Swiss side HC Davos were the first team from outside of Sweden or Finland to make the Champions Hockey League Semi-Finals last year, and were close to getting through to the championship game itself had it not been for a first-leg nightmare against Frolunda, which they lost 5-0. However, it was a successful debut season in the competition. Rouen come into the CHL as Continental Cup and French champions, and make their debut after last season's exploits in their own league. They have bolstered their squad with four new signings, but rely on former-NHL netminder Dany Sabourin to be strong in net for the team.

"This game will be a great test for us to evaluate our level in Europe, against a Semi-Finalist in the CHL," Rouen's Fabrice Lhenry said ahead of the game.