Red Bull Salzburg Head Coach Oliver David: “We had a tough opening game in Skellefteå to start last season’s CHL. I clearly recall being impressed by their level, even at that early stage. It’s great we drew them again to start the new season because it gives us a chance right away to challenge one of Europe’s best teams, and that’s what this whole competition is all about.”

Straubing Tigers Head Coach Tom Pokel: “Having played in the SHL finals two years in a row and winning the 2024 SHL crown, Skellefteå are a very challenging team and probably our most challenging opponent. A well-coached, highly disciplined and very skilled hockey team. They have proven to be strong defensively as well, giving up only four goals in five games of the finals series against Rögle Ängelholm, as well as giving up the 2nd least amount of goals against in the regular season.”

Lahti Pelicans Head Coach Juhamatti Yli-Junnila: “Swedish champions and one of Europe’s very best in special team play.”

Sheffield Steelers Head Coach Aaron Fox: “Skellefteå are one of those teams you just know you’re going to have to be at your best against or things could get ugly quickly. That’s a club that is always at the top of the league in Sweden and I think everyone in Europe respects them as an organisation. It’s a real treat to have our fans get to watch a team like that in Sheffield. I’m sure our group will be excited to play against them.”

Fehérvár AV19 Head Coach David Kiss: “They play very well with the puck, they are very secure with it. We need to play very responsibly without the puck, just like last time around when we faced Rögle Ängelholm. We will need our best discipline and skills.”

Pinguins Bremerhaven Head Coach Alexander Sulzer: “Swedish Champions with a winning pedigree. They have a really high-quality roster with lots of national and international experience.”