Tappara Tampere are one of only a select few teams that have qualified for every CHL season since 2014/15. They are the most experienced team in Group E and have made it out of the Group Stage each season, yet they have never made it past the Round of 16.

They enter their seventh CHL season after finishing fourth in the Liiga regular season last season, their worst result since missing the Liiga playoffs altogether in 2011/12.

Despite not having a successful domestic showing last season, their goal for the CHL is clear. In an interview for the competition a few months back, Tappara Head Coach Jussi Tapola stated that they want to “make the Playoffs and then go on to win the CHL.”

Will 2021/22 be the season Tappara finally break their “Round of 16 curse”?

Eisbären Berlin return to the CHL on the back of a very successful domestic season. Head Coach Serge Aubin, who is beginning his third season at the club, led the Eisbären all the way last season to their eighth DEL championship and first title since 2013.

The club from the German capital have participated in four CHL seasons but have only made it as far as the Round of 16. They last participated in 2018/19.

Despite a few departures, most notably of ex-NHLer Mark Olver, the Eisbären have managed to keep the core of their championship winning team together over the course of the offseason. And they haven’t just sat by, they’ve also managed to strengthen their squad depth with the signing of Canadian attacking duo Yannick Veilleux and Blaine Byron, who both boast extensive AHL experience.

The DEL side are in top notch form and will be a real challenge for their Finnish foes.