Rögle Ängelholm

A balanced attack, unbeatable powerplay, and uncompromising defence were the ingredients to Rögle’s success last year when they lifted the European Trophy in their debut season, taking down veteran CHL club Tappara Tampere in the Final.

The Swedes made quick work of their opponents through each stage of the tournament with their most significant wins leading up to the Final coming against fellow Swedish club Frölunda Gothenburg in the Semi-Finals.

As reigning Champions, Rögle have cemented themselves in another CHL bid, but their domestic success this past season was also telling of their top-notch play. The Swedish side finished first in the SHL and made it to the second round of the playoffs before falling to Färjestad Karlstad, who are also participating in this year’s installment.

Ones to Watch

Ludvig Larsson – Tied for second overall in points (14) in 2021/22, Larsson was a hero for Rögle more often than not. His five tallies and nine assists led the team and his play on the man-advantage – three powerplay goals – was integral to their success.

William Strömgren – A sniper more than a playmaker, the 45th overall pick from the 2021 NHL Entry Draft has an accurate shot but can also make the smooth transition up ice to create offensive chances.

First Game

GKS Katowice VS. Rögle Ängelholm, Jantor, 1 September, 18:05 CEST

ZSC Lions Zurich

Last season, it was a test for any club that faced off against Rögle Ängelholm and Zurich was no exception. The six-time CHL participants were able to advance past the Group Stage for a fifth straight time, but were defeated by the Swedes in the Round of 16 with a 7-4 aggregate, leaving a bitter taste for the CHL veterans. 

Zurich’s disappointment didn’t end in the CHL as they would go on to lose in the NL final. However, their losses shouldn’t overshadow the strides this club continues to make in their domestic league. The Swiss side finished third in the NL last season and have been among the top five clubs in the NL for the past three seasons.

Whether it’s fortune or fate, ZSC now have a chance to author a different story coming into 2022/23 and experience new challengers in Fehérvár AV19 and GKS Katowice.

Ones to Watch

Denis Hollenstein – Despite playing in only three CHL games last year, Hollenstein still managed three points and has quietly been helping the Swiss side for the better part of four years.

Justin Azevedo – Azevedo tied former teammate Marcus Krüger for points leader with eight (2G,6A) despite playing in one less game and will be playing in his second CHL campaign.

First Game

Fehérvár AV19 VS. ZSC Lions Zurich, Gábor Ocskay Jr. Arena, 1 September, 19:00

Fehérvár AV19

A spectacular performance in their domestic league – including a 4-0 sweep in the quarter-finals – helped pave the way for Fehérvár’s trip to the ICE final, and, subsequently, their first taste of CHL action. As the first team to represent Hungary in the pan-European competition, Fehérvár have already achieved a great deal and are looking to put their best foot forward when play gets underway in early September.

“We’re going to try to be ready, and we’re going to try to be as competitive as we can,” said Fehérvár's General Manager Viktor Szelig. Szelig, himself, has some experience playing in the CHL with the Briançon Diables Rouges in 2014/15, and is embracing his time back in the tournament in his new role. Their first match-up against Zurich will be a good test of their preparation.

Ones to Watch

Brett Findlay – Findlay spent the last two seasons in the ICE with HC Bolzano and competed on their roster in the CHL last year. The Canadian forward posted seven points (5G,2A) in seven games to lead the team with his five tallies tying him for seventh league-wide in goals scored.

Tim Campbell – The 31-year-old 185 cm defencman was fifth in scoring among ICE blueliners with 33 points in 47 games and had a phenomenal +/- 18 to cap off the season.

First Game

Fehérvár AV19 VS. ZSC Lions Zurich, Gábor Ocskay Jr. Arena, 1 September, 19:00

GKS Katowice

It was a long time coming, but after 50 years, GKS Katowice secured their seventh Ekstraliga championship and with it, their first CHL qualification. The club from southern Poland played tenacious hockey all year and are excited to suit up for their first taste of hockey in the pan-European competition.

“We have high hopes and great expectations and we are a hard-working club,” said Vice President Lukasz Czopik, before going on to say, “we know our skills and our place in international hockey and we’ll do our best.”

As one of two teams representing Poland in the CHL this year, they have certain expectations from themselves. Consequently, while Polish hockey hasn’t seen the success other European countries have in the CHL, historically speaking, these newcomers are looking to highlight hockey’s growing popularity in Poland.

Ones to Watch

Niko Mikkola – Mikkola is a defender with strong offensive upside, producing 29 points in 47 games last season with Kiekko-Vantaa in the Mestis league.

Grzegorz Pasiut – The 35-year-old centre will be skating in his fifth season with Katowice where he’s posted 163 points in 134 Polish Extraliga games to go along with 48 points in 52 playoff contests.

First Game

GKS Katowice VS. Rögle Ängelholm, Jantor, 1 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!