Wednesday’s Men’s Hockey India League encounter in Bhubaneswar was a testament to hockey’s high-octane appeal, as Tamil Nadu Dragons prevailed 4-2 over Ranchi Royals in penalties following a 3-3 stalemate. The shootout victory netted Dragons a bonus point, vital for their standings push.
Despite the loss, Ranchi Royals locked in second place and a Qualifier-1 showdown with Kalinga Lancers on Friday. Hyderabad Hurricanes secured playoffs, leaving Surma Hockey Club to chase a 7-goal rout of SG Pipers on Thursday.
Action kicked off furiously: Mandeep Singh netted in the opening 28 seconds via rebound. Tom Boon extended to 2-0 in the 9th, converting a penalty corner rebound. Tamil Nadu halved the deficit through Blake Govers’ 24th-minute drag-flick.
The see-saw continued with Karthi Selvam’s equalizer in the 32nd. Boon’s penalty stroke in the 35th put Royals ahead 3-2, but Govers’ second goal in the 53rd tied it. Ranchi pressed late, but goalkeeper Suraj Karkara’s stop on Arjunjit’s tomahawk sealed the draw and shootout.
Stars shone in the decider: Ephrams, Govers, Uttam, and Craig scored for Dragons. This gritty performance keeps the league’s playoff picture wide open, promising more edge-of-the-seat action ahead.