HC Pilsen have had three previous stabs in the Champions Hockey League for European glory this year. After a lacklustre initial performance in which they went out in the Round of 32, Pilsen were one of the big stories two seasons later in 2018/19 as the only team to go through the Group Stage unbeaten. Led by the scoring of Milan Gulaš, they pulled out a dramatic Quarter-Final shootout victory over Skelleftea AIK before ultimately bowing out to eventual champions Frölunda Indians in the Semis.

Having established themselves as one of the Czech Extraliga's consistent teams over the past few seasons, they won the regular season in 2017/18 and finished third in 2018/19, but were knocked out in the Semi-Finals both years. 

The hockey club in Pilsen was founded in 1929 as the ice hockey department of the local football club Viktoria Pilsen and was named Sokol Pilsen until 1949. In 1951, Pilsen were promoted to the first division for the first time in club’s history. The year 1957 brought the first major success with a bronze medal, followed by two successive seasons when Pilsen finished as runner-up. Skoda Pilsen then got relegated and returned to the top flight in 1969, when they also opened their current arena. The wait for more success lasted until 1992, the last season of Czechoslovak league, when Pilsen finished second.

Since the 1993/94 season, Pilsen have been continuously playing in the Czech Extraliga, finishing first place in the regular season in 2010 and 2018, and claiming their only title as national champions in 2013. Their owner is former legendary player Martin Straka, who finished his career by scoring the game-seven overtime goal in the 2013 finals.