Our last Group Preview ahead of the start of the 2021/22 season of the Champions Hockey League focuses on Group H, featuring two ICE-HL representatives, HC Bolzano and Red Bull Salzburg, returnees Frisk Asker from Norway and Polish debutants JKH GKS Jastrzębie.
Group H is comprised of teams that are affected by the Final Olympic Qualification Tournament, so whilst the rest of the CHL teams kickstart their 2021/22 season next week, teams from Groups G and H will play their opening games of the season on 3 September.
HC Bolzano
Two-time CHL participants HC Bolzano return to the CHL off the back of a successful, yet disappointing, season in the ICE-HL. The only Italian participants of the league finished top of the regular season and were eying the championship title. They made it through the playoffs all the way to the final where they were ultimately beaten by fellow CHL participants KAC Klagenfurt, meaning Bolzano, who have won the ICE-HL twice and became the first foreign team to win the title back in 2013/14, were left trophyless.
Bolzano have had two relatively successful showings in the CHL – in 2014/15 they made their debut in the league and recorded three wins in the Group Stage but ultimately missed out on the Playoffs.
In 2018/19, the foxes recorded four wins in the Group Stage, playing some amazing hockey and beating the likes of IFK Helsinki and Skellefteå AIK. Their results earnt them qualification for the CHL Playoffs for the very first time. There they faced Czech side HC Pilsen who eliminated them over the course of the two legs. Will they be able to tap into the same energy and focus this season as they did back in 2018/19?
Ones to watch
Anton Bernard – has been at Bolzano since 2008, became team captain three years ago. Has played over 680 games for the club.
Keegan Lowe – new signing for Bolzano, Lowe is an experienced defenceman in his prime who has racked up hundreds of AHL games and even tasted the NHL.
First Game
JKH GKS Jastrzębie VS HC Bolzano, Lodowisko Jastor, 3 September, 18:00 CEST
Red Bull Salzburg
Red Bull Salzburg are one of the strongest teams in the ICE-HL and a CHL regular. The Austrian side regularly finish top of the league and have won their national title six times since 2007! In 2020/21 they finished third in the regular season and made it to the ICE-HL semi-finals where they were beaten by champions to be KAC.
The Red Bulls are by far the most experienced CHL team in Group H, having participated in all but one season. They’ve never missed the Playoffs and have finished top of their group twice.
Their best CHL season was in 2018/19 when Salzburg made it all the way to the Semi-Finals where they faced off against fellow Red Bull team, Red Bull Munich. Salzburg put up a good fight, but it was Munich who ultimately went on to contest the Final.
Will 2021/22 be the season this club on the up make the Final they were denied last time around?
Ones to watch
Thomas Raffl – Raffl is one of the Red Bulls' longest serving players and is regularly one of the team's top scorers, the 35-year-old, 1.93m tall forward has a very physical style of play. Has scored 25 points in the CHL.
T.J. Brennan – the 32-year-old defenceman with 53 NHL games to his name just joined Salzburg and is looking to make an impact in his debut season with the club. Where else to prove your worth than on the international stage in the CHL?
First Game
Frisk Asker VS Red Bull Salzburg, Askerhallen, 3 September, 18:00 CEST
Frisk Asker
Norwegian side Frisk Asker made their debut in the CHL last season, hosting six-time participants Tappara Tampere, Quarter-Finalists to-be EHC Biel-Bienne and KAC Klagenfurt in the Group Stage.
Despite not picking up a single point, the four-time Norwegian champions gained valuable experience about hockey on the international stage and will be looking to use that to their advantage heading into this season.
But they are also looking forward to a different type of CHL experience: “ We are looking forward to seeing first-hand how they (their opponents) manage their clubs and arenas,” said Head Coach Jan Andrè Aasland and his colleague Vidar Wold.
Their goal for the Group Stage? “Our main goal is to qualify for the Playoffs,” they said.
Ones to watch
Hampus Gustafsson – the Swedish forward joined Frisk Asker in the middle of the 2018/19 season and played six CHL games for the club in 2019/20. An important figure on the team, both as a role model for young players and as vice-captain.
Nicklas Dahlberg – a calm and focused goaltender who is the rock of the team, Dahlberg has been one of the best goalies in the Norwegian league since joining in 2012. Posted a 93,3% save percentage last season.
First Game
Frisk Asker VS Red Bull Salzburg, Askerhallen, 3 September, 18:00 CEST
JKH GKS Jastrzębie
JKH GKS Jastrzębie are one of several teams making their debut in the 2021/22 season of the Champions Hockey League. The 2020 Polish champions won their first title last season after beating ex-CHL side Comarch Cracovia in the playoff finals.
They are looking forward to their first taste of international hockey in the CHL: “HC Bolzano will be a really tough opponent, “ said Head Coach Robert Kaláber about his Group H opponent, adding that “Red Bull Salzburg are a high-level team,” and Frisk Asker will be a “demanding opponent.”
Their goal for the Group Stage? “We’ll try to score as many points as possible,” said Kaláber.
Ones to watch
Patrik Nechvátal – the 29-year-old Czech goaltender joined Jastrzębie last season and led them to their first-ever championship with his stellar performances weak in, weak out.
Maciej Urbanowicz – Jastrzębie and Polish national team captain with a capital “C”, leads by example and is a role model for younger teammates. Leaves everything out on the ice.
First Game
JKH GKS Jastrzębie VS HC Bolzano, Lodowisko Jastor, 3 September, 18:00 CEST
Be sure to follow the Champions Hockey League’s social media channels for more pre-season coverage and to stay up to date on all the news and reactions ahead of the imminent start of 2021/22!