Ahead of the start of the upcoming Champions Hockey League season, we asked the Head Coaches of Genève-Servette's six Regular Season opponents what their thoughts are on the Swiss team - here's what they had to say!
Pinguins Bremerhaven Head Coach Alexander Sulzer: “A team with high-quality players and lots of CHL experience – they are the reigning CHL Champions after all!”
Lahti Pelicans Head Coach Juhamatti Yli-Junnila: “Last season’s CHL Champions. Have some top Finnish players – defenceman Vatanen and forwards Hartikainen, Manninen, and Granlund. A star-studded team to be seen in the small rink of the Isku Arena.”
Storhamar Hamar Head Coach Petter Thoresen: “Genève-Servette are an old acquaintance for us as Storhamar played them in the 2015/16 season of the CHL. Looking at their roster, they have many celebrated Finnish players and we are also aware of their success in the CHL last season.”
Ilves Tampere Head Coach Tommi Niemelä: “Last year’s CHL Champions! They’re the team everybody wants to beat this season.”
KAC Klagenfurt Head Coach Kirk Furey: “Genève have been a steady competitor in the National League for more than two decades and crowned themselves European Club Champions in last year’s CHL. Besides their qualities on the ice, they have found a way to be successful in this competition, so we expect them to be able to repeat their 2023/24 season. We are prepared to meet a very tough opponent in them.”
Fehérvár AV19 Head Coach David Kiss: “The first time we played in the CHL, we were fortunate enough to have played the champions. Now we are glad to welcome the new champion on our home ice!”