The Playoff Draw for the 2022/23 season of the Champions Hockey League took place earlier today, drawing 16 teams into eight matchups and setting out each team's potential Road to the Final.
Drawing the teams at the event as a guest was ZSC Lions Zurich defenceman Mikko Lehtonen.
Zurich had a strong Group Stage, finishing second in Group D. How satisfied was Lehtonen with his team's performances over the course of the first phase of the 2022/23 season?
"I think we played well and did a good job but there are always areas where you can do better," started the Finnish defenceman.
Zurich were in the same group as Polish side GKS Katowice in the Group Stage, a club where Lehtonen’s brother Matias Lehtonen plays. The two brothers got to face each other professionally on the ice for the very first time in their careers.
"It was really nice to play against him," said Mikko, the older of the two brothers, "especially having all our family in the stands - it was a huge thing for them!"
How important and useful is an international tournament such as the CHL for players and teams?
"It's a great thing to play against different teams, different leagues, different systems - it's really helpful," said Lehtonen.
Zurich were drawn against Skellefteå AIK for the Round of 16, what are Lehtonen's thoughts?
"They are a good team, they have some great players in their team," said Lehtonen straight off the bat, "they play high-pace games and we need to be ready for that."
Who does he think have the upper hand?
"Both teams are good - I would say it's even," ended the 28-year-old.
Watch the full interview below