5 things to look out for in the Round of 16

The best hockey that Europe has to offer is back this week as we begin the 2019/20 Champions Hockey League Playoffs. 16 teams remain, only eight can go through to the next round - and here are five things that you definitely need to look out for!

1. Paving new paths

Six teams are playing in the Round of 16 for the very first time. Augsburger Panther, EHC Biel-Bienne, Färjestad Karlstad, Mountfield HK, Lausanne HC and Yunost Minsk. With history already made in reaching this stage, every step further they go will be a new chapter for their teams!

2019/20 CHL debutants EHC Biel-Bienne finished the Group Stage with 15 points, the most of any team (Photo: Simon Bohnenblust)

2. Tappara carrying hopes of Tampere and Finland

Tappara Tampere are hoping their Champions Hockey League adventure doesn't end in the Round of 16 again. The Finnish side have a much-documented history of failing to go past this stage, but with the League Ranking as it is the other Liiga teams will be hoping they can go on in the competition and ensure Finland keeps its four places.

Can Tappara Tampere finally reach the Quarter-Finals? (Photo: Arno Hämäläinen)

3. Germany at 100% - and might gain a team next season!

All three German teams made it into the Playoffs, giving them a 100% qualification record for the first time ever. That fantastic Group Stage campaign means the DEL is currently on course to get an extra place in next season's CHL - but they'll have to keep winning games this round to stay ahead in the League Ranking.

Adler Mannheim were one of three highly impressive German teams in the Group Stage (Photo: Soerli Binder)

4. Yunost proudly carrying Belarus into unchartered territory

While six teams are in this round for the first time, these countries have all had teams go deeper into the Playoffs - not so for Belarus, however. Yunost surpassed their 2015/16 achievement of making the Round of 32 by getting into Europe's top 16 teams this time around.

That was a first for Belarus and, as Head Coach Alexander Makritski alluded to, they're not ready to give up with just making it this far.

5. Former Champions looking for more

Two former Champions remain in the competition, looking to get their hands on the European Trophy for another season.

While Frölunda have won the last two titles, Luleå Hockey returned to the Champions Hockey League this season after two years failing to qualify. They won the first ever title in 2015, a memory that is still held in very high regard.

Luleå Hockey want the European Trophy back. Is this the year? (Photo: Simon Eliasson)

Stay up to date with all the action from this week's games. View the full schedule, read the match previews and access live streams of all the games via the CHL Gamecentre