Ahead of the start of the upcoming Champions Hockey League season, we asked the Head Coaches of the Rapperswil-Jona Lakers' six Regular Season opponents what their thoughts are on the Swiss team - here's what they had to say!
Lukko Rauma Head Coach Tomi Lämsä: “The NL is a very fast-skating, fast-phased, competitive league. Rapperswil-Jona are no different: The Lakers are a skillful and strong-skat- ing team and they will definitely give us a tough challenge on their home ice.”
HC Košice Head Coach Dan Ceman: “This team will be a huge challenge after having already played Munich on this road trip. They have had some turnover since last season but adding Brett Connolly and Victor Rask certainly will add some firepower. We will need to be extremely detailed, physical, and hopefully full of energy for this game in a difficult place to play.”
Tappara Tampere Head Coach Rikard Grönborg: “A very organised, multi-dimensional team. Have taken huge steps under new coaching staff in the Swiss league and are now considered one of the top teams in Switzerland. Super star Roman Červenka can win games by himself!”
Oceláři Třinec Head Coach Zdeněk Moták: “A very strong opponent with experienced players. I’m glad we will welcome them to the Werk Arena, especially because of Roman Červenka, who is a key player for the Lakers.”
Vítkovice Ridera Head Coach Miloš Holaň: “Roman Červenka, Czech national team captain, is the main player of this team. MVP of the last season. Rapperswill-Jona seem to be an international team with great players from all over Europe and some overseas players. I expect a brand of hockey we’ve seen when we faced other Swiss opponents in the past – fast, good tactics and lots of power on powerplays.”
Växjö Lakers Head Coach Jörgen Jönsson: “Rapperswil-Jona are an individually skilled team with good structure. The coaches have been working for a few years to develop the team and they have gotten better and bet- ter each season. A really good Swiss team that should be fun to face!”
Find out more about the Rapperswil-Jona Lakers in the video below!