After another completed Champions Hockey League final, CEO Martin Baumann reflects on the season.

“The final was exactly what we wanted it to be,” said Baumann of the showdown in Växjö. “We had a full arena, lots of travelling fans from Finland, and a fantastic atmosphere. This is what we want the Champions Hockey League to show.” He continued: “And then of course on the ice we had a very tense game, real top-quality hockey on display from both teams, that kept everyone watching wondering who would win until almost the very end.”

“Now we’ve completed a full season under the new format, I think we can safely say it was the correct decision to make,” said the CHL’s CEO, acknowledging the reduction to 32 teams. “Most people would agree that the games this season have generally been of a higher level, and better contested than in previous seasons. It was a big year with the new concept, and also improving our branding, online, and statistics offerings, but I’m very pleased with how everything went.”

What about his best memory of the season? “I think for sure it would be the two Czech teams that got to the Semi-Finals – both with sold out arenas and really exciting games,” said the Swiss native. “Of course in the end it helped that the final also had teams from two different countries. You always want the best ones to reach the final, but when they’re from different leagues as well it helps to add to the spectacle.”

“I would also like to really thank everyone involved in the Växjö Lakers’ organisation for hosting a really excellent final,” he added. “Sometimes it can seem like something you’re obliged to say, but they really worked very hard with our partners to ensure a thoroughly smooth event.”

And what now? “Now we start planning for next season!” he concluded. “We already have teams in the Race to Qualify, a small number have made it already, and then we go again. I’m sure the teams from Sweden will want to get ‘their’ trophy back!”.