Oceláři Třinec

Former CHL Semi-Fiinalists, Oceláři Třinec will be hoping to prove themselves as the dominant force in Group F. With more CHL experience than any other team in the group, that will help them as they will want to improve on their previous two CHL seasons where they failed to make it to the knockout rounds.

With some key arrivals this summer of guys with NHL experience like Andrej Nestrašil and Martin Marinčin, they'll be hoping they will slot right into their core group of players to capitalise on the momentum from last season that saw Třinec crowned Czech Extraliga champions.

With two debutants in the group and no prior CHL meetings with Fribourg-Gottéron, no team can afford to slowly feel eachother out, making for an exciting group as Třinec will hope to advance to the next round.

One to watch

Marek Mazanec - Former NHL goalie with an already impressive record in the CHL, he'll be looking to continue that with Třinec in his first season with the club

Martin Růžička - Age hasn't slowed down Růžička who is coming off one of his best ever seasons scpring 63-points last season. He'll be one of the best playmakers in the group.

First Game

Fribourg-Gottéron VS Oceláři Třinec, BCF Arena, 27 August, 18:45 CEST

Leksands IF

It's an exciting time for Leksands IF at the moment. After bouncing between the SHL and Allsvenskan in recent years, last season was one to remember for the side, with a third place finish in the league and a debut in the CHL.

It's a brand new competition for their fans to enjoy, and given the success of Swedish sides in the CHL since it began in 2014, it's one that their fans are sure to enjoy. With a successful run last season, that winning tradition will want to be continued, and what better way to show that it will continue than an impressive beginning to their debut CHL season.

A club that has produced talent previously is continuing that with a young group of players headlined by Isak Rosen who was a first round selection in the most recent NHL Entry Draft, and that youth mixed with veterans is what helped them to such a successful domestic season last year.

One to watch

Justin Kloos - A CHL debut for Leksands and Kloos, the 27-year-old American will look to make it an impressive one for himself and his new club after an eventful season in the KHL last year.

Mikael Ruohomaa - The 32-year-old joins Leksands this season following a solid three-year stint in Russia, and the expectation will be high for him to play a big part in Leksands domestic and CHL success this year.

First Game

Leksands IF VS Slovan Bratislava, Tegera Arena, 27 August, 18:05 CEST

Fribourg-Gottéron

It's been a while since Fribourg-Gottéron were involved in the CHL, but they're finally back and will be looking to mark their return in style.

The Swiss side managed their best finish in their league since 2014 last season, finishing third to secure their return to the CHL, and will hope that was the catalyst for a revival of their fortunes after some mid to low table finishes in past seasons.

With a group of players that vary in age and experience, they have an exciting lineup with a mixture of speed and toughness, but all with one goal in mind, continue the impress and also progress out of the group stage.

One to watch

David Desharnais - One of the elder statesmen on the squad, Desharnais has nine years of NHL experience that he brings to the lineup, and will likely be called upon to be a leader not just in terms of points, but in the locker room.

Sandro Schmid - A young up and comer in the Swiss game, Schmid may only be 21, but as he continues to improve with age, he may be one of the young ones to watch this year.

First Game

Fribourg-Gottéron VS Oceláři Třinec, BCF Arena, 27 August, 18:45 CEST

Slovan Bratislava

It's a debut for Slovan Bratislava after they were awarded a wildcard spot to enter the CHL for the very first time. Despite the wildcard tag, they'll be looking to really prove they belong in the tournament.

Since returning to the Slovakian Extraliga, Bratislava have had a decent run of form, this past season finishing fourth in the league, and advancing all the way to the semi-finals of the playoffs losing to eventual champions Zvolen.

With a good core of young players in their lineup, they'll be sure to play a fast paced and exciting brand of hockey as they look to debut with a bang this year.

One to watch

Brant Harris - With Bratislava debutising in the CHL this year, Brant Harris is a man who knows a thing or two about the competition from his days with Salzburg and will know what it takes to get results for the Slovakian side.

Kristers Gudļevskis - The Latvian signed midway through the season last year, and coming into his first full season with the side, he'll be called upon a lot to protect the net and help Bratislava cause some upsets.

First Game

Leksands IF VS Slovan Bratislava, Tegera Arena, 27 August, 18:05 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!