The Straubing Tigers are making their return to the Champions Hockey League for the second time in their history after securing third place in the DEL regular season last year. Similarly, reigning Danish champions SønderjyskE Vojens are also returning to the pan-European competition to mark their fourth appearance after a two-year break. With a lot to prove, both teams are prepared to compete with their full potential in the challenging season ahead.  

The Tigers are gearing up for their second CHL campaign in three years, with the ultimate goal of proving themselves internationally against the best of the best that the Old Continent has to offer and advancing beyond the Regular Season. Their CHL season kicks off with this tie as they surely aim to repeat their impressive record of five wins and a single loss from the 2022/2023 Group Stage. Recognising the tough competition both domestically and internationally, they have reinforced their squad by acquiring four new players, including Elis Hede, Danjo Leonhardt from Nürnberg Ice Tigers, Skyler McKenzie from Pinguins Bremerhaven and Taylor Leier from Sweden’s Linköping HC. With the game against SønderjyskE taking place at the Eisstadion am Pulverturm in Germany, Straubing will draw energy from their amazing fans and city.

Despite being considered the underdogs in most of their matchups, SønderjyskE Vojens shouldn’t be underestimated. Let’s not forget that they have won the Danish national title seven times, including last season, demonstrating they are currently at the top of their game. With new additions to their roster, such as Søren Dietz-Larsen, Jacob Panetta, Joseph Jonsson, and Alexander Wiklund, the team are confident in their ability to push back. However, given that they never advanced past the Group Stage in their previous three CHL seasons, they will have to fight hard in every game to make it out of the even tougher uniformed Regular Season this year.

Keep an eye on players such as Justin Braun, who has 961 NHL games under his belt, Straubing veteran Michael Connolly or William Pelletier, who led SønderjyskE in scoring in the Danish Metal Ligaen playoffs last season.