Danish Newcomers the Odense Bulldogs had a fairytale start to their Champions Hockey League debut after they took down Mountfield HK 4-3 in the shootout in the ČPP Aréna. Game Day 2, however, saw a new challenger from Czechia and Kometa Brno managed a controlled 5-2 victory on home ice. Odense’s defencemen managed the scoring through Mason Klee and Kevin Karlsson.

Unable to bounce back, the Danes suffered their second straight loss on Game Day 3 at the hands of ZSC Lions Zurich, who outshot them 47-15. Swedish forward Joakim Thelin potted two goals to keep his team in contention. Linemate Jonathan Brinkman Anderson supported with two assists. The duo are currently averaging over a point per game, making them the top offensive contributors for Odense. 

KAC Klagenfurt, meanwhile, had the home ice advantage during their first two matches and split games, losing 4-1 to Sparta Prague and defeating Eisbären Berlin 3-2. Klagenfurt's road trip on Game Day 3 was a substantially tougher affair. Despite being in contention the whole night, Swedish side Brynäs IF pulled ahead in the third period, hitting the net three times. Thomas Hundertpfund and Danish forward Mathias From netted one apiece but penalties hampered the Austrian's and the Swedes eagerly capitalised.

Odense have already shown their capacity to compete against the best - something many first-timer teams struggle to do. With both sides desperate to secure points, this match-up has all the ingredients for a memorable showdown.