With the 2024/25 Champions Hockey League Regular Season firmly in the rear-view mirror, it's time to recognise the league's top offensive talents.
Join us as we shine our spotlight on five forwards who had a significant impact on the ice for their teams throughout the first phase of Europe's biggest club ice hockey competition!
1) Michael Špaček
Genève-Servette's Michael Špaček proved to be an essential asset for the Swiss team throughout the Regular Season, netting an impressive seven goals across six games – a remarkable third of Genève’s total goals scored so far this season!
The 27-year-old played a crucial role in a 4-3 victory over Storhamar Hamar, where he scored a hattrick, and he added another four goals over the next three games. Beyond his goal-scoring, Špaček contributed a total of five assists, further showcasing his importance to the team.
With his average time on ice nearing the twenty-minute mark, it’s easy to see why he’s the player turning the cogs for the reigning CHL Champions.
2) Libor Hudáček
Long-time Oceláři Třinec forward Libor Hudáček concluded the Regular Season with an impressive 12 points, tied with Špaček for the most points scored in the first phase of the competition.
The 34-year-old Slovak forward was instrumental in helping his Czech team secure a Playoff spot, scoring four goals and adding eight assists to his record.
Hudáček’s season began on a high note with a goal and an assist to help Třinec to their first win, and he wrapped up with a standout performance against Unia Oświęcim, netting two goals and adding two assists in a stunning ten-goal showdown.
Třinec will definitely rely on Hudáček’s experience in their upcoming Playoff clash with familiar rivals from the Czech Extraliga Sparta Prague.
3) Marcus Sörensen
Marcus Sörensen had an outstanding Regular Season, finishing with two goals and an impressive eight assists in just five games, averaging a respectable two points per game – on par with both Špaček and Hudáček.
As a key playmaker for Fribourg-Gottéron, Sörensen consistently created scoring opportunities, earning him over 19 minutes of ice time per game, a significant increase from his 2022/23 average of less than 12 minutes.
The Växjö Lakers will need to be on high alert against this raging Swiss dragon!
4) Žiga Jeglič
At 36, Žiga Jeglič continues to demonstrate his value and skill, racking up nine points in six games and helping Pinguins Bremerhaven advance to the Playoffs.
Though he scored only two goals, they came at critical moments: a game-winning goal on Game Day 1 against Genève and an equaliser in the final period against Skellefteå AIK, forcing the game into overtime.
His true contribution, however, lays in his seven assists, solidifying him as a key playmaker for Bremerhaven.
Skellefteå will undoubtedly have their hands full as they look to contain the unstoppable Jeglič-Urbas duo in their upcoming two encounters.
5) Oskar Steen
Oskar Steen from Färjestad Karlstad also made a big impact, scoring two goals and delivering seven assists to help the Swedes claim the coveted Regular Season Winners crown.
The 26-year-old found the back of the net twice within just over a minute on Game Day 2 against KAC Klagenfurt, helping secure a powerful 6-2 win. His form continued against Fehérvár AV19, where he assisted in all three of Färjestad’s goals to bring home the victory.
Steen could pose a major problem for Tappara Tampere when they meet in the Round of 16!
That's five of our very best forwards of the Regular Season, but our Team of the Regular Season only has enough room for three - find out who makes the final cut TOMORROW!