Kokshetau vs Aktobe

Kozorez's unassisted goal at 44:06 proved decisive. The forward collected the puck and beat Kokshetau goaltender Denis Karataev without help, restoring Aktobe's lead for good. Kokshetau could not find an equaliser despite pulling Karataev for an extra attacker in the final minute — goalie Ilya Kostyukov held firm for Aktobe.

A critical moment arrived at 41:14 when Kokshetau's Ruslan Ibrayev took a two-minute minor for shooting the puck out of play, handing Aktobe a power play they used to build pressure that directly preceded the winner.

• Alexei Kozorez (Aktobe) — Game-winning goal at 44:06 plus an assist on Khomenko's opener. The forward was involved in two of Aktobe's four goals.
• Yan Khomenko (Aktobe) — Two goals (09:26, 36:27), both from open play. Led Aktobe's offensive output.
• Kirill Basov (Kokshetau) — One goal (25:16) and two assists. The defenceman was Kokshetau's most productive player.
• Ilya Kostyukov (Aktobe) — Made key saves in the third period, including during the late extra-attacker pressure.

Player of the match: Alexei Kozorez (Aktobe)

The on-page stat widget shows the basics: this was a game of fine margins. Kokshetau had the territorial edge in the second period (9-5 shots) but could not sustain it into the third. Aktobe's 12 blocked shots through two periods (compared to Kokshetau's 3) reflected a willingness to sacrifice the body that kept them in the game during Kokshetau's best spell. Neither team scored on the power play despite six combined minor penalties, making all seven goals even-strength.

Aktobe outscored Kokshetau 2-1 in the first and third periods; Kokshetau won the middle frame 2-1.

Aktobe (6 points, 3 matches) sit top of Group A, ahead of Torpedo (4 points, 2 matches) with a game in hand for their rivals. Kokshetau (2 points, 3 matches) are third and face an uphill battle to reach the semi-finals. Both teams have one group game remaining.

Next fixtures (18 August 2026):

• Aktobe vs Torpedo Ust-Kamenogorsk (17:00 local)
• Almaty vs Nomad Astana (13:00 local)

Aktobe's form has been strong since the tournament began: they have won two and lost one in regulation (the earlier loss to Nomad was avenged against Almaty). Kokshetau, by contrast, have two defeats and one win from their three group matches.

Aktobe showed the sharper finishing edge in a game that swung repeatedly. Kokshetau had periods of dominance — particularly in the second period — but could not convert territorial control into a decisive lead. Kozorez's winner was a moment of individual quality that separated two evenly matched sides. Aktobe now control their path to the semi-finals.