The Champions Hockey League returns ahead of what is set to be yet another year of exciting European Hockey, and on game day one, former champions Luleå Hockey host Augsburger Panther who will be making their CHL debut after one of their greatest ever seasons in the German DEL.

After a two-year absence from the Champions Hockey League, Swedish side Luleå Hockey are back in the competition, and they’ll be hoping for an impressive return as one of just three clubs to be crowned CHL champions, winning the inaugural competition back in 2015. They've gone undefeated in their pre-season campaign, so will be hoping that momentum carries into their opening game against Augsburger Panther. The team have retained the services of top scorers like Jack Connolly and Niklas Olausson, while once again they'll turn to netminder Joel Lassinantti with the 26-year-old hometown talent looking to repeat the success he had last season where he was named SHL Goalie of the Year. 

The visitors from Augsburg are gearing up for their first ever game in the CHL, led by first-year head coach Tray Tuomie who has served as an assistant coach for the Panther for the past three-seasons. He'll be hoping that some of his key contributors can continue to fire on all cylinders for their opening game. Drew LeBlanc returns for the squad for a fifth season, with the US born forward consistently among the team leaders in points in each of his seasons with Augsburg. The German side will also look to some of their home grown talent like Simon Sezemsky to contribute, after the 26-year-old put up 25-points last year in just his second full season for the side. Much like their Swedish opponents, Augsburger Panther come into their CHL opener in fine form, winning all three of their pre-season games ahead of Thursdays game.