- Oświęcim to make their CHL debut following their ninth Polish title
- Ilves are returning for their third straight CHL campaign
- Oświęcim are the fifth Polish team to qualify for the pan-European competition
A second-place finish in Liiga has earned Ilves Tampere their third consecutive qualification to the Champions Hockey League. While their initial campaign culminated in a disappointing early exit, their sophmore season saw the club advance to the Round of 16.
Their chance to continue that progression begins with this match-up against their first Polish opponents in Unia Oświęcim. Oświęcim are joining the CHL for the first time but are thrilled to be a part of the action. According to the Polish side's Nik Zupančič, playing in the CHL is a, "reward for a successful season."
Despite a 20-year gap between titles, Oświęcim have occupied the upper echelons of Polish hockey for a few years now, finishing second during the 2021/22 season and winning the bronze game in 2022/23 before securing their ninth national title last season. Consequently, their qualification for the CHL makes them the fifth Polish club to do so and the 102nd overall team to compete.
Among the returning skaters who helped the team from southeastern Poland take the title are Daniel Olsson Trkulja, who led the team in scoring with 22 goals and 25 assists for 47 points in 40 games, and Tampere-native Erik Ahopelto who was third in team scoring with 14 tucks and 20 assists for 34 points in 40 contests.
Additionally, their versatile D-man in 28-year-old Kalle Valtola will also be suiting up for his second stint with the team. Last season, Valtola posted 12 goals to go along with 20 assists for 32 points in 40 games.
Ilves also have plenty of familiar faces eager for another go at the European Trophy. Their stalwart forward Eemeli Suomi, who captained the team for five seasons, will be back. In last season's Liiga, Suomi had a career year posting 21 goals and 38 assists for 59 points in 58 games. His 2023/24 CHL tenure was also admirable as he secured three goals and four assists for seven points in as many contests.
Šimon Stránský will also be returning for his second go round with the Finns and was vital to their success last season, netting one goal and eight helpers for nine points in seven games.