Seven-time qualifier Skellefteå AIK will welcome Swiss rival HC Davos in their CHL opener. Both sides come into this contest having had deep runs in their respective domestic leagues and are looking to continue top-level play on the broader European stage.

Davos’ domestic woes were short lived as the club from eastern Switzerland was able to break through the playoff qualifier and claw its way to the NL semi-finals last season. After suffering an eighth-place finish in 2020/21, the Swiss rebounded with a fifth-place finish and a chance to chase the European Trophy. Success should only continue for the organisation that went all in this offseason, acquiring star forwards including Joakim Nordström and CHL Champion Leon Bristedt.

Translating their NL exploits to the CHL is a top priority for a club that hasn’t seen playoff action since the 2016/17 season. In their last appearance in 2017/18, Davos just missed a chance to advance past the Group Stage, placing third amongst the likes of the Växjö Lakers, Cardiff Devils, and Bílí Tygři Liberec. Going up against their Quarter-Final rivals from 2015/16, however, could be exactly what the Swiss side needs to spur them on to the next leg.

The fourth best team in the SHL in 2020/21 became the third best in 2021/22 as Skellefteå are making another run at CHL glory. In a league lionized for its elite hockey culture, the Swedish side has been among the best for over a decade – even placing first in the SHL four years in a row from 2012/13 – 2015/16.

Following a successful, albeit disappointing, season the team doubled down on their attempt at piecing together a winning team as they signed six new players to wear the iconic yellow sweater. Pär Lindholm leads the candidates as the only one with NHL experience but 19-year-old Anton Olsson should also be one to watch.

Skellefteå are no strangers to life after the Group Stage, having secured a Playoff berth each time. Making it back to the Semi-Finals, however, has been a different story. They were on the cusp in 2015/16 when Davos dashed their hopes in the Quarter-Finals, but now, six years later the Swedes have a chance for some retribution.