Sparta Prague

Sparta Prague return to the CHL off the back of a very successful, yet disappointing, season in the Czech Extraliga. The eight-time Czech Champions lifted the President’s Trophy as the best team in the regular season and were well on their way to winning their first championship title in over ten years, but were dramatically outed in an all-or-nothing game 7 in their semi-finals series against rivals Bílí Tygři Liberec.

Despite the recent heartbreak, they are now focused on next season and excited to return to the CHL after a four-year absence with a young, hungry team that plays “attractive, fast paced and offensive hockey,” according to Sports Director Petr Ton.

The Czech side have a very healthy record in the CHL having made it all the way to the Final in 2016/17, but have yet to win – will this be their year?

Ones to watch

Alexander Salák – his KHL experience has made him the go-to goaltender for Sparta and he has helped the team stiffen at the back.

Erik Thorell – after winning the NL with EV Zug last season, the fearless speedy winger moved to Sparta, who will now benefit from his exceptional work ethic and productivity on the ice.

First game

 The Växjö Lakers VS Sparta Prague, Vida Arena, 27 August, 18:05 CEST

Pinguins Bremerhaven

Pinguins Bremerhaven are one of many teams making their debut in the CHL this season. The north-German club were only promoted to the DEL in 2016 but have already made it to the playoff quarter-finals three times and established themselves as a respected opponent in the league.

With no prior history of competing on the European stage, Bremerhaven are excited to get their first taste of the CHL.

“For everyone involved in Bremerhaven ice hockey, taking part in the CHL is a dream come true,” said Sports Director Alfred Prey.

They are also a wild card – with no expectations from them, their honest and genuine style of hockey could really mix up the cards in the Group A standings as the Group Stage gets underway. Could they be the surprise team of their Group?

Ones to watch

Jan Urbas – has given the Penguins the boost they have needed to become regular participants in the DEL playoffs, previously played for Växjö.

Dominik Uher – a tough, strong skater, who is excellent on both ends of the ice, strong puck skills have made him an indispensable part of the Penguins’ second line

First game

TPS Turku VS Pinguins Bremerhaven, Gatorade Center, 27 August, 18:00 CEST

TPS Turku

TPS Turku return to the CHL after a two-season absence and off the back of one of their strongest domestic seasons in recent memory. The Finnish side finished their impressive Liiga season as runners-up and made it all the way to the playoff finals for the first time in ten years.

The 11-time Finnish Champions have had mixed results in the CHL over their five seasons, failing to qualify for the Playoffs in their last two. Their best result was back in 2015/16 when they made it to the Quarter-Finals.

Despite a mixed track record, they have big goals for 2021/22. Head Coach Jussi Ahokas previously said: “Every time we play, we want to win. It’s as simple as that.”

Ones to watch

Elmeri Eronen – One of the best defenceman in Finland, very good puck-handling skills and vision, six years of CHL experience.

Markus Nurmi – 23-year-old homegrown TPS talent, drafted by the Ottawa Senators in 2016, utilises his size, speed and explosive energy on the ice, exciting to watch.

First game

TPS Turku VS Pinguins Bremerhaven, Gatorade Center, 27 August, 18:00 CEST

The Växjö Lakers

The Växjö Lakers enter their sixth season of top-level European hockey as 2020 SHL champions. Despite only being promoted to Sweden’s top tier in 2011, they have won the championship three times since and are now a title-contending team each and every season.

They have also made a name for themselves in the CHL – alongside fellow Swedish sides Luleå Hockey and Frölunda Gothenburg, they are the only other Swedish team to have made it to a CHL Final.

Sadly though, they are also the only Swedish team to have played in a CHL Final and not lifted the European Trophy. After a dominant domestic season, it looks like they will be entering the 2021/22 season all guns blazing on their journey for that elusive CHL silverware.

Ones to watch

Robert Rosén – Växjö native, 12 seasons with the club, two-time SHL Champion.

Erik Josefsson – team captain, holds club record for games played, has won three SHL titles.

First game

The Växjö Lakers VS Sparta Prague, Vida Arena, 27 August, 18:05 CEST

Tune in later this week for more Group Previews and be sure to follow the Champions Hockey League’s social media channels to stay up to date on all the news and reactions ahead of the 2021/22 season!