Ahead of the start of the upcoming Champions Hockey League season, we asked the Head Coaches of the Straubing Tigers' six Regular Season opponents what their thoughts are on the German team - here's what they had to say!
SønderjyskE Vojens Head Coach Anders Førster: “Finished third in the DEL and are a team that play with a lot of depth. They won five games out of six in the CHL in 2022/23 and did very well in the Round of 16 against Frölunda Gothenburg. They play fast and physical. We know we are underdogs in all the games we play in the CHL, but we hold our heads high no matter which team we face. We learn a lot from these games and they give us valuable experience that also benefits us in our domestic league.”
Skellefteå AIK Head Coach Robert Ohlsson: “One of the best organisations in Europe. They have a team with great future prospects.”
ZSC Lions Zurich General Manager Sven Leuenberger: “Always in the top four in Germany throughout recent years, they are tough fighters and difficult to play against.”
Dynamo Pardubice Head Coach Marek Zadina: “Another very good German opponent. Last season they reached the Semi-Finals of the DEL. We have a game at their stadium, they had great support from the fans last season, nothing easy awaits us. Straubing have several Canadians in their squad, which again indicates an aggressive concept of the game. It will be different hockey than against Tampere or Lahti.”
Unia Oświęcim Assistant Coach Krzysztof Majkowski: “They are our third team from the DEL. Also led by a coach from across the ocean – Tom Pokel, who has been with the club since the 2017/18 season. Two years ago, this team had the opportunity to compete in a group with Comarch Cracovia, winning both matches 4-0 and 3-2. As for the key players of the Tigers, it’s worth starting with Justin Braun. The 37-year-old American defenceman boasts 842 NHL games in which he scored nearly 200 points. Additionally, he has 119 playoff games under his belt. The offensive strength is highlighted by Canadian Mike Connolly, who will be playing his 10th season with Straubing!”
Fribourg-Gottéron Head Coach Patrick Emond: “We have already faced Straubing in a friendly match in the past. Last season in the DEL, the team were eliminated in the semi-finals but proved many qualities. We will face them in the middle of the season which will make things interesting.”