It's been a long and twisty road to the 2023 Champions Hockey League Final for Finnish side Tappara Tampere who are back where they were last season - this time hoping to get their hands on the elusive European Trophy and first title of Champions of Europe!
The eight-time participants of Europe's premier international club ice hockey competition are back in the Final for a second year in a row, following six straight exits in the Round of 16 or earlier between 2014-2020.
Their composed, defense-focused style of play that emphasises building up play rather than turn-overs has paid off, with the Finns recording an astonishing four shutouts while only letting 17 goals in over 12 games.
They've only scored 35 times, which is six times less than fellow Finalists Luleå Hockey, but their goals have been backed up by another season of table-topping goaltending from Christian Heljanko who has been their go-to man in net and is once again a huge reason behind their success in 2022/23.
They've slayed some big teams along the way, scored some important goals and won all-or-nothing games, but their path hasn't always been an easy one - join us for a look back at Tappara Tampere's Road to the Final!
Tappara will face Swedish side Luleå Hockey in the ultimate one-game CHL Final in Luleå, Sweden on 18 February 2023 at 16:20 CET.