Returning side Fribourg-Gottéron will open their 2022/23 Champions Hockey League season at home against newcomers Ilves Tampere.

In their last bid for the European Trophy, the Swiss side cruised through the Group Stage with a perfect record– a feat never before achieved in CHL history. Fribourg’s closest contest was a 4-3 nail-biter over Oceláři Třinec in their Game Day 3 match-up, while all other fixtures were firmly in the favour. Heading into the Playoffs, the Swiss side had positioned themselves as favourites but were unceremoniously undone by a hungrier Red Bull Munich in the Round of 16.

Despite a disappointing end to their CHL season, Fribourg continued to do well in the NL, improving upon their 2020/21 quarter-final finish with a trip to the semi-finals. Much of that roster will remain the same heading into 2022/23, with a few notable additions. Three former NHLers, headlined by Jacob de la Rose, have been brought on to compliment the likes of David Desharnais and company.

With their second qualification, Ilves will finally get the chance to compete against Europe's finest. In 2020/21, the team qualified thanks to a regular season fourth-place finish, but due to concerns surrounding the pandemic, the CHL season was cancelled. Nevertheless, a regular season third-place finish in 2021/22 has shown that their brand of hockey is only getting better. Last season the Finnish side had one of its best seasons in recent memory, winning the bronze medal game against KooKoo.

Where Fribourg's roster leans heavy on experience, Ilves' is comprised of mostly youngsters who are seeing CHL action for the first time. Led by their 26-year-old captain, Eemeli Suomi, the club has no shortage of young talent and boasts several NHL prospects. Right winger Jani Nyman was recently selected by the Seattle Kraken in the second round of this year’s draft, while on defence, Dominik Masin, another second round pick, was chosen by the Tampa Bay Lightning.