Ilves Tampere

In a league dominated by high-caliber teams, the likes of which include Tappara Tampere, Lukko Rauma, Kärpät Oulu, and TPS Turku, Ilves have slowly but surely been carving out their own identity. The 16-time Finnish champions saw the culmination of that effort last season with their best campaign in nearly 20 seasons, a campaign where the club finished third in the regular season and capped their season off with a victory over Kärpät in the Liiga Playoffs battle for bronze.

As a young squad – with an average age of just 23-years-old – Ilves bring a mix of speed and skill and use their youth to their advantage. Over 10 players currently playing on Ilves’ roster have been drafted to the NHL and this number should only continue to grow as the lynxes continue to see success in Finnish hockey.

Ones to Watch

Jani Nyman – Representing Ilves for most of his hockey career, Nyman is a massive 191 cm, 98 kg whilst just turning 18. Known as more of a finisher, the Finnish forward uses his power to create chances.

Eemeli Suomi – The heart and soul of this Tampere team, Suomi is entering his fifth season as captain and has been every bit as advertised in his role. Last season, he led Ilves in scoring with 49 points in 54 games.

First Game

Fribourg-Gottéron VS. Ilves Tampere, BCF Arena, 1 September, 20:00 CEST

Fribourg-Gottéron

Lauded as one of the CHL's biggest surprises last year, the Swiss side did what no other club – not even Frölunda Gothenburg – have been able to do before in CHL history: go undefeated through the Group Stage and take a full 18 points. Following their four-season absence from the CHL, Fribourg quickly became a force in the 2021/22 campaign as they bulldozed their way through their Group Stage opponents.

In what was looking like a repeat of their 2016/17 Semi-Final run was quickly spoiled, however, when Red Bull Munich surprised the Swiss by winning their Round of 16 contests 7:4 on aggregate.

Fribourg have been a club on the rise in the Swiss NL, following up on their third-place regular season finish in 2020/21 with a second-place regular season finish last season, capped off by a semi-finals playoffs run.

Much like their Finnish Group E opponents Ilves, the Swiss club’s consistency is indicative of the organisation’s efforts to foster an atmosphere that attracts champions, and so far their strategy has proved effective.

Ones to Watch

Connor Hughes – The Canadian backstop was unstoppable in his CHL debut, going 4-0 with a 0.94 GAA and a .969 SV% to go along with two shutouts.

Killian Mottet – The Swiss forward’s performance in the CHL last year was excellent as he led the team in assists (6A) and points (9G).

First Game

Fribourg-Gottéron VS. Ilves Tampere, BCF Arena, 1 September, 20:00 CEST

Red Bull Salzburg

Like clockwork, the German side continued their tradition of making it past the Group Stage but were unable to capture their 2018/19 season success which saw them skate to the Semi-Finals. As has been their modus operandi since their first qualification back in 2014/15, Salzburg made quick work of their Group Stage opponents, only dropping one game to Italian side HC Bolzano.

After playing against their neighbour to the South, Salzburg were pitted against the Rouen Dragons of France who clawed their way out of the Round of 16 by a razor-thin aggregate score of 4:3.

Salzburg fared much better in their domestic league, achieving first place for the second time in three years. They then followed up their spectacular regular season performance with an excellent encore in the playoffs that ended with them adding another championship to their already impressive line of hardware.

Ones to Watch

Peter Schneider – In his first year with the club, Schneider took the ICE by storm compiling 52 points in 45 games to lead the league. He also managed eight points in eight CHL games last year.

Benjamin Nissner - his great performances with Salzburg during the 2021/22 championship season ended with Nissner recording 18 goals and 35 assists in 60 games. Watch out for his fighting qualities in the defense, last season he was the best player in +/- after the regular season.

First Game

Red Bull Salzburg VS. Stavanger Oilers, Eisarena Salzburg, 1 September, 20:20 CEST

Stavanger Oilers

Since 2014/15 only two teams have finished in first place in the Fjordkraft-ligaen regular season more than once, Storhamar Hamar and the Stavanger Oilers. In fact, the Oilers managed this feat in three consecutive seasons (2014/15 – 2016/17). Now with their eighth Norwegian championship and fifth CHL qualification secured, the team from southwestern Norway are excited to get back in Europe's elite club ice hockey competition.

The last time the Oilers were in the CHL, they were coming off their third championship in as many years. Due to their success, they were considered “the class of Norwegian hockey” in 2017/18. However, they failed to produce similar results in the CHL.

With some key additions, including Colton Beck from Ilves and Paul Bittner from Düsseldorfer EG, the Oilers will be striving for that ever-elusive Round of 16 bid this season and a chance to take Norwegian hockey to the next level on the European stage.

Ones to Watch

Dan Kissel - Assistant captain and a notorious goalscorer, especially when it comes to the big games. Except for a two-season intermission in Switzerland, the Chicago-born winger has been with the Oilers since 2012 and posted 46 points in 40 games last season.

Henrik Holm – Holm helped his club claim their eighth title in the organisation’s history and has been a reliable option in net for the Oilers since the 2011/12 season. In 11 CHL games, the Norwegian has achieved a 3.183 GAA and a .909 SV%.

First Game

Red Bull Salzburg VS. Stavanger Oilers, Eisarena Salzburg, 1 September, 20:20 CEST