey we’ve undertaken together; the hard work, and the unyielding support from our community. This win is for every Ladakhi who believes in the power of ice hockey to unite and inspire,” Mushtaq said after the match.

Mondays have always been equated with the mundanity of going to work after a weekend.

In Leh, it was the opposite on January 13. From travelling fans involved in a brawl with the home team off the rink to fierce body checks and a fight on the rink – this Monday was anything but mundane.

With the majestic Himalayas in the background, cinema unfolded at the ice rink.

Chants from supporters of both sides rang around the venue, making it difficult to identify the home and away fans. But in a few minutes, the difference came – a goal for the visiting team.

India international and Shans’ captain Chamba Tsetan carried the puck into the attacking zone, setting up Stanzin Thinles, who steered it into the net in the 12th minute.

Only one section danced and rejoiced now. However, the joy was short-lived as Angchok hovered around the goal crease and then shovelled a shot into the net to make it all square.

Mushtaq had guided Maryul Spamo to the women’s title with a comeback win just a day ago. When the second period began, he pulled a similar rabbit out of his hat, this time as a player on the rink.

Three minutes into the period, he received a through pass from Angchok and wristed it into the net to give his team the lead.

Shans’ disoriented defence looked slippery in marking the Sings and was caught twice in two-against-one situations, surviving both eventually. But a penalty conceded minutes before the period ended saw Angchok pile on misery, making it 3-1 in the powerplay.

In the final period, the Sings showed no signs of mercy, attacking with four men up front and Mushtaq slapped a shot from the right face-off circle to score his second of the day.

Tensions ran high after the goal, with two players getting into a fight close to the net, shortly after the strike. It was followed by a brawl between fans, which was controlled by the police lathi charge.

The chaos riled Sings’ defence and within a minute, the Shans had a goal to their name — Tsetan attacking against the run of play and smoothly finishing it past the opposition goalie.

But attacking was never Shans’ issue, it was defence. And an in-form Angchok completed his hat-trick within seconds to complete the dominant win.