Martin Sevc has a unique Champions Hockey League experience to share with his teammates as they head to Växjö.
The Liberec captain already knows what it's like to lose a CHL Semi-Final, having been on the Skelleftea side that went out to eventual champions Lulea in the 2014/15 season.
"It was a kind of derby back then, with two Swedish teams," recalls the defemceman who won four titles in Sweden during his stints at Färjestad and Skelleftea. "I think it's much better now, when two teams from different countries are playing each other. Otherwise, it's a bit like a regular league game."
The White Tigers won the President's Trophy in the Czech Republic last season by finishing first in the regular season. This year, however, they have struggled and sit way off the pace.
"Personally I like playing in the CHL, and I think it suits us better than the Extraliga," revealed Sevc. "It's a very prestigious competition now, much more than maybe it used to be, and I'm proud that we have made it this far. The CHL is a very good project and I hope it keeps progressing."
"I spent many years in Sweden, and have great memories from there."Martin Sevc (captain, Bílí Tygři Liberec)
Liberec head to Sweden with the scores level, an unusual situation after they trailed both Frölunda and ZSC Lions in previous rounds. "I think the odds are 50-50. They're an excellent team, one of the best in Europe, but we have nothing to lose," says the 36-year-old. "But I'm glad we're playing a Swedish team. I like their hockey, I spent many years there, and have great memories from back then."
Having played in both leagues, what does Ševc think is the difference between the two? "I guess it's different in the way players respect each other in Sweden. There's barely any diving, and no one stays down on the ice for an unnecessary amount of time. There's more respect than in the Czech league."