We spoke to representatives of our three ICE participants from Austria 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.
First to speak was Philipp Pinter, Sport Director of the Graz99ers, who highlighted just how excited the Austrian club are to be back in the Champions Hockey League for the first time since 2019/20: "We're super excited to be back," he said, "we want to represent Austrian and Graz hockey in the best possible way."
"Playing the reigning German and Swiss champions is going to be exciting!"Philipp Pinter, Sport Director Graz99ers
Looking at the line-up of teams Graz will play in the 2026/27 Regular Season, aside from the reigning German and Swiss champions, the 2026 ICE champions will play exciting teams from France, Czechia, Finland and Norway. What do the Austrian club think of their draw?
"In Fribourg-Gottéron and Eisbären Berlin you have two absolutely top teams in Europe. Bílí Tygři Liberec and Storhamar Hamar have shown just how good they are over the years," said Pinter, summarising the opponents, "Bordeaux Boxers are a new team to us, we don't know too much about them, I just know their coach and in SaiPa Lappeenranta, we will also have a good challenge, we're really excited!"
KAC Klagenfurt have become a consistent qualifier for the Champions Hockey League over recent years, now heading into their third season of top-level European club ice hockey in a row. Kirk Furey, Head Coach of the team, revealed their main goal for the upcoming season: "We haven't been able to make the Playoffs rounds in the past two seasons, so making it through the Regular Season is our biggest goal."
Just like Graz, Klagenfurt will also face the reigning German and Swiss champions alongside Storhamar and Bordeaux. Who stands out to them as an opponent they are especially looking forward to facing?
"We're definitley looking forward to playing Fribourg and Berlin!"Kirk Furey, Head Coach KAC Klagenfurt
"But we're looking forward to playing all teams to be honest," continued Furey, "we have the opportunity to play against teams from different leagues and countries, that brings a lot of excitement for our players and for our fans."
Red Bull Salzburg, a team every Champions Hockey League fan knows very well, will play their 11th season of elite European club ice hockey in 2026/27. As past Semi-Finalists of the competition and regular Playoffs contenders, what is the goal heading into the new season?
"We have the same goal as in the past: present ourselves in the best possible way," responded Helmut Schlögl, Sport Director of the organisation, "we like the international challenges and will look to perform at our best."
"Diving into new countries and cultures, CHL road games are always special"Helmut Schlögl, Sport Director Red Bull Salzburg
"With three Swedish teams on the road, who we've faced a few times over the years, and two powerhouse teams from Germany at home: Kölner Haie and Eisbären Berlin, alongside a very strong team from Czechia in Bílí Tygři Liberec, we have a very exciting draw," summarised Schlögl.
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