The final of the first Champions Hockey League season is approaching, and the three players shortlisted for the NordicBet MVP Trophy have been announced. The trophy is given to the most valuable player of the tournament, and the nominees of the inaugural Champions Hockey League season are: Mathis Olimb (Frölunda Gothenburg), Erik Gustafsson (Frölunda Gothenburg) and Joel Lassinantti (Luleå Hockey). They will all be playing in the final that will be played in Coop Norbotten’s arena on Tuesday, 3 February.

Press Release

From the beginning there were 44 teams from 10 countries competing in the Champions Hockey League (CHL). The remaining two teams are Luleå Hockey and Frölunda Gothenburg, who on Tuesday decide who will win the title as Europe’s best hockey club. The winner of the NordicBet MVP Trophy will be announced shortly after the final. The prize is awarded by the sports betting company, NordicBet, who is an official partner of the CHL. 

The awarding jury consists of ex-NHL player and Team Sweden general manager and now NordicBet expert Johan Garpenlöv, editor at ChampionsHockeyLeague.net Derek O’Brien, editor at HockeySverige Robert Pettersson, journalist Panu Markkanen and Mikael Nilsson, Marketing Manager at NordicBet.

Here are the jury’s motivations for the finalists:

Erik Gustafsson

“With his great understanding of the game and hard accurate shots, Gustafsson has been a constant offensive threat for Frölunda. His 19 points in 12 games as a defenceman is impressive. Add the decisive goal in overtime against Kärpät Oulu and you can easily say that he has been an important part of Frölunda’s success in CHL.”

Mathis Olimb

“Olimb has had a fantastic CHL tournament. With his smart and creative game, he leads Frölunda’s best line in a great way and also tops the total league scoring race. Add a lot of hard work in the defensive zone and Olimb is as close to a complete player this season as you can get.”

Joel Lassinantti

“Lassinantti has made great strides in his development this season and has really shown that he can manage the international games as well. He compensates for his small size with a great eye for the game, great positioning and explosiveness in the net. There is a calm, composed, competitive spirit in Joel’s game that shines through. Lassinantti has been one of the biggest reasons for Luleå’s success in the CHL.”

Who finally gets the honours will be announced immediately following Tuesday's final.