“We’ve got a real solid and strong team here in Rögle,” he said, “lots of character and leadership. I’m really happy for the guys today.”

Rögle Ängelholm scored just minutes into the game thanks to a rapid-fire goal from Daniel Zaar. They added goal #2 in the second period before Tappara Tampere opened their scoring for the night in the final frame.

Luckily for Rögle, the Finns were unable to break down Rögle’s strong defence again as the biggest game of the 2021/22 season ended in Rögle’s favour.

“Tappara were solid, they pushed us in a certain way,” said Abbott.

“Once they scored to make it 2-1, our guys showed their calmness and made sure we stayed within our game plan.”

Winning the CHL is a milestone for Rögle - lifting the European Trophy represents their first major piece of silverware and an important moment for Abbott, who alongside his twin brother Chris (Rögle’s Sports Director), has been at the reins of the SHL club since 2017.

What’s next for this club on the rise?

“We’ve been on a bit of a journey,” started the Head Coach, “there have been some darker days, but the determination players have shown to come back to Ängelholm to play here and work together through problems and issues and overcome disappointments like losing the SHL finals last season and not being able to play in the CHL in 2020/21 has been really important.”

“We’ve approached the CHL with the expectation of winning from Day 1 and I’m not surprised we’re here,” concluded the 38-year-old Canadian, who together with twin brother Chris is the only person to have won the CHL both as a player (playing for Luleå Hockey back in 2014/15) and as a coach.