During the first CHL season, Germany was arguably the most enthusiastic country about the new pan-European club competition, but that didn't translate into on-ice success. A week before the second season starts, the six German clubs met in Dusseldorf, making sure they're as ready as possible both on and off the ice. 

Staff Writers

DUSSELDORF – The second season of the Champions Hockey League will start in the coming week with games from the 16 preliminary round groups, each consisting of three teams. Besides champions Adler Mannheim, there are five other German teams this season: ERC Ingolstadt, record champion Eisbaren Berlin, Red Bull Munich, Dusseldorfer EG and the Krefeld Pinguine.
 
All six clubs and CHL CEO Martin Baumann came to Dusseldorf on Thursday to meet with journalists from all over Germany. They had the chance to get to know all the German participants and see the European Trophy during a boat trip on the Rhine. They also presented the old and new television partner for the next season, Sport1. The Munich-based free TV channel will broadcast seven preliminary round games involving German clubs.

“We hope to get more attention for the CHL because of this extensive presence,” said Daniel Hopp, CEO of Adler Mannheim. Winning a CHL title would be an “upgrade for our league,” he added.
 
Baumann talked about the importance of the DEL in the Champions Hockey League: “The DEL and their clubs are essential to the success of this competition.” Impressed by the infrastructure of German arenas, he confidently added, “The DEL arenas can be compared to those in the NHL.” 

The shareholder of the Dusseldorfer EG, Mikhail Ponomarev, is convinced that the CHL will bring more attention across all of Europe to all participants. “The Champions Hockey League is the window to Europe,” he said with regard to potential sponsors, “therefore we want to present ourselves well.”