"We've had trouble making it to the Playoffs in the last few times we've participated," started Stephane Richer representing Eisbären Berlin, the DEL's reigning champions.

"For now, that's our main goal - making it to the Top 16," he added.

Gaby Sennebogen of the Straubing Tigers, who are back in the Champions Hockey League for a second try after making the Round of 16 in their debut in 2022/23, said that the Tigers "always try to give their very best" and will try to "make it as far as possible", adding: "I hope Straubing will do well in the CHL."

Alfred Prey of Pinguins Bremerhaven hopes the German club will make it to the next round: "After the Draw, I see we have some strong teams and we're going to have to show up, but I think it's going to be a good season."

What did the DEL representatives think of their draw? Richer is expecting some good games: "Czechia isn't far from Berlin so we hope they bring some fans."

"Travel also looks good for us so now it's just up to getting the team ready," he added.

Sennebogen highlighted Straubing's two Swiss opponents, saying: "It looks like it's going to be a Swiss season for us as we've been invited to the Spengler Cup as well! Since Switzerland is our neighbour, it will be great for our fans who we able to follow us."

Prey joked that he will be starting to learn French: "We have all French-speaking teams at home, so we should start learning French!"

And finally, which clubs stood out to the representatives following the CHL Draw? For Richer it was clearly one team. "All of them mean something, but playing Sparta Prague is always special. We played them in an exhibition game last season so facing them in the CHL is going to mean a lot."

"We're going to see a lot of Europe," said Sennebogen, "every team is interesting so we're most excited to see a lot of new cities and places."

Prey also highlighted traditional Czech team Sparta Prague as his pick of the Draw: "Sparta is an incredible team. To play such a traditional team is a win for us and all our fans."