We spoke to representatives of our three Extraliga participants from Czechia following the CHL Draw in Zurich, Switzerland to find out what their goals were for the upcoming season, what they thought about their six Regular Season opponents and who they were most looking forward to playing.
Jan Mroviec, Head of Communication of Dynamo Pardubice, revealed that the reigning Czech champions will be looking to start with a strong performance in the Regular Season and then make the Playoffs.
"Every single opponent in the CHL is strong"Jan Mroviec, Head of Communication Dynamo Pardubice
"It's going to be a tough season," said Mroviec when asked about his thoughts on the six-team line-up of teams Pardubice will face in 2026/27, "but it's going to be fun for both our players and our fans."
Does any team stand out as the opponent to beat for Pardubice, who will line up for their sixth European season come September? "With two teams from Sweden coming to Pardubice and a trip to Finland, you can't say, but we are really looking forward to it all!"
Next to speak was Michal Birner, Sport Director of Bílí Tygři Liberec, who was excited for the season to come, as the Czech team return to Europe's elite club ice hockey competition after a long absence. "We would love to win every game and go as far as we can," revealed Birner as his club's main goals.
"We want to represent our club and league as best we can, we don't take it for granted."Michal Birner, Sport Director Bílí Tygři Liberec
Looking at the six opponents Liberec will face in the Regular Season, both the club and the fans have a lot to look forward to!
"You don't get any easy opponents in the CHL! Facing reigning champions Frölunda Gothenburg is going to be a big challenge and the two teams from Austria are also going to be surprising," highlighted Birner.
Last to speak was Jiří Veber, Assistant Coach of HC Pilsen. It's a big return to the European stage for this traditional Czech club as they're back in the CHL for the very first time since 2019/20: "We are looking forward to playing again, it's going to be a great opportunity to improve our team!"
"Every opponent plays a different style and we're excited to face them all! It's going to be special for us to challenge teams from Sweden," noted Veber.
Aside from Swedish sides Rögle Ängelholm and Skellefteå AIK, Pilsen will face reigning NL champions Fribourg-Gottéron, CHL newcomers Bordeaux Boxers, Finnish side SaiPa Lappeenranta and a strong Polish side in GKS Tychy. No easy draw that's for sure!
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