EV Zug

With their third championship secured following a historic comeback in their series against ZSC Lions Zurich in the NL final, the Swiss club have earned their eighth trip to the CHL.

Zug saw another campaign come and go as they were on the outside looking in following their Group Stage performance in 2021/22. Despite claiming three victories, their ten points were two points shy of second place Red Bull Munich for a place in the Playoffs subjecting the Swiss to an early exit.

Coming into this season, Zug have made a few additions that will hopefully propel them to the next stages of the competition – a feat they’ve managed in only three of their past seven campaigns. Former NHLer Peter Cehlárik – who lifted the European Trophy with Luleå Hockey back in 2014/15 - and former AHLer Tobias Geisser have been added to provide depth at both ends of the ice.

Ones to Watch

Niklas Hansson – The Swedish D-man was second in points among NL defenceman with 42 (11G,31A) in 48 games. Gifted with good hockey sense, Hansson uses his vision to kickstart the rush and set up plays.

Leonardo Genoni  - The 34-year-old backstopped his club to their third NL championship. His 1.40 GAA and .953 SV% to go along with three shutouts were a big reason why.

First Game

Grizzlys Wolfsburg VS. EV Zug, Eis Arena Wolfsburg, 2 September, 20:15 CEST

Grizzlys Wolfsburg

A third-place finish in the DEL was enough to foster a third CHL appearance for Grizzlys Wolfsburg. The last time Wolfsburg skated on CHL ice was during the 2017/18 campaign where they fell short of advancing past the Group Stage.

During their sabbatical from the CHL, the club has continued to stay in the conversation of German hockey, but hasn’t produced the desired results – until this past season. A trip to the playoffs was punctuated by a semi-final match-up that ended unceremoniously.

Nevertheless, their rise in the DEL and inclusion in the 2022/23 season of the CHL has the organisation and the fans excited. According to CEO Karl-Heinz Fliegauf, his club will, “take it game by game” and he hopes his club will be a “good opponent for the other teams.”

Ones to Watch

Dustin Jeffrey – The Canadian is not only making his debut in a Wolfsburg sweater, he’s making his debut in German hockey altogether. Last season Jeffrey compiled 12 points in 23 games with Swiss side SC Bern.

Jordan Murray – Murray led all Wolfsburg defencemen with 41 points, including 34 helpers, in 49 games. The 29-year-old blueliner also scored four points (1G,3A) in eight Playoff games.

First Game

Grizzlys Wolfsburg VS. EV Zug, Eis Arena Wolfsburg, 2 September, 20:15 CEST

Olimpija Ljubljana

An honour for both the Slovenian hockey club and the CHL, Ljubljana will be joining the competition as the 100th team to vie for the European Trophy. Entering as a Wild Card, this team from the Slovenian capital have just completed their first season in the ICE where they managed a 22-19 record to earn sixth place in the standings.

With their inclusion in the ICE, and now the CHL, it’s evident that Ljubljana are propelling Slovenian ice hockey onto the European hockey scene.

But competing against Europe’s elite is another challenge entirely as CEO Anze Ulcar is well aware of, noting that his club needs to get prepared, “sports-wise and organisation-wise to justify taking part in this league” with their goal being to, “have a great experience with all of this.”

Ones to Watch

Marc-Olivier Vallerand - The Canadian in Ljubljana's services, Marc-Olivier is regarded as a complete professional both on and off the ice and a fan favourite among the supporters. His positive mindset and approach can motivate other players and set an example for new players coming to the club

Žiga Pance – A product of Olimpija hockey for the better part of his career, Pance skated with the team in all roles including captaining the team last season where he managed 28 points in 46 games played, good for third in scoring.

First Game

TPS Turku VS. Olimpija Ljubljana, Gatorade Center, 2 September, 18:00 CEST

TPS Turku

Turku have played in all but one CHL campaign and will be among the four Finnish clubs competing in the pan-European competition this season. This past season saw the Finnish club climb into the Liiga final where they were undone by a lethal Tappara Tampere.

Despite their continued qualification for the CHL, Turku have yet to showcase their talent in the later stages of the tournament in recent years as they’ve failed to advance past the Group Stage for three straight seasons. The last time Turku made waves was in 2015/16 when they advanced to the Quarter-Finals, but since then it’s been all quiet on this Finnish front.

Hopefully the additions of Lassi Lehtinen and former Grizzlys Wolfsburg forward Anthony Rech will forestall another early exit.

Ones to Watch

Kalle Väisänen – The 193 cm 19-year-old from Kotka, Finland is a draftee of the New York Rangers and playing in his second season with TPS. His size makes him a physical presence on the ice coupled with his ability to make plays.

Viljami Marjala – Another 19-year-old, drafted in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft by the Buffalo Sabres, Marjala is lauded for his awareness and deception when on the rush.

First Game

TPS Turku VS. Olimpija Ljubljana, Gatorade Center, 2 September, 18:00 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!