We spoke to representatives of our three SHL participants from Sweden following the CHL Draw in Stockholm 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 Christian Lechtaler, general manager of Frölunda Gothenburg, who says the four-time CHL Champions are "proud to be back after two years".
"We're proud and happy to be back"Christian Lechtaler, Frölunda Gothenburg
"We have a really strong line-up of opponents with five different styles of play. As always, it's really interesting and we can't wait to meet the teams," he said, commenting on the six opponents Frölunda will face on their big Champions Hockey League return.
Poland, Czechia and Germany will be the destinations the Swedes will travel to, while teams from Italy and Switzerland will make the journey up north to face them. Does any team stand out?
"We've never been to Poland," noted Lechtaler, "so that's going to be really exciting."
Thomas Fröberg, general manager of reigning SHL champions Luleå Hockey, is clear in his club's goals: "We're going for the win all the time. It's going to be a really good competition for us."
Just like Frölunda, Luleå will face Sparta Prague and GKS Tychy in the 2025/26 Regular Season, does any other team stand out to the 2015 CHL Champions?
"The Swiss teams will be some of our best opponents," highlighted Fröberg, noting EV Zug and SC Bern, who will both be making the journey to Sweden to face Luleå up north.
With a duo of away games in Czechia and a big trip to Northern Ireland to face the Belfast Giants, backed up by visitors from Austria, Switzerland and Norway, Brynäs IF have one hell of a Regular Season coming their way as they are set to play in their first CHL season since 2018.
"We are in to win," commented Jonas Alcén, sport director of the club, "lots of the clubs are new to us, everybody will bring their best."
"It's going to be especially interesting to face reigning champions ZSC Lions Zurich. That's going to be a huge game for us," added Alcén, highlighting a big game for the Swedes.
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