Graz99ers are set to make their Champions Hockey League debut this 2019/20 season after a first EBEL Regular Season top-place finish since 2010.

That saw Doug Mason's side as one of the first teams to book their place in the CHL, defying most pre-season predictions which didn't see the 99ers competing for the top league places.

Hockey in the Styrian capital under the 99ers brand dates back to September 1999, with legend having it that the team was unveiled on 9.9.99. This team replaced the previous EHC Graz organisation that folded before the previous season, although one can go back to 1947 for the beginning of the sport in the city.

Doug Mason, who previously coached Klagenfurt in their first CHL appearance, took over the reigns as Head Coach in late 2016. A terrible season 2017/18 in which the team ended last in the EBEL was followed by this year's top finish, before the 99ers bowed out of the playoffs in the Semi-Finals.

The 99ers have already managed to lure former Malmö goalies Christopher Nilstorp to Graz, bringing with him not only SHL experience but also 10 games in the CHL. Playing in the newly refubished arena known locally as the 'Bunker', Graz will be aiming to keep the Austrian flag flying high in the CHL.