It was a thrilling 15-round shootout on Game Day 1 of the 2023/24 Champions Hockey League season, with Vítkovice Ridera toppling German giants Red Bull Munich. The Czech side, despite being outshot by Munich 37-26, posted slightly better stats on their special teams efficiency. Canadian defenceman Stuart Percy was the man of the moment collecting two goals, including the vital shootout winner, while teammate Lukáš Klimeš was outstanding with 34 saves on the evening. 

The shootout win gives Vítkovice two points towards their Regular Season tally, and Head Coach Miloš Holaň will now prepare his team for the next test, Swiss side Rapperswil-Jona Lakers: “Rapperswill-Jona seem to be an international team with great players from all over Europe and some overseas players. I expect a brand of hockey we’ve seen when we faced other Swiss opponents in the past – fast, good tactics and lots of power on powerplays.” 

Founded in 1945, Rapperswil earned a coveted place in the CHL for a second year running thanks to a third-placed finish in their domestic season. Sitting in Group C in last season's CHL, Rapperswil managed competitive games against big name teams, in the likes of Red Bull Munich and reigning Finnish Champions Tappara Tampere. Although their CHL journey ended early, the Swiss team exited with two solid wins over Slovan Bratislava. 

Head Coach Stefan Hedlund has a simple goal this season: “We’re going to try to win every game.” and so far all the boxes have been ticked. Rapperswil collected two points of their own, taking Oceláři Třinec in an OT nail-biter. American forward Jordan Schroeder led the cavalry with a goal and an assist, while the team was successful in converting 50% of their powerplays.   

Hedlund has studied his rivals and knows what to expect: “Vítkovice are a very fast Czech team with a great transition game." With both sides undefeated so far, will Vítkovice dominate on home ice or will Rapperswil come away with two wins on the road?