In one of the interesting stories in Group A, IFK Helsinki's Daniel Grillfors has played previously for both of his team's opponents: Linkoping HC and SC Bern. He spoke after Sunday's game in Linkoping.

by Stefan Lovstrand

LINKOPING – Two seasons in a Linkoping jersey and experience from playing in SC Bern puts Daniel Grillfors in a unique situation, as he is in a group with two of his former teams as a member of his new team, IFK Helsinki. 

The 33-year-old defenceman has a wealth of experience in European club hockey, playing 10 CHL games last season for IFK Helsinki, the European Trophy with Linkoping and even the original Champions League with HV71 Jonkoping in 2008. In this year's CHL, IFK started with a home win against Bern, then this past weekend he played games in Bern and Linkoping, his first games in either city since leaving the teams. He spoke after Sunday afternoon's game in Linkoping, which his team lost 2–0.

What did you think when you knew that you would be facing both Linkoping and Bern in the group stage? 

“I laughed a little bit and the team joked with me a bit as well. I see it somewhat funny but I enjoyed going to Bern and also coming to Linkoping again. now I get to welcome Linkoping to Helsinki in the return game.” 

What did you think of the way Linkoping played today?

“They played with a lot more speed than when I was with the club. A lot of confidence and holding the puck much more within the team and not letting us generate a lot of chances out there.” 

You lost this game 2–0 and only had 16 shots on goal. As a team, what do you need to improve before the next game?

“First of all, we have to start skating out there and working together. Today there were a lot of one-man-shows and we didn’t make any good passes out there. Full speed! They went out there and took command. I don’t know if we were tired or what, but in the end that doesn’t matter.” 

In general, what do you think about the Champions Hockey League? 

“I think it's been fun! We had a pre-season tournament before this but going around Europe and facing other teams from other leagues is great for players and teams to see other styles of play. It helps them develop so that the teams that aren't as strong become better in the long run.”