We're under starter's orders for the 2017/18 Champions Hockey League Final!

JYP Jyväskylä arrived in Sweden last night ahead of the Final, as the coaches and captains took part in a special pre-game press conference in the VIDA Area. The Finns have had a busy schedule leading up to this game, but go into the Final with a win under their belts – and a big one at that, blanking KalPa Kuopio 3-0 in the big regional derby over the weekend.

They're fourth in the Liiga going into the international break, but with a game in hand and only three points behind Tappara above them. "We have had a lot of games recently, but that's all in the past. This is a Final. They're a very skilled team, but we are aware of that and will, of course, be playing to win this trophy," said Head Coach Marko Virtanen.

Captain Juha-Pekka Hytönen added: "We're all excited to play in this final. We know they're a good team, we're going to have to skate a lot, battle hard, and find that little bit extra."

The Växjö Lakers have come comforts for the Final, as they had the best overall record in the competition of the two finalists. Sam Hallam's men have won three straight in the SHL, including road wins in both of their previous outings. To be 17 points clear at this stage of the season is some feat. "We're in good shape at the moment within the squad, and of course it's nice to play at home. But we got here from hard work in the previous games, and will need one more big effort again tonight," the coach said.

"We know it's hard to get to this stage, to a final, and everyone is really excited to play in it," added Captain Liam Reddox.