The big story as JYP hosts Zug in the first game of the new season for both teams is the return of veteran centre Jarkko Immonen to JYP after a 12-year absence. In a twist of fate, in his first competitive game back with them, he faces the team he played for the past two seasons, so it will be an interesting night for Immonen and the JYP fans. Otherwise, it’s an important game because points will be crucial in an ultra-tight Group C. Both of these teams are veterans of the CHL, each appearing for the fourth consecutive year, but neither has advanced past the Round of 16.

“The CHL is a great opportunity for us to test the team’s true level against top European clubs, and EV Zug is a top team in Europe,” JYP Head Coach Marko Virtanen said about the Swiss visitors. “A really challenging and interesting opponent.”

“JYP is also a very strong, consistent and hard-working team that doesn’t rely on individuals but rather the team effort,” said Zug Head Coach Harold Kreiss. “They have been consistently in the top four during the regular season and strong in the playoffs also. We always look forward to playing, and matching ourselves, against strong Finnish teams.”