Despite only being in his second season with Mountfield HK, 33-year-old forward Radek Smoleňák was named team captain at the start of the season. A surprising choice for many, but his countless years of experience, work ethic and mindset make him an obvious choice for team captain.

The Czech international is the definition of 'much travelled'' – after rising through the youth ranks of HC Kladno, Smoleňák decided to test himself in the lower leagues of North America hoping to catch the eye of NHL scouts. With his talent on show his big chance came in 2008, when he was called up to play for the Tampa Bay Lightning. He made six NHL starts for the club that season before transferring to the Chicago Blackhawks where he only made a single appearance. After six seasons over seas, Smoleňák decided to return to Europe for the 2010/11 season.

His journey from there on has taken him to Finland, Sweden, Russia, Slovakia, Switzerland and even Croatia, before returning to his native Czech Republic in 2018 to play for Mountfield.

Prior to this season, Smoleňák had only played in one CHL season – back in the inaugural 2014/15 season with Finnish side TPS, scoring five and assisting four in eight games. This season, the left-handed forward has captained his side in all but one game on their sensational run to the Final and has been one of his team’s most productive players. Determined to go all the way and win in front of their home fans, Mountfield are hoping to end Frölunda’s chances of making it two in a row – can their captain pull the team together for their most important match of the season?

Joel Lundqvist

Joel Lundqvist is a player who needs no introduction. The 37-year-old Swede is a three-time World Champion, four-time SHL Champion and most importantly a three-time CHL champion. Lundqvist is regarded as one of the most versatile players on the ice – not only is he a well-rounded centre but also a heavy hitting defenseman and a team leader.

After starting his career with his home club, the Frölunda Indians, the talented young player was drafted by the Dallas Stars aged 18. Despite only spending three years with the Stars, he made 134 NHL appearances before returning to Gothenburg in 2009. He has stayed ever since and has guided the club as captain to two SHL titles and played in all six CHL seasons, winning three of them. His 64 appearances in the competition also make him the most capped player in CHL history!

Lundqvist recently celebrated reaching a very special milestone – Frölunda’s Semi-Final Return Leg against Luleå Hockey was his 1000th appearance for the club and what a way to celebrate! Not only did Frölunda came back from a first leg loss to advance to their fifth CHL final but Joel Lundqvist’s second period goal tied the series 4-4 to keep his side in the race.

Oh, and did we mention he is the identical twin brother of the legendary New York Rangers’ goaltender Henrik Lundqvist?