For many players, competing in the Champions Hockey League has reinvigorated their career and challenged them to transform their playstyles to keep up with the ever-changing landscape of the game. However, for those still in the early stages of their pro careers, the CHL has given them the opportunity to take their talents to the next level and showcase their skillsets to a wider audience.
With this in mind, we're diving into the pool of youngsters set to skate in their first-ever CHL season this year. We've selected a few namesakes as well as some players who might be under the radar now, but have the stuff it takes to make a name for themselves in the near future.
Kalle Väisänen
Billed as an effective playmaker with decent speed, Väisänen also sports decent size and uses it to his advantage. The 195 cm, 85 kg forward is slated to appear in his second season with TPS Turku and played with his national team at this year's World Junior Championships where he notched a goal and an assist en route to a silver medal. In his small sample size with Turku, Väisänen has shown a willingness to be physical all the while looking for lanes to set up plays. Complimenting the Finn's playmaking is his speed which will prove essential when lining up against the other youngsters taking part in this year's tournament.
Anton Olsson
A member of the Malmö Redhawks for the better part of his junior career, Olsson will be suiting up for his first season with Skellefteå AIK. His solid shutdown ability in concert with his tenacious battle for pucks in all situations has placed the 19-year-old defenceman on a trajectory that will undoubtedly lead to the NHL. Olsson is one year removed from being selected #72 overall by the Nashville Predators, and while he’s still shaping into the player the Predators hope he can become, an invitation to represent Sweden at the 2022 World Junior Championships is indicative of his continued improvement.
Flavian Dair
After formally graduating to the professional club during the 2021/22 season - he played in five contests in 2020/21 - Dair appeared in 30 games with Grenoble and made a significant impact in the playoffs scoring eight points (3G,5A) in 11 games. Consequently, his efforts ultimately helped the club claim the Ligue Magnus title for the eighth time. The French forward is also a regular at international competitions where he has taken home gold and silver at the junior level. Coming into the 2022/23 CHL campaign, Dair will be entering his seventh season with the Wolf Burners, having played his junior career with them, as well.
Simon Knak
The 20-year-old Zürich-born winger took part in his fourth World Junior Championship where he had two goals through five fixtures. A sixth round pick (also of the Nashville Predators) in the 2021 Entry Draft, Knak isn’t the flashiest skater on the ice, but his work ethic punctuated by his forechecking, is something that every team prizes – especially in big-ticket situations. This year marks Knak's third season with HC Davos, and during his time with the club, the Swiss skater has shown a penchant for finding space and for getting into position to give his teammates an option on the rush.
Petr Hauser
Hauser was another selection at this year’s Entry Draft (#141 overall) and is a player who brings size and physicality to the table. When he’s at his best, the soon-to-be 19-year-old can be a force in the offensive zone and knows how to find the net. During the 2021/22 season with Sparta Prague’s U20 club, Hauser did just that to the tune of 25 tallies in 41 games. He also helped his country to the bronze medal game at this year's World Junior Championships, securing one goal and one assist through seven games. This season, the right wing from Pilsen, Czech Republic will continue skating in the Czech capital as he prepares for his first campaign in the Extraliga.