The opening-day matchup between the Frölunda Indians and ZSC Lions pits two of the biggest names in European hockey against each other. It’s also the first of two meetings between teams that have won the Champions Hockey League before – Frölunda have taken the last two titles, while Zurich won the lone season of the CHL’s first incarnation back in 2008/09. As perennial contenders in the Swedish and Swiss leagues, respectively, both teams are favoured to advance from Group H, but bragging rights will be on the line for which of the two giants will top the group.

“As the reigning champions, we have something to defend, and the three finals in a row shows that the CHL is important to us,” said Frölunda Assistant Coach Pär Johansson. “Zurich is probably the best team from pot number two. The team is well coached and will probably play with speed, possession and intensive checking.”

“Frölunda is the measure of all things!” declared Zurich General Manager Sven Leuenberger. “The club has done the maximum in terms of success in recent CHL seasons. We have to wrap ourselves up warmly.”