Game Day 2 of the 2024/25 season of the Champions Hockey League will bring an intriguing tie between two teams that had similar fates domestically last season and are out on the hunt for trophies - it's Pinguins Bremerhaven vs. Lausanne HC!
- Lausanne fell to Zurich in game 7 of the NL finals last season
- Bremerhaven fell to Berlin in game 5 of the DEL finals last season
- Lausanne lost and Bremerhaven won on GD1
Our pick of the round features two clubs that had great domestic seasons last year - earning them their qualification for Europe's elite club ice hockey competition - and backed them up by playoff runs that took them all the way to finals. They both failed at the final hurdle but proved formidable opponents.
For Lausanne, the heartbreak was strong. The Swiss club finished third in the very competitive National League and munched through team after team in the knockout rounds until they faced ZSC Lions Zurich in the final. Lausanne, a side that were only promoted to the NL in the 2013/14 season, traded blows with juggernauts Zurich until they forced an all-or-nothing game 7 which didn't go to plan.
“The team have turned a corner and established themselves as a major force in Germany. Bremerhaven look set to be a tough opponent.”Geoff Ward, Lausanne HC Head Coach
Bremerhaven on the other hand did even better in the first phase of the season, winning 36 of their 52 DEL regular season games and securing top spot in the standings. In the playoff rounds they fought their way through to the final with character and took game 1 of their series with Eisbären Berlin. But that's where their season ended as four straight losses later, the Pinguins were left with silver medals.
However, this was a huge season for an organisation of Bremerhaven's calibre and they've proved they still have that winning form with a Game Day 1 win over reigning CHL Champions Genève-Servette!
“Finalists of the Swiss NL last season, they have lots of quality. They play fast and physical and are very skilled.”Alexander Sulzer, Pinguins Bremerhaven Head Coach
Both these organisations are clearly on the rise. They've proven they can face the big guys and are not afraid of challenges but what will happen when these two eager teams meet on the European stage where the games are cut-throat and every point matters?
This one's a no-brainer! Don't miss the game on Sunday, 8 September at 18:00 CEST!