Tappara Tampere, already assured of their place in the Last 16, go into tonight’s home game buoyed by the return of Sebastian Repo to the team from the Florida Panthers.

"It's nice to get playing right away after returning from North America. I have never played in the CHL before so this will be the first for me,” said the 21-year old, who was #6 Draft pick in this summer’s NHL entry draft. “It's always interesting to see different hockey cultures, how they play, or how the Slovakian champions compare to our more familiar opponents. And it would be great if I could score against Teemu!"

Teemu that he’s referring to is Bystrica goalie Teemu Lassila, who joined the Slovak side after winning the Liiga Championship with Tappara last season. “It will be a tough game for us, so it’s essential that we prepare properly,” said Marek Bartánus, who scored in his side’s last league game. “Of course I’d be happy if I could add another goal!”.