We spoke to representatives of two of our three Liiga participants from Finland 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.
Liiga side SaiPa Lappeenranta will make a truimphant return to the Champions Hockey League stage for the first time in 10 years come September and the excitement is big.
"We're looking forward to meeting all the other teams and tough opponents, let's hope for some good games," said Assistant Coach Janne Hietaniemi, "it's hard to say any goals at the minute, let's see!"
"It will be really nice to face Pilsen!"Janne Hietaniemi, Assistant Coach SaiPa Lappeenranta
"It's nice to have a few of the Czech teams visiting us," commented Hietaniemi on the Draw, highlighting Dynamo Pardubice and HC Pilsen in his reaction.
Aside from them, the fans in Lappeenranta, Finland will also get to see HK Nitra, while SaiPa will go to Sweden, Denmark and Austria for the away games of their 2026/27 Regular Season.
2023 CHL Champions Tappara Tampere missed out on the European club ice hockey action in 2025/26 for the first time since 2014, but quickly returned to their usual ways and will be ready to skate out for their 11th CHL adventure come the new season.
Sport Director Janne Vuorinen said their goal for the upcoming season is to win, but also highlighted that games against international opposition can help develop their players.
"We have some really nice games set in Tampere!"Janne Vuorinen, Sport Director Tappara Tampere
"I think we were lucky with a really good draw," said Sport Director Janne Vuorinen, "we will go to Sweden for a couple of games, and facing GKS Tychy with their Finnish coach is going to be interesting."
The Finns will welcome Czech side Bílí Tygři Liberec and Norwegian team Storhamar Hamar to Tampere, while also welcoming DEL mega club Kölner Haie for a hugely anticipated match-up.
Aside from Tychy, on the road, Tappara will face the Växjö Lakers and familiar foe Rögle Ängelholm, who beat Tappara to the title in CHL Final 2022.
"The Swedish teams are some of the best in Europe and will be some very tough competition," ended Vuorinen.
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