Ahead of the start of the upcoming Champions Hockey League season, we asked the Head Coaches of Sparta Prague's six Regular Season opponents what their thoughts are on the Czech team - here's what they had to say!
Tappara Tampere Head Coach Rikard Grönborg: “Sparta Prague have a very strong tradition of winning and they have a very experienced team at the highest international level. As most Czech teams, they will play a very skilled game with emphasis on puck control and timing. Sparta will also have great support from their very passionate fans in Prague.”
Fehérvár AV19 Head Coach David Kiss: “Sparta Prague are a traditionally strong team and it’s always a big challenge to play against them. We respect them for their past successes and we are excited to compete with them. We know it will be tough, but we are ready for the challenge.”
Sheffield Steelers Head Coach Aaron Fox: “Sparta will be a fun test at home for us for our first game in the arena. They will play a puck possession game and will be one of our most demanding physical opponents. They are big and heavy and we’ll have to be ready to compete hard. Special teams will be very important in this one. I think the Czech Extraliga is a very strong league and they will be a Top 4 team there this season.”
Eisbären Berlin Head Coach Serge Aubin: “Sparta Prague is obviously one of the best teams from Czechia. We played them during our pre-season last year. They have a very physical team with some big players. Sparta’s Head Coach Pavel Gross also knows my team very well. It will be challenging for us.”
Pinguins Bremerhaven Head Coach Alexander Sulzer: “A really experienced team, also in terms of the CHL, who play a fast and skilled puck possession game.”
Red Bull Salzburg Head Coach Oliver David: “I look forward to welcoming Sparta Prague and battling with them on this stage. We know we are in for one heck of a game against these guys.”