SG Pipers Lose 2-3 to HIL GC in Men’s Hockey India League 2025-26 Opener

Chennai [Tamil Nadu], January 6, 2026 :
SG Pipers suffered a thrilling 2-3 defeat against HIL GC in their opening match of the Men’s Hero Hockey India League 2025-26. Kane Russell’s dramatic 60th-minute penalty corner hat-trick sealed victory for HIL GC in a pulsating encounter.

SG Pipers Start Strong

From the first pushback, SG Pipers showcased attacking brilliance and midfield dynamism. Early raids forced HIL GC onto the back foot. In the fourth minute, Tomas Domene earned a penalty corner but was denied by a brilliant save from HIL GC goalkeeper James Mazarelo.

The Pipers’ midfield, led by Raj Kumar Pal, Jacob Draper, and Ky Willott, dictated the tempo and delivered crisp passes. Goalkeeper Tomas Santiago made a string of critical saves, keeping the score at 0-0 at the end of the first quarter.

High-Octane Second Quarter

The second quarter saw end-to-end action. SG Pipers’ forward Roman Duvekot narrowly missed a spectacular finish after weaving through HIL GC defenders. Captain Jarmanpreet Singh and Aditya Lalage created another excellent chance but were denied by the HIL GC goalkeeper. Teams went into half-time locked at 0-0.

Breakthrough in Third Quarter

SG Pipers took the lead in the 31st minute. Tomas Domene delivered a precise pass to Ky Willott, who scored a sublime goal over the HIL GC goalkeeper. However, Kane Russell responded with two penalty corner goals (35th and 37th minutes), giving HIL GC a 2-1 lead. Despite this, SG Pipers’ relentless pressure and Santiago’s heroics kept them in contention.

Dramatic Fourth Quarter

In the final quarter, SG Pipers equalised in the 56th minute. Dilraj Singh deflected Domene’s lethal flick into the goal. The Pipers pressed hard for a winner, with multiple circle entries and near misses from Jarmanpreet Singh.

However, with seconds remaining, HIL GC earned a penalty corner, and Kane Russell converted his third goal, securing a 3-2 win.