The 2022/23 Group Stage Draw took place yesterday setting the stage for the upcoming Champions Hockey League season!
Finnish ice hockey legend Sami Kapanen was at the event to help CHL President Peter Zahner, CHL CEO Martin Baumann and Olli Jokinen draw the teams into their groups.
"This year, the level of play is going to be better than ever," said Kapanen, "I'm so excited to start watching in September!"
Everybody is so excited to be a part of the CHLSami Kapanen
Kapanen's career stats boast over 800 NHL games over the course of 12 seasons. Since his retirement as a player he has transitioned into management and franchise owner roles, but also featured as head coach for Liiga side Kalpa and NL side HC Lugano.
The Finn believes that the CHL "is a major opportunity for young players to showcase themselves."
The 48-year-old took part in the inaugural CHL Group Stage Draw back in 2014, saying, "back then the teams didn't know what to expect, but now after eight years everybody is so excited to be a part of the CHL!"
Watch the full interview in the video below.