Best of the Best Ready to Battle in CHL Final!

Two teams, just one trophy: it's all on the line in the 2025/26 Champions Hockey League Final as two past winners of Europe's elite club ice hockey competition will battle it out for the European Trophy once again in an all-Swedish CHL Final.

Teams close on head-to-head stats
First-ever CHL Final saw Luleå beat Frölunda
Frölunda unbeaten in four CHL games, Luleå on four-game winning streak

It was an all-out bout between Luleå Hockey and EV Zug in their Semi-Final series, but it was ultimately the Swedes advancing to the Champions Hockey League Final with a 6-4 aggregate score. Meanwhile, Frölunda Gothenburg made the grade when they defeated their Semi-Finals opponents Brynäs IF 4-2 in aggregate scoring to qualify for their sixth appearance in the pan-European competition's all-or-nothing Final.

Both clubs are near identical in several stat categories, but some key differences do exist. Frölunda's defensive metrics show a squad that's had great success in keeping the puck out of their net as they sit with a 1.58 goals against per game average compared to Luleå's 2.08. In fact, the club has been able to hold their opponents to two or fewer goals in every Playoff contest they've suited up for this season.

Moreover, 38-year-old Lars Johansson has been spectacular for the Swedes, with his near 92.50% save percentage to go along with a 1.68 goals against average and one shutout in six games played. Should he get the nod, Frölunda can be confident he'll give them a chance to win.

Matching their defensive strengths are their offensive efforts, with Frölunda scoring just under 3 goals for per game on average with 2.83. Team captain Max Friberg, who has 3 goals and a league-high 9 assists, has been a key cog in the system for the Swedes and having him as the set-up man gives the Swedes a confident boost up front that will be needed against a capable Luleå defence.

On the opposing bench, Luleå have been as advertised all season long. Having won five of their past six games, including a duo of wins against Finnish favourites Ilves Tampere in their Quarter-Finals, the team has been firing on all cylinders during their run to the Final.

Though slightly behind their fellow Swedes in some categories, Luleå possess their own X-factors, including a stellar penalty kill unit that's operating at 90.24% compared to Frölunda's 88.10%. This, combined with their CHL-high 35.55 Expected Goals, illustrates the team's ability to make things happen in the offensive zone. One of several players helping in that end of the ice is Mathias Bromé who has 2 goals and 8 assists. Bromé's ability to fire the puck on net will be critical to Luleå's attempts at solving the opposing netminder early.

Who to look out for?

Have a scroll through the gallery to see a few star players who we think will play a BIG role in the CHL Final!

Mathias Bromé, Luleå Hockey

Luleå's Top Scorer has only scored two in 11 games played, but both were game-winners, and with eight assists to his name, his role on the ice is clear. (Photo: Fredrik Sundvall )

Max Friberg, Frölunda Gothenburg

The club captain and Top Scorer of the four-time CHL Champions has excelled this season with 3 goals and a league-high 9 assists in 12 games played, displaying his one-of-a-kind set-up play and nose for a pass in front of the net. (Photo: Michael Erichsen)

Brendan Shinnimin, Luleå Hockey

Brendan Shinnimin has missed a few games this season but with 3G and 3A in 6 games played, backed up by high chance-creation, the 35-year-old has shown he's a reliable source of offensive power when called upon. (Photo: Fredrik Sundvall)

Ivar Sternberg, Frölunda Gothenburg

A top prospect of the upcoming NHL Entry Draft, Ivar Sternberg has lined up for 11 games this CHL season, surprising many with bursts of energy and surprising moves - watch out for this young gun! (Photo: Johannes TRAUB)

Frédéric Allard, Luleå Hockey

Frédéric Allard has been one of the hardest working players for Luleå this CHL season and with 7 assists across 11 games played, he's had a big impact on the play up front despite primarly lining up on the blue line! (Photo: Fredrik Sundvall)

Henrik Tömmernes, Frölunda Gothenburg

Henrik Tömmernes is also up for the 2025/26 LGT MVP Award and with 4G and 4A this season, the 186 cm D-man is a force to be reckoned with on the ice and one that can stop an opponent on the spot. (Photo: Michael Erichsen)

Isac Hedqvist, Luleå Hockey

Isac Hedqvist has been steadily reeling in points all season and heading into the most important game of the calendar, the energetic 20-year-old sits on 3G and 6A. He'll be sure to add more! (Photo: Fredrik Sundvall)

Jere Innala, Frölunda Gothenburg

Another big assister, Jere Innala has 1G and 8A heading into the CHL Final. He leads his club in shots on goal taken and often jumps on for the PP, so keep an eye on his passing or potential rebounds. (Photo: Lukasz Sobala)

Defensively speaking, Luleå have allowed in 25 goals while their opponents have only allowed 19, but the Swedes have also been successful in limiting their opponents to two or fewer tallies in four of their last five games. Tucked in there is a marvellous performance by Luleå's Matteus Ward, who boasts his side's sole shutout of 2025/26, having recorded it against Ilves Tampere in the Quarter-Finals Return Game on the road in Finland.

Regardless of who guards the crease, the Swedes have excellent options in both Ward and veteran netminder Joel Lassinantti, who saw his team through the Semi-Final series against Zug where he stopped 40 of 44 shots.

Don't miss the ultimate one-game CHL Final in Gothenburg, Sweden on Tuesday, 3 March 2026, at 19:00 CET.