For the fourth time in five years, the Frölunda Indians begin the Champions Hockey League season as defending champions. They will begin their title defence against a team that is no stranger to the competition, with Neman Grodno making their fourth appearance.
“Our team always has the highest goals,” said Grodno Head Coach Sergei Pushkov, “so we will try to play good hockey playing against one of the best teams in Europe, and of course we will try to qualify for the next round.”
“It is no secret that Frölunda wants to win every title available,” said Head Coach Roger Rönnberg, who has been behind the bench for each of their titles and coached more CHL games (73) than anybody. “The Champions Hockey League is no exception, which I believe we have proved over the years.”
The four-time champions will enter as favourites for sure, but don’t expect Grodno to lay down and die. Although they haven’t reached the CHL Round of 16 yet, the Belarusian powerhouse has given fits to some strong European teams over the years and won at least one game in each of their previous tries. Back in 1917/18, with Pushkov behind the bench, Grodno were only beaten in regulation time once in six games, and even shut out eventual champions JYP Jyväskylä 3-0, but finished just outside the cut-off in a very close group.
“We know very little about Neman Grodno at the moment, but will of course scout the team carefully. We have been to Belarus before and I remember we met a tough opponent,” said Rönnberg, referring to Frölunda’s encounter with Yunost Minsk in the Round of 32 back in 2016/17. That year, Frolunda lost in Belarus in the opening leg before coming back to win on aggregate at home.
Under normal circumstances, the CHL begins its Group Stage before domestic leagues begin. However, this year’s October start means most leagues will have already begun and teams will be in better game condition.
“The new format is quite interesting as there is no time to correct mistakes, so every goal will be extremely valuable.”Sergei Pushkov (Head Coach, Neman Grodno)
“By that time, all clubs will be in good physical shape and will put on a good show for the fans,” said Pushkov.
While in past years Frölunda have had troubles in the Group Stage, they have always emerged. “It will be inspiring,” Rönnberg said about going straight to the Playoff Stage. “We know what it means and we have to be on our toes from the start.”
Rönnberg means exactly what he says, as what’s amazing about the Indians’ success in the CHL isn’t just their number of wins as how they’ve done it. In last year’s competition alone, they came from behind in each playoff round – sometimes in dramatic fashion.
“Frölunda has a proud CHL history and it reflects what the tournament means for the club and its fans.”Roger Rönnberg (Head Coach, Frölunda Indians)
“Playing in the CHL is prestigious and very interesting for any club,” concluded Pushkov. “Our city is excited to host the four-time CHL champions and our fans are ready to plan their trips to Sweden. I hope Frölunda will be surprised with the atmosphere at our rink as we’ve got the best fan support in the country!”