Neither Cracovia nor IFK Helsinki can advance beyond the group stage at this point, but with an energetic crowd expected at Tauron Arena Krakow, the Polish champs are taking this game seriously, and they’re going to be ready for the opening faceoff.

“We had a whole week to prepare for the game against IFK Helsinki,” said Cracovia head coach Rudolf Ruháček. “We used this time to hone both our attacking and defensive skills. We worked on the tactics we need to apply on the power play and while shorthanded. It’s a very special experience for us having the opportunity to play in the Champions Hockey League and we can’t wait for tomorrow’s game! Our opponents are a great team, characterized by exceptional skating, technical and tactical skills. They are on the same level as Red Bull Munich and Brynäs IF so we know we have a difficult task ahead of us. It means that if we want to win points, we need to avoid making mistakes and keep our focus throughout the whole game.”

Defenceman Mateusz Rompkowski added: “We have a positive atmosphere in the dressing room, as playing in the Champions Hockey league gives us great joy. Now we want to make history, aiming for our first-ever win for a Polish team in the competition. That’s our main goal and I believe that if we play responsibly and with maximum concentration, we can achieve a good result. We know we can put in a battling performance.”