We have one new qualifier to add to our ever-growing list of teams for 2021/22 – KAC Klagenfurt secured their fourth CHL qualification last week thanks to their second-place finish in the ICE Hockey League Pick Round. The Austrian team is the second to qualify from the ICE Hockey League following in the steps of HC Bolzano. The league’s third place will be awarded to the National Champion after the playoffs.
The Czech Extraliga Regular Season has come to an end – Sparta Prague finished top of the league and clenched the President’s Trophy after an intense back and forth with rivals Oceláři Třinec, who finished just two points behind them. Both clubs have already been confirmed as qualified and the Extraliga’s third and final CHL place will be determined through the Playoffs, so no new news for now.
Sweden’s SHL could be where our next qualifiers come from – there are only 5 to 7 games remaining before the Regular Season ends. Rögle Ängelholm are currently in top spot and could be confirmed for 2021/22 as early as Tuesday. The Växjö Lakers are most likely to follow. Four-time CHL Champions the Frölunda Indians are already qualified - they automatically earn a place as the previous CHL Champions. They are currently sixth and trailing 16 points behind leaders Rögle.
No teams are expected to qualify from Germany’s DEL this week – Adler Mannheim are still leading the Southern Conference, whilst Eisbären Berlin are top of the Northern Conference, but both groups still have a long way to go before we can be certain of any CHL qualifications.
In Switzerland, EV Zug are still most likely to qualify for their eight consecutive CHL season. There are still between 7 and 13 games to be played, but their current 19-point lead over second-placed ZSC Lions will most likely stand. Stay tuned!
In Finland, the Liiga qualification places are up for grabs for plenty of contenders. Four-time CHL qualifiers Lukko Rauma are currently top of the league, followed by IFK Helsinki in second place, but with over 15 games remaining for most teams it can all be different in a few weeks’ time.
Follow our social channels to keep up to date about any new CHL qualifiers and tune in again next week for a more comprehensive overview of Europe's top leagues.