Earlier this month, it was announced that the CHL Board had decided to postpone the start of the 2020/21 Champions Hockey League season until mid-November due to the pan-European coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. At present, there are no changes to the Game Day schedule as agreed earlier in September, with the exception of EV Zug vs. Skellefteå AIK, who will play the first leg of their tie on 16 November to commence the 2020/21 season, with the second leg being played on 17 November.

CHL President Peter Zahner explained the changes to the competition's format in the 2020/21 season at the beginning of the month: “Both games of each Round of 32 and Round of 16 match-up will be played in the same city. In principle, the higher-ranked team earns the right to play at home.”

Based on the decision taken by the EIHL to suspend the 2020/21 season, the Cardiff Devils will not be able to participate in the Champions Hockey League this season. Consequently, Färjestad Karlstad (SWE) will be given a bye into the Round of 16.

This means that the Round of 32 match-ups will be played back-to-back between 16 November and 18 November in one city (no teams travelling for home and away games). We can now confirm the specific dates and times for the Round of 32 ties and the venues they will be held in.

From the Quarter-Finals, the CHL will return to the familiar two-game, home-and-away, aggregate score series up to the Semi-Finals. The season will end on 9 February 2021 with the ultimate one-game Final.

CHL Game Days - November scenario

17 November 2020: Round of 32 – First Leg* (With exception of Zug vs. Skellefteå who play 16 November)
18 November 2020: Round of 32 – Second Leg* (With exception of Zug vs. Skellefteå who play 17 November)
24 November 2020: Round of 16 – First Leg*
25 November 2020: Round of 16 – Second Leg*
8/9 December 2020: Quarter-Finals – First Leg
15 December 2020: Quarter-Finals – Second Leg
5/6 January 2021: Semi-Finals – First Leg
12/13 January 2021: Semi-Finals – Second Leg
9 February 2021: Final

*in principle at the venue of the higher-ranked team