Game Day 5 of the Champions Hockey League will see a first-time match-up between SønderjyskE Vojens and Tappara Tampere. Despite both teams having participated in multiple CHL seasons, they've never crossed paths until now.

It's been a rocky start for the Danes who currently sit as the bottom-ranked team in the Regular Season standings after four games. After going down 3-0 in their first contest against German side Straubing Tigers, their next two games were a defensive challenge with the side conceding 11 goals in total against Red Bull Salzburg and Pinguins Bremerhaven. Game Day 4 was another tough loss with the Lahti Pelicans securing an early lead which would ultimately end 4-2 in favour of the Finns. 

In contrast, Finnish giants Tappara have fared better, splitting games with two wins (against Sparta Prague and Rouen Dragons), and two losses over their first four games. Despite going down 6-4 to Färjestad Karlstad in their most recent game, the Finns outshot their rivals and were exceptional on the dots, but what separated them from a victory on the night was an 18% powerplay conversion, compared to the 33% produced by the Swedes.

Statistically, Tappara have firepower over their contenders, scoring just over three goals per game compared to SønderjyskE's one. They're also faring significantly better on face-off wins (57.27% compared to 35.68%) as well as special teams, with a 20% conversion rate compared to the Danes' 8.33%. Goaltending is relatively on par with Mattias Pettersson posting a save average of 87.84%, while Tappara's Juha Metsola sits at 86.96%.

SønderjyskE however do have a flawless penalty kill but will need to bring their best offensive and defensive efforts to have any chance of toppling the magnate that is Tappara. 

With SønderjyskE looking for their first win of the season, and Tappara hunting for points to remain in the Top 16 of the Regular Season standings expect a feisty match-up. Keep an eye out for 24-year-old forward Kristian Tanus who's currently leading the charge for Tappara with 5 points (3G, 2A), including 2 GWGs over four appearances.