The Champions Hockey League held its fourth press conference in Tampere, Finland on Monday, with participating Liiga teams and club representatives present.
Finland will be represented by four teams in 2022/23 - Tappara Tampere, TPS Turku, Ilves Tampere and Jukurit Mikkeli.
CHL CEO Martin Baumann presented relevant information to the clubs, including detailed information about prize money, official broadcasting partners, information about the CHL's revised disciplinary system and more.
Baumann also discussed the Group Stage Draw and presented the CHL format leading up to the big Final on 18 February 2023.
He also went on to mention the importance of programs such as the CHL Marketing Award and the new season of the CHL Fan Challenge in attracting new fans and new types of engagement.
After a short promo video, Baumann also presented the CHL's official TikTok channel, the CHL App and Advanced Game Statistics that are available for all CHL games.
The press conference then headed to individual interviews with players and coaches.
Turku Head Coach Jussi Ahokas stated that his side are "much better prepared" for this season compared to the last, adding: "We are in good shape and we want to qualify and move on to the next rounds - we've got a lot of unfinished business from last season."
Next spoke team captain Juhani Jasu: "These are exciting games for us players," started the 34-year-old, "thanks to the CHL we get to face different players and see new places. And as we travel around Europe, the team gets to experience stuff together that we probably wouldn’t get to in Finland."
We want to do well in EuropeTPS Turku Head Coach Jussi Ahokas
Mikko Mattila, Ilves' Director of Business Operations, is excited by the CHL: "It is a remarkable step for our organisation," he started, "Five years ago, when we did our biggest changes, we wouldn’t have believed that we would be here today. As we look forward, our environment has developed, and the Nokia Arena gives us opportunities."
"Our target is to be a big ice hockey club in Europe within five years. Success on the ice is important towards that, but we need to understand that the organisational aspects need to improve as well," he added.
Jukurit Mikkeli Head Coach Olli Jokinen thinks "everything changes" with his club's first CHL participation: "We get to compete with a top team from Sweden and everybody knows their abilities. Sparta Prague is there too and Aalborg is probably on the same line with us. The two others are three, four times bigger organisations."
I want to see if we can compete against top European teamsJukurit Mikkeli Head coach Olli Jokinen
Jukurit Mikkeli Head coach Olli Jokinen think "everything changes" with his club's first CHL participation: " We get to compete with a top team from Sweden and everybody knows their abilities. Sparta Prague is there too and Aalborg is probably on the same line with us. The two others are three, four times bigger organisations."
"I expect the Lulea game to be a close one," added the ex-NHLer.
Pekka Jormakka added: "The guys have told me that they are excited to play against the best clubs in Europe. It is great to compete against new teams. We could surprise many in the CHL and if you underestimate us, then you might find yourself losing. We have a good team this season and especially the young players are pumped about the CHL."
Tappara Tampere Head coach Jussi Tapola took his side all the way to the CHL Final last season.
"We are hungry for each game, we are committed," started the Head Coach, "our success hasn’t caused any laziness or anything like that. On the contrary, it has given us more energy to do things even better. We understand that good practice goes towards the result."
"The team has to be ready early on if we want to go through from a group like this," he added.
Last to speak was Tappara's captain Otto Rauhala: "We have a tough group, but it is great! It is the essence of the CHL to get some hard games. I have never played against Slovan or Rapperswil, so they are completely new for me."