Ahead of the start of the upcoming Champions Hockey League season, we asked the Head Coaches of EHC Biel-Bienne's six Regular Season opponents what their thoughts are on the Swiss team - here's what they had to say!
HC Košice Head Coach Dan Ceman: “They’re a really well-rounded team with a strong work ethic. Some great veteran Swiss players, solid two-way imports and an outstanding goalie. I’ve coached against Petri Matikainen and his teams in the past have played very aggressively on the puck, giving opponents no space. In my view, Biel-Bienne seem like a very difficult team to play against and this will for sure be the case with Petri behind the bench as well.”
HC Innsbruck Head Coach Mitch O'Keefe: “The runners-up to Geneva in the finals last year with a lot of talent on their roster. They will have new staff for next season, so I am not sure what to expect structure-wise. We will need to be disciplined and stay out of the box and also play with confidence on the road.”
Tappara Tampere Head Coach Rikard Grönborg: “Very fast transitional team. Play with a lot of feistiness and high-caliber offence. Rajala is their offensive star and Gaëtan Haas is the leader of team. Very good on the powerplay.”
Färjestad Karlstad Head Coach Tomas Mitell: “A very good Swiss team with good offensive power. A few familiar faces in the team as we look forward to welcoming Toni Rajala, Jesper Olofsson and Ville Pokka back to the Löfbergs Arena for our opening game of the season.”
Växjö Lakers Head Coach Jörgen Jönsson: “Biel-Bienne reached the final in Switzerland last season. They have individually skilled players and will be a tough opponent.”
Vítkovice Ridera Head Coach Miloš Holaň: “Biel-Bienne were very close to winning the Swiss championship last season. Just like other Swiss teams, Biel-Bienne also have many foreign players, leaning towards Scandinavians by the looks of it. Their goaltender, Säteri, is an Olympic gold medalist and a World Champion... so much experience! Defenceman Pokka is also an Olympic Games winner and a World Champion as well and has also won the KHL and the Liiga.”
Find out more about EHC Biel-Bienne in the video below!