The Bordeaux Boxers enter their very first season in the Champions Hockey League following in the footsteps of fellow Ligue Magnus clubs such as Grenoble and Rouen, who have all done their fair share in promoting the rising quality of French hockey. The reigning French champions will start their journey through the European competition with a tough away game at the Heidi Horten-Arena against CHL regulars KAC Klagenfurt.

The Austrians have the experience of six past CHL participations heading into this one, standing out with incredible fan support that has made them a dreaded opponent to meet on the road. Austria’s most successful hockey club’s main aim for this season will be making it through to the Playoffs, after the last two seasons both ended too soon in the Regular Season. With newcomers Bordeaux on the opposite side of the ice, a win on Game Day 1 would be a step in the right direction or a big blow early on.

For Bordeaux, playing in the CHL is a reward for a hugely successful season domestically, which resulted in their first-ever national title. The French debutants will be striving to make a strong first impression with Europe’s hockey elite waiting and watching closely. Will they follow their national success with a memorable debut on the European stage? Now we wait to see how both teams begin their journey toward CHL glory!