Concluding our series of reactions to the 2023 CHL Draw are the reactions of all five of our Challenger League participants.
We asked the club representatives what their goals were for the upcoming season, what they thought about their six Regular Season opponents, and what excites them about the new competition changes in the upcoming season.
"We're really excited to be here!"Guy Fournier, Rouen Dragons General Manager
First to speak was Morten Fals, Chairman of the Aalborg Pirates, who highlighted how proud he was of his team's third CHL participation.
"We're facing all these strong teams from Finland, Sweden and Czechia, we're looking forward to it," said the chairman of the reigning Danish champions when asked about which opponents he was looking forward to facing.
And his takeaway from the new competition format?
"I'm really looking forward to it," he started, "we're a small team and the fact that every game counts will make the other teams aware from the very start."
Guy Fournier, General Manager of the Rouen Dragons, highlighted how great the CHL was at helping develop hockey in new markets like France: "It's always a great experience in the CHL for us - it's a great competition for the team. For our organisation it's a great opportunity to develop hockey in France."
Fournier didn't have a specific team he was looking forward to facing, instead saying: "They will all be big games against big teams, it's going to be a lot of fun for everybody!"
"Playing six different teams is really nice for us - meeting as many teams as possible," was the general manager's response when asked about the new format.
Adam Keefe, Head Coach of the Belfast Giants, wasn't at the Draw but sent in his answers to our questions later.
"Our goal for the upcoming season is to make sure we make the Playoffs," said the head coach.
What opponent is he most looking forward to facing? Tappara Tampere.
"They are the reigning Finnish and CHL champions and I've been to their arena before, it's a beautiful place, so I'm looking forward to returning with the team."
"Let's face it - we're the underdogs"Adam Keefe, Belfast Giants Head Coach
"But we're looking forward to playing everyone they've all earned their place in the CHL," added Keefe.
And what are his thoughts on the new competition format now that he's had time to reflect on the changes?
"The ability to face six different teams from all these leagues is a great opportunity for us," he replied.
Another head coach spoke next - this time the boss of the Stavanger Oilers team, Anders Gjøse.
"We want to make the Playoffs - no question about that"Stavanger Oilers Head Coach Anders Gjøse
"We definitely want to make the Playoffs - no question about that," started Gjøse, "we've drawn some strong teams like Färjestad who are a really popular team in Norway."
"I personally really like the Czech hockey culture so I'm looking forward to our trip there against two Czech teams," he added.
What does the head coach of Norway's reigning champions think of the new CHL playing format?
"The combined standings mean every point matters," he said, "also the fact that you get to meet so many teams from Europe is really good."
Last to speak was Miloslav Klíma, Managing Director of HC Košice.
"Our main aim is to represent our city and Slovak ice hockey," started Klíma.
"Going to Germany, Sweden and Switzerland to face all these different teams is a huge opportunity for us"Miloslav Klíma, Managing Director of HC Košice
Which opponents are CHL-returnees Košice looking forward to facing most?
"We're very excited to face the Swiss teams," said the managing director, "they are playing really well at the moment, including their national team."
And finally, Klíma's thoughts on the new competition format?
"Facing so many teams is nice, going to Germany, Sweden and Switzerland to face all these different teams is a huge opportunity for us," he said.