Brynäs IF return to the Monitor ERP Arena for the First Game of their Quarter-Finals match-up against KalPa Kuopio, looking to build on one of the most dramatic comebacks of the Round of 16. After falling 2-1 at home to SC Bern in the opening meeting, Brynäs responded with a remarkable 5-3 OT win in Switzerland to clinch a 6-5 aggregate victory. It was a performance defined by persistence, depth scoring, and timely execution. All qualities they will need again against one of the CHL’s most consistent teams.

The First Game against Bern was cagey, with Brynäs unable to convert early pressure before falling behind in the middle period. Johan Larsson’s powerplay equaliser briefly levelled the score, but Marco Lehmann struck late to hand Bern a narrow 2-1 win. The Return Game, however, produced an entirely different script. Brynäs erased multiple deficits, with Jack Kopacka scoring twice and Jakob Silfverberg adding another to pull the Swedes back into contention. Oskar Lindblom forced overtime with a dramatic 6-on-5 goal at 59:04, before Johan Larsson completed the comeback by netting the OT winner to send Brynäs into the Quarter-Finals.

KalPa advanced through a high-quality Round of 16 clash with reigning CHL Champions ZSC Lions Zurich, drawing 4-4 in Switzerland before winning 4-2 at home to seal an 8-6 aggregate triumph. The First Game was a fast-paced affair featuring several lead changes, with key goals from Andreas Okany, Tuukka Korkiakoski, and Aleksi Klemetti highlighting KalPa’s offensive depth. In the Return Game, Cade Borchardt gave the Finns early control, before a dominant second period, featuring tallies from Teemu Hartikainen and Veikka Mononen, pushed the aggregate advantage out of reach. Despite two late Zurich goals, KalPa managed the closing stages well to book their place in the final eight.

This Quarter-Finals series brings together two teams with contrasting styles. Brynäs lean heavily on structure, defensive support from Michal Kempný, and contributions from Jack Kopacka, Johan Larsson, and Linus Ölund, while goaltenders Collin Delia and Damian Clara have provided stability in key moments.

KalPa counter with speed, aggressive forechecking, and one of the most balanced forward groups remaining, led by Cade Borchardt, Juuso Mäenpää, and Teemu Hartikainen. Their goaltending trio, Stefanos Lekkas, Patrik Kerkola, and Topias Rovio, has been excellent throughout the campaign.