Ahead of the start of the upcoming Champions Hockey League season, we asked the Head Coaches of Dynamo Pardubice's six Regular Season opponents what their thoughts are on the Czech team - here's what they had to say!
Ilves Tampere Head Coach Antti Pennanen: “One of the most successful Czech teams in recent years. They have a very good and strong history with players like Dominik Hasek, Milan Hejduk, Ales Hemsky and former Jokerit player Otakar Janecky who was a very popular player in Finland. I think we are going to face a very skilled team and the level of competition will be very high.”
Stavanger Oilers Head Coach Anders Gjøse: “Last season’s Extraliga regular season winners. Also an experienced roster with strong players. Tough challenge on the road but I’m looking forward to feeling the great Czech hockey culture and competing for a win there!”
ERC Ingolstadt Head Coach Mark French: “Although I don’t know too much about the Czech league, it will be interesting to compete against this team. The league there is good and this will be a good challenge for us as well. Pardubice have a lot of high-quality players on their roster. I coached against a few of their players during my time in the KHL.”
Skellefteå AIK Head Coach Robert Ohlsson: “Czech teams are always good – tough opponents. They have a lot of top players. It can be hard to play against them with their good defense and quick turnovers.”
Genève-Servette Head Coach Jan Cadieux: “We know Pardubice well, having played them regularly in friendly matches. They too won the regular season before being eliminated in the playoffs. To finish top of the table in a tough league like Czechia’s says a lot about the level of the team.”
Belfast Giants Adam Keefe: “A club celebrating 100 years since its inception, Dynamo Pardubice had a strong 2022/23 season, finishing first in the Czech Extraliga regular season. Hosting them at The SSE Arena, Belfast in our final Regular Season game will be a great occasion, and one that I know our fans will be looking forward to.”
Find out more about Dynamo Pardubice in the video below!