KAC Klagenfurt return to the Champions Hockey League after another strong domestic season in Austria, marking their sixth appearance in the competition. The most successful club in Austrian hockey history with 32 national titles, Klagenfurt qualified as ICE Hockey League regular season winners and are determined to finally translate domestic consistency into a deeper European run.

Their best CHL finish came in the 2021/22 season when they reached the Round of 16, and Head Coach Kirk Furey has made it clear that the ambition this year is to go even further.

Their first opponent could hardly be more challenging. Sparta Prague, one of Czech hockey’s most decorated clubs with eight national titles, return for their seventh CHL campaign. They are no strangers to success in this competition, having reached the Final in the 2016/17 season and the Semi-Finals in 2024/25.

Led by Head Coach Pavel Gross, Sparta arrive with clear ambitions of once again being among the top contenders in Europe. The roster has been bolstered by new defensive signings Jakub Sirota and NHL veteran Mark Pysyk, adding depth to an already experienced squad.

Keep an eye on Klagenfurt captain Thomas Hundertpfund, a lifelong Rotjacken now entering his 17th season, and forward Nick Petersen, the club’s all-time leading scorer among imports. On the other side, Sparta captain Michal Řepík continues to set the standard with his leadership, while Filip Chlapík brings offensive firepower after finishing as the team’s most productive player last season.

This opener promises a classic showdown between Austria’s most historic club and a Czech giant with proven European quality, setting the tone for an exciting CHL battle.