Luleå Hockey

With their second-place finish in the SHL, Luleå have punched their ticket to their fifth CHL appearance. Since winning the European Trophy back in 2014/15, the Swedes have been a steady fixture in the league and have rarely faltered, failing to make it out of the Group Stage only once during 2016/17.

In the 2019/20 campaign, the club was one game short of another Finals appearance when they were defeated by eventual Champions, Frölunda Gothenburg, in the Semi-Finals. Now, after a short hiatus from the competition, the team is ready to "play against new teams and have new challenges," according to Sports Manager Stefan Nilsson.

Ones to Watch

Jesper Sellgren – Coming off a championship run with the Chicago Wolves of the AHL, the 179 cm, 83 kg defenceman is no stranger to the organisation as he spent some time with Luleå between 2018 and 2020 and was lauded for his play with teammate and former NHL defenceman Erik Gustafsson.  

Juhani Tyrväinen – The 31-year-old was third in scoring last season with 30 points in 36 games while serving as an alternate captain. His veteran presence will be welcomed as Luleå look to make another run.

First Game

Jukurit Mikkeli VS Luleå Hockey, Ikioma Arena, 2 September, 18:05 CEST

Aalborg Pirates

With their victory over last year’s CHL competitors Rungsted Seier Capital, Aalborg claimed their second Metal Ligaen championship. Consequently, the Danish National Champions are returning to the CHL after a three-year absence.

While their first time around the CHL saw Aalborg sink in the Group Stage, the team from northern Denmark have continued to do well in their domestic league and will look to continue their strong play come September. Club Representative Thomas Simonsen recognises the task ahead of his team as he emphasised that his club will, “give their best effort to get the best result.”

Ones to Watch

Patrick Bjorkstrand – Bjorkstrand is entering his second season with Aalborg following a successful 2021/22 campaign which saw him lead the team in points with 44 in 40 games played, good enough for sixth place in the Metal Ligaen.

George Sørensen – Sørensen played a pivotal role in helping Aalborg dominate the Metal Ligaen Playoffs sporting an unbelievable 1.31 GAA and .938 SV% with a 12-1 record.

First Game 

Sparta Prague VS Aalborg Pirates, Sportovní hala Fortuna, 2 September, 19:30 CEST

Sparta Prague

The team from the Czech capital played some of their best hockey in the closing minutes of their match-up against Rögle Ängelholm, but despite a 3-1 win in their Return Game in the Quarter-Finals, Sparta fell to the future CHL Champions by a 6-5 aggregate score.

On the heels of a finals series loss to fellow CHL club Oceláři Třinec in the Czech Extraliga playoffs, Sparta, who have historically done well in the CHL, have another chance to reach the Finals – a feat they accomplished in 2016/17. However, they’ll need to make it through a competitive Group Stage to even have a shot. Sparta's Sports Manager Jaroslav Hlinka is more than aware of this, stating simply, “It’s going to be very tough.”

Ones to Watch

Petr Hauser – Two weeks ago, the 18-year-old was drafted by the New Jersey Devils which should only boost his confidence and, consequently, his club’s as the campaign begins.

Michael Krutil – The well-traveled defenceman, who has skated in both the AHL and SHL, is returning to his hometown this season and will certainly bolster the backend with his ability to move the puck.

First Game

Sparta Prague VS Aalborg Pirates, Sportovní hala Fortuna, 2 September, 19:30 CEST

Jukurit Mikkeli

Since entering Liiga in 2016, Jukurit have been in the shadow of prominent clubs such as CHL alums TPS Turku, Tappara Tampere, and Kärpät Oulu. Now, however, after achieving second place this past season, Jukurit have the opportunity to showcase their brand of hockey on the greater European stage.

In only his second year as Head Coach, former NHLer and Finland native Olli Jokinen propelled his club to their best season to date and is looking forward to the chance to pit his players against a tough group saying, “it’s a great opportunity for our guys to match their skills against other countries’ top players.”

Ones to Watch

Miikka Pitkänen – Coming over from Finnish side KalPa Kuopio, Pitkänen will be back in his natural role as centreman. The 177cm, 72kg forward had one of his more productive campaigns last year, producing 30 points in 47 contests.

Oliver Joakim Larsen – Larsen was second in scoring among Jukurit defencemen last season with 18 points in 42 contests. It also helps that the Danish defender was born in Aalborg, possibly giving him extra motivation when he lines up against them in a few weeks.

First Game

Jukurit Mikkeli VS Luleå Hockey, Ikioma Arena, 2 September, 18:05 CEST

Tune in later for more Group Previews and be sure to follow the Champions Hockey League’s social media channels to stay up to date on all the latest news and reactions ahead of the 2022/23 season!