The Playoff Draw for the 2022/23 season of the Champions Hockey League took place earlier today, drawing 16 teams into eight matchups and setting out each team's potential Road to the Final.
Drawing the teams at the event was CHL CEO Martin Baumann, accompanied by Draw host Jann Billeter and Draw guest Mikko Lehtonen of ZSC Lions Zurich.
First off, what did the CEO make of the Group Stage?
"It was a great experience," he started, "we started well, but there were some teams that really went the extra mile - like Mountfield's fans travelling to Berlin, Straubing's fans and CHL preparation, hundreds of Rapperswil's fans travelling with the team and more. These are things we really like to see."
How did the newcomers impress Baumann?
"We saw new philosophies, new hockey styles," he pointed out, "it was great to see Fehérvár face Zurich - it was a really great experience!"
Baumann tries to visit as many new teams in the CHL as he can, taking in their arenas, their club values and experiencing what they stand for, but what game has the CEO enjoyed the most so far this season?
"That's difficult to answer, we've seen some really exciting games already, but I got goosebumps when Straubing were beating Färjestad which really wasn't expected," he said, adding, "but with the support of their amazing fans they managed to win!"
Finally, what matchups is he looking forward to the most?
"Zurich have a tough draw, but there are others - I would like to see four nations in the Semi-Finals, to keep the competition right down to the very end," he ended.
Watch the full interview below