Ahead of the start of the upcoming Champions Hockey League season, we asked the Head Coaches of ERC Ingolstadt's six Regular Season opponents what their thoughts are on the German team - here's what they had to say!
Ilves Tampere Head Coach Tommi Niemelä: “A very offensively minded team with a lot of speed and skill. Big challenge for us at the start of the season.”
KalPa Kuopio Head Coach Sami Tervonen: “The side I know best through their goaltending coach, Ilpo Kauhanen, who also coached for KalPa. They play at a blistering offensive pace and didn’t top their domestic regular season by accident.”
EV Zug Head Coach Michael Liniger: “ERC Ingolstadt had an impressive season, finishing first in the regular season before falling in the semi-finals. Their style of play is heavily influenced by North American hockey, with key players from that system. We’re expecting a physically tough game — a real challenge for our team.”
Lausanne HC Head Coach Geoff Ward: “Last season’s DEL runners-up, the team have turned a corner and established themselves as a major force in Germany. Ingolstadt will be a good opportunity for us to prepare our season.”
HC Bolzano Head Coach Kurt Kleinendorst: “It might be the team I know best among our opponents, having coached there in the past and having spent four more seasons coaching in the DEL. But that was quite a few years ago and this will be a completely new challenge. My focus is fully on our team — we need to concentrate on our game and on what we want to achieve.”
Odense Bulldogs Head Coach Jason O’leary: “The Panthers have been steady contenders in the ever-competitive DEL, finishing first overall in the regular season last year. After a tough outing vs Koln in the playoffs semi-finals, Ingolstadt will be hungry for more this coming season. A fast, aggressive and stellar offensive team with great defensive characteristics will definitely be another tough competitor for the Bulldogs.”