The German and Polish Champions meet in this Group G opener, with the visitors hoping to register a big shock to start their campaign.

Having gone out to Vaxjo Lakers in the Round of 32 last year in a tight series, and then gone on to secure another DEL title, Red Bull Munich are a team that states winning the CHL as one of their aims for the season. They begin against the Polish Champions in a game many would expect them to win, but one they won't be taking lightly. "Cracovia is certainly the perennial champions in the Polish league. I would say that they are extremely skilled, disciplined," stated Head Coach Don Jackson. "We expect a very difficult game, they are a well-coached team.”

While Cracovia didn't win a game in last season's CHL, or indeed register a point, they pushed Sparta Prague all the way to an eventual 5-4 loss, showing they're no pushovers. Now with another domestic championship behind them, the team is ready to push on - and they are sure to be backed by a big travelling support in Bavaria. "Munich truly are a fantastic team of driving ambition. One of the wealthiest clubs in Europe, they are a major powerhouse and probably a favourite to win our group," conceded Czech Head Coach Rudolf Rohaček about the task in front of his team. "In terms of playing style they have a combination of Canadian and European hockey. It is a big thing for us to get a chance to play against such a team.”