The Champions Hockey League (CHL) is launching Faces of European Hockey, a new original video series that will bring fans closer to people, stories and clubs behind European hockey.
Through exclusive access and personal interviews, the series explores the stories, traditions and personalities that define the CHL landscape. From players and coaches to club executives and referees, Faces of European Hockey offers a unique perspective on Europe's biggest club ice hockey competition beyond the action on the ice.
The first two episodes premiere this weekend on the CHL’s official YouTube channel.
Episode 1: Kölner Haie - A Record-Breaking CHL Comeback
Premiere: Saturday, 18:00 CEST
The opening episode follows the Kölner Haie during their long-awaited return to the Champions Hockey League – their first appearance in the competition since the 2014/15 season. The episode captures the excitement surrounding the club's European comeback and takes viewers inside a historic night in Cologne, where the Haie set a new all-time CHL attendance record with 18,104 spectators.
Featuring exclusive interviews with Managing Director Philipp Walter, Sports Director Matthias Baldys, Club Captain Moritz Müller and current CHL Top Scorer Marcel Noebels, the episode offers unique insights into the club's ambitions, its connection with the fans and the significance of the CHL for one of Germany's most iconic hockey organizations.
Episode 2: Tappara Tampere - The Finnish CHL Dinosaur
The second episode tells the story of Tappara Tampere, a club that has become a fixture of the Champions Hockey League. Having missed only one CHL season since 2014, the Finnish powerhouse has established itself as one of the competition's most consistent participants, culminating in the title-winning campaign of 2023.
Featuring three individuals who were part of Tappara's 2023 CHL championship-winning organisation, Aki Hautamäki, Director of Business Development and Events, Assistant Coach Kristian Kuusela and Club Captain Otto Rauhala, the episode explores the club's winning culture, European identity and enduring connection to the competition.
More hockey stories to come...
Faces of European Hockey will continue throughout the season, showcasing clubs and personalities both on and off the ice from across the CHL community. Each episode aims to bring fans closer to the people behind European hockey and offer a deeper look into the stories that shape Europe's biggest club ice hockey competition.
All episodes will be available on the CHL's official YouTube channel.