Ukrainian side HC Donbass Donetsk will make their CHL debut against Rungsted Seier Capital on Game Day 3 of the 2021/22 season of the Champions Hockey League. The Ukrainian side are the first-ever Ukrainian team to qualify for the CHL, whilst Rungsted return for their second taste of hockey on Europe's biggest stage.

Rungsted already have a season of CHL hockey under their belt – the five-time Danish champions featured in the 2019/20 season where they failed to advance to the Playoffs and finished bottom of their group. But they did pick up their first points, thanks to a big win on home ice against HPK Hämeenlinna on the final Game Day.

The Danes know what to expect from the league and it’s participants as they become the first team to head to Ukraine for an away game. 

Unlike Rungsted, Donbass have no CHL experience and will get their first taste of pan-European hockey in front of their home fans in the Palace of Sports in Kyjev. The 2012/13 IIHF Continental Cup champions and eight-time Ukrainian national champions haven’t been scared to set their sights high for this year: “Donbass always set high goals,” said Head Coach Pavel Mikulchik after the Group Stage draw, “our group is very strong, but we will do our best.”

Their multi-national squad has taken years to build and combines players from Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, Latvia and the United States. Can this be a major help as Donbass look to mark their CHL debut with a win?