It's almost time for Champions Hockey League to finally return, with 32 teams all competing to be crowned champions of Europe. Last time around we previewed Group G and now we’ll focus on four more teams as we bring our Preview series to an end with Group H.
Our last Group features Czech Extraliga champions Oceláři Třinec, six-time CHL participants Skellefteå AIK from the SHL, Swiss side HC Davos and the Belfast Giants, all the way from Northern Ireland.
Oceláři Třinec
Of the 12 Czech clubs that have represented the country in the CHL, Třinec hold the most qualifications with eight. Last season, the Czech side became national champions for a second consecutive year after downing Sparta Prague in the playoff finals. With their fourth championship secured, Třinec will again battle against Europe’s best as they vie for a place in the Playoffs.
The last three campaigns haven’t been kind to the club from eastern Czech Republic. Four years have passed since their appearance in the Semi-Finals, as Třinec haven’t been able to capture that same magic. Fresh competitors, however, could be a welcomed challenge for the Czech side that completed the "golden hattrick" in 2022 - winning the title three times in a row (2019, 2021, 2022*).
* 2020 playoffs were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic
Ones to Watch
Martin Marinčin – The Slovak defender skated in 227 NHL games and is a key component to Třinec’s defence. Last season he was third among the club's defenceman in scoring with 15 points in 42 games.
Marek Mazanec – Another former NHLer, Mazanec made it all the way to the CHL Final with Mountfield HK in 2019/2020. The 31-year-old was also instrumental in helping Třinec bring the title back home this past season.
First Game
Oceláři Třinec VS Belfast Giants, Werk Arena, 2 September, 17:00 CEST
Skellefteå AIK
On the heels of a third-place finish in the SHL regular season, Skellefteå were ushered into the quarter-finals but ultimately fell to Färjestad Karlstad four games to two. Nevertheless, a strong performance in their domestic league has cemented them as one of the five Swedish clubs skating in the 2022/23 season of the CHL.
The pan-European competition is nothing new to the six-time participants and neither is it to their Group Stage opponents, HC Davos. The Swiss side took care of the Swedish in the 2015/16 Quarter-Finals, and it wouldn’t be until 2018/19 that Skellefteå would return to that leg of the tournament.
Unfortunately, the Swedes’ last two showings haven’t inspired much confidence. Though they've advanced past the Group Stage on both occassions, Skellefteå have failed to go further than the Round of 16. Head Coach Robert Ohlsson is looking to change this as he outlined his squad's plan of action: "control the game and set the way we want to play.”
Ones to Watch
Oscar Möller – A dual threat on the powerplay as well as the penalty kill, Möller is entering his fourth season as captain and wears the “C” well.
Jonathan Pudas – Pudas delivers an excellent shot and knows how to find his teammates in traffic. Last season he placed third on the team in scoring and was awarded “Defender of the Year” in the SHL.
First Game
Skellefteå AIK VS HC Davos, Skellefteå Kraft Arena, 2 September, 17:35 CEST
HC Davos
The Swiss side improved upon their eighth-place finish in 2020/21 with a fifth-place finish in 2021/22 and earned their fourth trip to the tournament. Davos’ bid for the national title got off to a great start this year when they defeated fellow CHL qualifiers Rapperswil-Jona Lakers in the quarter-finals, but their collapse against EV Zug in the semis foiled any hopes of hoisting the trophy.
In their three previous performances, Davos have experienced all the ups and downs of CHL hockey. The 2015/16 campaign saw them skate in the Semi-Finals against Frölunda Gothenburg, while their next two qualifications amounted to a Round of 32 appearance and a Group Stage exit, respectively.
This year, the 31-time NL champions are excited to be back in the CHL as, “it’s great exposure for our brand and for our club,” according to their Sports Director, Jan Alston.
Ones to Watch
Magnus Nygren – Nygren has been a leader in our team for years. He handles the puck well at the blueline and can create offence with his formidable shot. The Swede has also suited up for 18 CHL matches.
Enzo Corvi – Considered to have excellent hands and superb vision, Corvi fills the role of playmaker on the team. Last year the Swiss centreman tallied 25 assists and was fourth in team scoring.
First Game
Skellefteå AIK VS HC Davos, Skellefteå Kraft Arena, 2 September, 17:35 CEST
The Belfast Giants
Belfast secured their second CHL qualification thanks to another strong showing domestically. A historic third title may have evaded Adam Keefe’s side, but the Giants head into the CHL as EIHL and Challenge Cup champions.
In their last run for the European Trophy, the Northern Irish side was pit against the likes of Augsburger Panther, former CHL Champions Luleå Hockey, and Bílí Tygři Liberec and were unable to muster much as their sole victory came against the Czech side in a tight 5-4 final.
This year, Keefe, who led the group during their first appearance, is focused on creating a team that can compete: “We want to build a strong competitive team that can skate with these teams, and we know from our last experience in the CHL skating’s going to be really important.”
Ones to Watch
David Goodwin – A firm fan favourite that makes an impact
on and off the ice. Last year, 'Goody', as he is often called, notched 18 goals and picked up 40 assists in 48 contests and returns for his second season as captain.
Mark Cooper – A product of the AHL and the ECHL, Cooper ignited the Giants’ offence last year with 62 points (28G,34A) in 53 matches. The Canadian winger was also made alternate captain by Adam Keefe.
First Game
Oceláři Třinec VS Belfast Giants, Werk Arena, 2 September, 17:00 CEST