The champions of Norway and Slovakia get group J underway as the Stavanger Oilers host HK Nitra.

Of all 16 groups, Group J might be the toughest one to call, with no team standing out as either a clear favourite or a doormat. Therefore, every game will be important and both Stavanger and Nitra will want to get off to the right start. 

The Stavanger Oilers have been the kings of Norwegian hockey in recent years, winning six of the last seven championships. Internationally they are decorated as well with the 2014 IIHF Continental Cup, and in both CHL campaigns they have come very close to reaching the Round of 16. Along the way they have defeated teams from the KHL, Finland, Switzerland and the Czech Republic. They will get their two home games in the group out of the way quickly, as they host HC Pilsen on Saturday, so they will want to pick up as many points as possible before heading to Central Europe in September. 

“This will be our first experience in Slovakia. We’re looking forward to meeting the team and their supporters," says Oilers' coach Pal Gulbrandsen. "From the Slovak National Team we know that they play hockey on a high level. This will be a great challenge for us.”

HK Nitra have re-qualified for the CHL as Slovak champions. In last year's tournament they failed to escape the group stage, but played two close games against Swedish powerhouse Skelleftea AIK. Coach Andrej Kmec knows his team has a big challenge ahead, and knows it will take discipline to win.

"It will suddenly be completely different hockey (from what we're used to at home). We can't be naive. If we want to forecheck, we can't have three players below the goal line – we have to play as a compact five-man unit. Maybe it's better that we play the first game out there, but they won't be an easy opponent. They skate perfectly, maybe even better than Skelleftea a year ago, plus they play physically," the coach warns.