Following last week's CHL Draw that set each team into the Regular Season Grid, thus determining each team's six opponents for the first phase of the 2023/24 season, we spoke to representatives of our four Finnish participants to find out what they thought.
Akki Näykki, Tappara Tampere Goaltending Coach, said his side are "excited to face every opponent," adding that the reigning CHL Champions will face "six really good teams" in the Regular Season.
Timo Koskela, Sports Director for Ilves Tampere, was clear that Ilves, the second team from Finland's Tampere to be featuring in the upcoming season of Europe's elite club ice hockey competition, "would love to win the CHL," later adding that his side are most looking forward to their home games in the Nokia Arena.
A topic that was heavily discussed among clubs at the CHL Draw was the new format that was introduced for 2023/24.
All clubs reacted positively to the changes - Tappara's Akki Näykki highlighted the fact that every game counts, saying: "The Regular Season Standings are going to be really interesting down to the last games."
Jukka Kunnas, CEO of Lukko Rauma, mentioned that the competition will "definitely be more competitive than in the past."When asked about his thoughts on Lukko Rauma's six opponents, Kunnas said: "We have a really exciting draw! We're looking forward to facing two familiar DEL teams, two Swiss sides and Belfast and Aalborg as well!"
Lauri Pöyhönen, CEO of the Lahti Pelicans, thinks that the new format is "a really positive change."
The CEO noted that all of his side's opponents will be interesting, but that if he was to highlight two, he would pick the Växjö Lakers and Red Bull Salzburg.