ERC Ingolstadt are back in the Champions Hockey League eager to make a strong impression on home ice at the Saturn Arena. The Bavarian side last appeared in the 2023/24 season, where they advanced to the Round of 16 before being knocked out by the Växjö Lakers. With that experience under their belt, the Panthers, who have made the CHL Playoffs twice in four prior seasons, now look to push even further in Europe's biggest club ice hockey competition and give their home supporters a performance to cheer about from day one.

Their opening opponent will be Ilves Tampere, one of the most storied names in Finnish hockey. Founded in 1931 and boasting 16 national championships, Ilves have consistently proven themselves in the Liiga.

They enter their fourth consecutive CHL season, having reached the CHL Round of 16 in 2023/24 before missing the Playoffs last season. Known for their fast-paced and attacking style of hockey, Ilves will be a tough test for any opponent and will arrive in Ingolstadt with clear intentions to start strong.

Head coach Mark French has emphasised the importance of a solid start for Ingolstadt, while Ilves bench boss Antti Pennanen has underlined his team’s ambition to return to the knockout stages. Both sides see this encounter as a key opportunity to set the tone for their campaigns.

Keep an eye on Ingolstadt’s Alex Breton, whose 20 goals last season made him the most productive DEL defenceman in more than a decade, along with veteran forward Daniel Pietta, still delivering at an elite level in his 24th DEL season. For Ilves, look for Lukas Svejkovsky out on the ice, a dynamic winger with the skill to create offensive chances in many different ways.