Eisbären Berlin

Eisbären Berlin return to the CHL off the back of a very successful domestic season. Head Coach Serge Aubin, who is currently in his second season at the club, led the Eisbären all the way to their eighth DEL championship and first title since 2013.

The club from the German capital have participated in four CHL seasons but have only made it as far as the Round of 16. Despite not having advanced as far as some of their 2021/22 opponents, they’ve had some magical moments in the league over the years – like two memorable wins against Swiss giants EV Zug back in 2016/17.

Despite having no prior history with two of their three upcoming opponents, the Eisbären have already faced Skellefteå – back in 2015/16, the two sides locked horns in the Round of 16. Both ties ended in favour of the Swedes who went on to the Quarter-Finals. Will the new CHL season be payback time for the DEL side?

Ones to watch

Marcel Noebels – has been with the Eisbären since 2014, the 29-year-old has been their top scorer for two seasons running, and has three seasons of CHL hockey under his belt.

Leo Pföderl – the skilled winger is entering his third season at the club and scored 37 points in 34 games in the DEL last season, equalling his tally from his debut season with the Eisbären in 2019/20.

First game

Eisbären Berlin VS Tappara Tampere, Mercedes-Benz Arena, 27 August, 20:15 CEST

Skellefteå AIK

Skellefteå are back for their sixth taste of the CHL. The SHL side finished fourth in the regular season and made it to the SHL playoff semi-finals last season, falling just shy of the final. Their domestic performances over the last ten years have led them to seven SHL finals and won them two championship titles. The Swedish powerhouse have also never missed out on the playoffs since the 2007/08 season.

They are dangerous team with a proven track record in the CHL as well, having made it all the way to the CHL Semi-Finals. Skellefteå are the de-facto team to beat in Group E and also hold an interesting feat in the competition – they have won their group each season they have participated in (five times!) and have never missed the Playoffs.

Will 2020/21 mark their sixth Playoff qualification? Will they top Group E? You can put your money on Skellefteå!

Ones to watch

Joakim Lindström – Skellefteå’s top scorer over the past decade with experience from both the NHL and the KHL. Possesses great vision and a high hockey IQ, which helps him score from almost anywhere in the offensive zone.

Gustaf Lindvall – hometown hero who deservedly won the goalie of the year award in the SHL in 2019/20. He has significantly improved his flexibility, perseverance, and overall consistency over recent years.

First Game

HC Lugano VS Skellefteå AIK, Cornèr Arena, 27 August, 19:45 CEST

HC Lugano

Two-time CHL participants HC Lugano are back for another stint in the Champions Hockey League after one of their best domestic season showings in recent memory. The Swiss side finished second in the NL regular season, their best result since winning the championship back in 2005/06 and made it to the playoff quarter-finals.

Lugano first played in the CHL in 2016/17 when they faced a familiar side – Tappara Tampere. The Finns won the first tie, but Lugano won the return leg and went on to go as far as the Round of 16, whilst Tappara only made the Round of 32.

In 2018/19, Lugano made their second appearance in the CHL, winning only three games that year but managing to make it to the Playoffs.

Will 2020/21 be the year the Swiss side leave their mark on the CHL?

Ones to watch

Mikkel Bødker – the experienced 31-year-old winger joined HC Lugano at the start of 2020/21, he spent 12 seasons in the NHL playing over 740 games. Watch out for him on his CHL debut!

Mirco Müller – a smooth skating two-way defencemen with impressive mobility, joined Lugano from Leksands IF, who he helped reach CHL qualification for the very first time. Scored 14 points in 13 games in the SHL last season.

First Game

HC Lugano VS Skellefteå AIK, Cornèr Arena, 27 August, 19:45 CEST

Tappara Tampere

Tappara are one of only a select few teams that have qualified for every CHL season since 2014. They are the most experienced team in Group E and have made it out of the Group Stage each season, yet they have never made it past the Round of 16.

In an interview for the CHL a few months back, Tappara Head Coach Jussi Taapola said: “Our goal is to make the Playoffs and then go on to win the CHL,” hoping that this year they will finally break their Round of 16 curse.

They enter their seventh CHL season after finishing fourth in the Liiga regular season last year, their worst result since missing the Liiga playoffs altogether in 2011/12. Is this even more motivation for the Finnish powerhouse to have a good run in the CHL?

Ones to watch

Christian Heljanko – the 24-year-old goaltender has played for Tappara since 2017. He has played in 12 CHL games for the club and established himself as the team's starter last season, posting a save percentage of over 91%.

Veli-Matti Vittasmäki – the 31-year-old blueliner played for Tappara from 2017 to 2020 and has returned to help them in 2021/22 after a season in the KHL. Has scored seven points (three goals, four assists) over his four seasons in the CHL.

First Game

Eisbären Berlin VS Tappara Tampere, Mercedes-Benz Arena, 27 August, 20:15 CEST

Tune in later this week for more Group Previews and be sure to follow the Champions Hockey League’s social media channels to stay up to date on all the news and reactions ahead of the 2021/22 season!