After missing out on 2020/21, the Champions Hockey League returned for 2021/22 stronger than ever!
With 123 games in the span of seven months, there was plenty of nerve-racking action on display this season and numerous outstanding performances across the board.
Goaltenders, defencemen and forwards all proved their worth on Europe's biggest stage, putting in strong performances and picking up goals and assists in big games.
But our Team of the Season for 2021/22 only has six spots - here's our pick!
Goaltender - Christoffer Rifalk
Rögle Ängelholm's Christoffer Rifalk was one of the best men between the posts in 2021/22. The 25-year-old was crucial for Rögle on their quest for the European Trophy, playing in eight games this season, including both Semi-Finals games against Frölunda Gothenburg and the all-or-nothing Final against Tappara Tampere.
He ends his first full CHL season with a SV% of 94.14, having made over 200 saves whilst only letting 13 shots hit the back of his net.
Rifalk's stats speak for themselves as there's no question why he's our man in net for the 2021/22 Team of the Season!
Defence - Zach Remond
Red Bull Munich's Zach Remond made a huge impact during his debut CHL season. The 33-year-old ex-NHLer ends 2021/22 with 10 points (1G, 9A) in 11 games, having played in each and every game for Munich.
His strong puck presence, great vision and experience make him an obvious choice for our Team of the Season!
Defence - Lucas Ekeståhl Jonsson
Rögle's Lucas Ekeståhl Jonsson had an astonishing second season in the CHL in 2021/22. The defenceman played in all 13 of Rögle's games, picking up 13 points (2G, 11A) in the process.
His contribution on the build up play and on the attack make him one of the most productive players of the season and land him the second defencemen spot on our Team of the Season!
Forward - Kristian Kuusela
Tappara's Kristian Kuusela ended 2021/22 as his side's top points scorer. The 39-year-old has played in six CHL seasons, but this one was special for him, as it was the first time he scored more than 10 points.
He ends the season with 13 points (2G, 11A) having been an integral part of Tappara's magical run to the Final.
No Team of the Season in 2021/22 would be complete without this capable playmaker and team leader!
Forward - Ryan Lasch
Frölunda winger Ryan Lasch has had another amazing season in the CHL.
Lasch recorded 4G and 14A this season, adding to his already astonishing stats in the pan-European competition.
The 35-year-old is the CHL's all-time top scorer (33G) and is also top of the assists leaderboard (76A).
The American also became the first player to break the 100 points barrier in the CHL earlier this season.
To add to his ever-growing list of accolades, Lasch, a veteran of seven CHL seasons, ended the 2021/22 season as LGT Top Scorer and now also makes our Team of the Season!
Forward - Frederik Tiffels
At 26-years-old, Munich's Frederik Tiffels has become one of the go-to players for his side, leading the entire CHL in goals with eight this season.
Despite missing out on the Final with Munich, the German forward has assisted six for a combined 14 points this season and has been of the most productive players on the ice this season.
Tiffels was also voted as 2021/22 LGT MVP and rounds out our six man Team of the Season for 2021/22.