The match-up between Lukko Rauma and Sparta Prague pits two teams that have been away from the Champions Hockey League for a few seasons, but each went deep into the competition in its early years.
Lukko reached the Semi-Finals back in 2015/16 and the next year Sparta made the Final. Therefore, neither team would be happy with bowing out in the first round.
“We want to get as far as possible,” said Sparta Assistant Coach Miloslav Hořava. “We want to win games. The last time we played in the CHL, we got to the Final. It would be very nice to repeat that.”
“The goal is always to win whenever you play or enter or participate in a competition”Pekka Virta (Head Coach, Lukko Rauma)
Lukko head coach Pekka Virta, who was at the helm of KalPa Kuopio for three CHL campaigns, also reached as far as the Round of 16. Virta called Sparta “a very traditional and fine club which I have personally experienced before in previous years playing against them in the CHL.” He was referring to the inaugural 2014/15 CHL season, where his KalPa squad twice faced Sparta in the Group Stage – winning in Prague and losing at home in a shootout.
“I’m excited!” said Hořava. “Lukko Rauma are a great team. They were second in their league last season. I’m happy we got matched up against a Finnish team. They skate well, I think we will see some very good hockey.”
Of course, neither team will have the benefit of getting their feet wet in the Group Stage this season. The worldwide COVID-19 pandemic has meant a slight format change and a jump to the knockout stage, and while the benefits of the Group Stage are acknowledged, both teams seem to embrace the uniqueness of this situation.
“In my opinion, opening the season against the best league teams in Europe at home and abroad creates an interesting start right away,” said Virta. “Because of the current situation, that’s not possible now, so the focus on surviving the competition is now done in a different way. The challenge is still great and everyone adapts to it as best as possible.”
“There are less games, but I actually think it will be good for us.”Miloslav Hořava (Assistant Coach, Sparta Prague)
Hořava explained: “Our season will be quite full, aside form the CHL and Extraliga games we’re also playing in the Spengler Cup. It will also bring more excitement. We’re looking forward to it!”
As mentioned, both clubs have played in the CHL before and had some success, so their fanbases are familiar with the excitement of the knockout rounds against teams from different countries.
“It’s a great opportunity for us to compare ourselves to other European teams and to see new places,” said Hořava. “All of the teams play great hockey and we’re excited to play against them. And the fans? We have some of the best fans in the league, they follow us everywhere and their support is awesome. I believe a lot of them will travel with us and that they are just as excited as we are.”
“Playing in the CHL is always an indication of a successful season,” said Virta. “Being one of the top Europeans is a great recognition for every club and at the same time an opportunity to compete with the best of all. Success in the CHL allows the club and its stakeholders, fans and cities to be visible and thus provides great opportunities for the future and always leaves a strong mark on the club’s history books.”