Ahead of the start of the upcoming Champions Hockey League season, we asked the Head Coaches of the Rouen Dragons' six Regular Season opponents what their thoughts are on the French team - here's what they had to say!
KAC Klagenfurt Head Coach Kirk Furey: “The Rouen Dragons have been the leading club in French hockey over the past two decades, they are used to success. We played them last time round in the CHL, so we know that they are a well-coached team with passionate fans. There’s a lot of energy in their building and we look forward to opening our CHL campaign there!”
Oceláři Třinec Head Coach Zdeněk Moták: “It will be a tough game. I think we’re going to face a determined opponent. The French champion’s roster will include players from North America, it will be a good test for us. We’re playing Rouen on the road and our fans are looking forward to an attractive trip.”
Tappara Tampere Head Coach Rikard Grönborg: “Rouen have been France’s top team for many years now and are always a team that can compete with the best teams in Europe. If you look at their roster, they have plenty of international experience and success to be competing for a spot in the Playoffs.”
Pinguins Bremerhaven Head Coach Alexander Sulzer: “A top French team. They will play fast, will be ambitious and will work hard.”
Ilves Tampere Head Coach Tommi Niemelä: “French champions again. Rouen are a team with a lot of character and will be a good challenge away for us.”
Lahti Pelicans Head Coach Juhamatti Yli-Junnila: “A familiar team from last season. A club that have dominated French ice hockey for years.”