After a memorable 2021/22 season, highlighted by the crowning of a new Champion, the Champions Hockey League is nearly here! Here are five things to look forward to this season.
The 100th Team
With their inclusion in this year’s tournament, Olimpija Ljubljana have become the 100th team to compete in the pan-European competition. Looking ahead, the Wild Card club from Slovenia are excited to test their skills against veterans in TPS Turku and EV Zug as well as two-time CHL participants Grizzlys Wolfsburg. While the newcomers undoubtedly have a hill to climb, Finnish defenceman Joona Erving is every bit confident that his team have what it takes to succeed, saying, "we have everything we need to win and it is nice to get a chance to play against some new teams."
Two Tampere Teams
While the CHL has hosted clubs from several different countries and several different domestic leagues since 2014/15, never has the tournament seen two teams from the same city compete. That all changes this year as seven-time CHLers Tappara Tampere and debutantes Ilves Tampere will be battling against Europe’s best in 2022/23 alongside each other.
Though they won’t be competing in the same Groups to start things off, it is possible they go head-to-head in the later legs of the competition. Will we see these two talented squads lock horns in the Playoffs?
Revenge is a Dish…
Last season, Rögle Ängelholm and ZSC Lions Zurich squared off in the first round of the Playoffs with the Swedish side ultimately topping the Swiss. For Zurich, it was their second consecutive Round of 16 exit after making it to the Quarter-Finals in their previous two appearances. Fortunately for the Swiss, they have a chance to take down the reigning champs early on as the two clubs are set to meet in the Group Stage.
Similarly, Tappara Tampere and Red Bull Munich won’t have to wait long to revisit their Semi-Finals rematch from last season. Munich were looking for their second trip to the CHL Final, but were defeated 3-0 by the Tappara team. Now, the German side has a chance to return the favour in the Group Stage and return to the Playoffs for a seventh time.
All eyes on Ängelholm
The team in green and white accomplished something spectacular last season, securing the European Trophy in their inaugural season. This season, all eyes will be on the reigning champs as they prepare to defend their title on the European stage - a feat which won't be easy considering the pedigree of players they'll have to face in their pursuit of another title. Fortunately, the Swedish side will welcome back most of their top scorers from last season, including Adam Tambellini and Ludvig Larsson, as well as young stars in Marco Kasper and William Strömgren, arming Rögle with another lethal line-up that could carry them to more CHL glory this year.
CHL Fan Challenge Returns
The CHL Fan Challenge has added a host of new bells and whistles for fans to enjoy as it returns for its fourth season!
Apart from last year's new features, a new arcade game Break the Blocks has been introduced for this year and joins the Prediction Game, Hockey Manager, Quiz Challenge and more in the line-up of exciting games for you to play.
If you're planning on traveling this season, the Travel Site has you covered. This year, it's added even more information regarding where to eat, where to stay, and what to see on your European journey.
And, of course, for those fans who really know their stuff, prizes will be given away, with the ultimate one being a VIP trip for two to the CHL Final on 18 February 2023.
Want to see the best teams in Europe compete for the European Trophy live? Experience this year's Fan Challenge and test your know how! Good luck!
Don't forget to follow our social media channels to keep up to date on all the latest CHL news as 2022/23 edges closer!