Tag: Champions Hockey League

Kölner Haie win 5-2 in Champions League return

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Kölner Haie marked their return to the Champions Hockey League with a 5-2 victory over Red Bull Salzburg on 3 September 2026. Cologne scored twice on their first power play to take control in the opening period of a physical contest punctuated by penalties and altercations. Thomas Berglund’s side also saw Dominik Bokk and Maximilian Kammerer leave the game.

Key Facts

  • Date in report: 03 September 2026.
  • Kölner Haie defeated Red Bull Salzburg 5-2 in the Champions Hockey League opener.
  • Dominik Bokk and Maximilian Kammerer left the game for Thomas Berglund’s side.
  • The contest was described as hard-fought and repeatedly interrupted by penalties and altercations.
  • Cologne had four power-play opportunities, while their opponents had ten.

IHM Discussion

Cologne’s 5-2 win was built on a fast start, with two goals on their first power play putting them in control during the opening period. The physical edge and frequent stoppages made discipline a central part of the night, particularly as the visitors faced ten opposition power plays. Bokk and Kammerer leaving the game is an immediate concern for Berglund as Cologne moves forward in the competition.

Why It Matters

The result gives Kölner Haie early momentum on their return to the Champions Hockey League. Their first-period power-play burst proved decisive, while the volume of opposition power plays underlined the importance of managing discipline in a tight European schedule.

Mini Q&A

What was the result of Kölner Haie’s CHL return?

Kölner Haie defeated Red Bull Salzburg 5-2.

Which players did Cologne lose during the match?

Dominik Bokk and Maximilian Kammerer left the game.

How did special teams feature in the match?

The Haie scored twice on their first power-play attempt. Cologne had four power plays, while their opponents had ten.

Tappara beat Bílí Tygři Liberec 6-3 as Räsänen stars

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Tappara began their Champions Hockey League campaign with a 6-3 victory over Czech side Bílí Tygři Liberec at Hakametsä. The match was the first-ever meeting between the two clubs and saw Aapeli Räsänen score three goals while Benjamin Rautiainen finished with three assists. Tappara took an early lead through Räsänen, but Liberec levelled late in the opening period with a shorthanded strike from Radam Lenc. The hosts regained control in the second period, with Räsänen and Vilho Vanhatalo converting power-play chances – Vanhatalo’s came from a Juha Metsola assist – and Tappara’s coaching staff successfully overturned a penalty call on Oliver Suvanto after review. In the third, Martin Faško-Rudáš pulled a goal back for Liberec, but Tappara replied through Suvanto and Juuso Nykänen. Adam Najman reduced the deficit for the visitors before Räsänen completed his hat-trick with the final goal of the night. The match featured physical play, heavy hits and a moment when a plexiglass holder was dislodged by a collision; the Finnish officiating team briefly sent the wrong player to the penalty bench before correcting the error.

Key Facts

  • Tappara defeated Bílí Tygři Liberec 6-3 in their Champions Hockey League meeting.
  • Aapeli Räsänen scored three goals (hat-trick) for Tappara.
  • Benjamin Rautiainen recorded three assists in the match.
  • The fixture at Hakametsä was the first encounter between the two clubs.
  • Radam Lenc scored a shorthanded goal to level the game late in the first period.
  • Vilho Vanhatalo scored on Tappara’s fourth power play with an assist from Juha Metsola.
  • A plexiglass holder was knocked loose during the second period and required repair.
  • The Finnish refereeing team initially sent the wrong visiting player to the penalty box, then corrected the mistake.
  • Martin Faško-Rudáš and Adam Najman scored for Bílí Tygři Liberec.
  • Radim Šimek, who has 200 NHL games with the San Jose Sharks on his record, was among the Czech side’s rostered players this season.

IHM Discussion

Tappara’s CHL opening-night win was driven by Aapeli Räsänen’s finishing and Benjamin Rautiainen’s three assists, alongside an early-season physical edge that produced errors and unusual moments. Räsänen’s hat-trick and Rautiainen’s playmaking led the hosts’ attack, while both sides showed some rust in a first period marked by heavy, clean hits.

Liberec brought familiar names for Finnish viewers: Filip Sandberg, Adam Najman and Jaromír Pytlík have played in Liiga, while Radim Šimek has 200 NHL games with the San Jose Sharks on his record. Lenc’s shorthanded goal and Faško-Rudáš’s breakaway strike showed the visitors could punish their chances.

The match also featured early-season disruption. Officials initially sent the wrong visiting player to the penalty box before correcting the mistake, while a displaced plexiglass holder interrupted play. Tappara stayed composed through those incidents, converting power-play opportunities and receiving timely goals from Oliver Suvanto and Juuso Nykänen.

Why It Matters

The result gives Tappara a winning start to their CHL campaign after their Liiga season began with a loss in Lappeenranta. Räsänen’s hat-trick and Rautiainen’s three assists were clear positives, while Tappara’s power-play goals helped decide the contest. For Liberec, the game came before their Extraliga season begins on 16 September and featured a roster including players familiar from Liiga and Šimek’s NHL experience.

Mini Q&A

What was the final score?

Tappara won 6-3 against Bílí Tygři Liberec.

Who scored a hat-trick for Tappara?

Aapeli Räsänen scored three goals.

Which Tappara player had three assists?

Benjamin Rautiainen collected three assists.

Was this the first meeting between the clubs?

Yes, the match was the first-ever meeting between Tappara and Bílí Tygři Liberec.

Did any former NHL player feature for Liberec?

Yes. Radim Šimek played for Liberec and has 200 NHL games with the San Jose Sharks on his record.

Were there any notable incidents during the game?

A plexiglass holder was dislodged during the second period, and the Finnish officiating team initially sent the wrong visiting player to the penalty bench before correcting the mistake.

What Comes Next

Bílí Tygři Liberec’s Extraliga season is scheduled to begin on 16 September.

IHM Final View

Tappara’s 6-3 victory was a strong start in the CHL, with Räsänen and Rautiainen leading a balanced attacking display. The result masks some early-season scrappiness and occasional errors, but the hosts handled those moments better and converted key special teams chances. Liberec showed flashes and has experienced names to rely on as their domestic campaign approaches, so both teams will have reasons to build on what they learned from this first encounter.

Herning Blue Fox make historic Champions League debut at home

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Herning Blue Fox will step onto the ice for the first time in the Champions Hockey League when they host Finnish club KooKoo at Kvik Hockey Arena. The match marks a historic milestone for the club. Head coach Garth Murray brings experience of European competition from his time with Aalborg Pirates, where he worked first as an assistant and later as head coach in 2023/24. Murray said those games showed his team the higher tempo they could expect and provided valuable lessons.

Key Facts

  • Herning Blue Fox are making their first-ever appearance in the Champions Hockey League.
  • The debut match will be played at Kvik Hockey Arena, Herning’s home rink.
  • Opponents for the home debut are Finnish side KooKoo.
  • Head coach Garth Murray has prior CHL experience from two previous campaigns with Aalborg Pirates, serving first as assistant and later as head coach in the 2023/24 season.
  • Murray said his earlier European experience showed the value of facing a higher tempo and that he expects Herning to take lessons from the occasion.
  • Four referees will officiate the match.
  • Herning have prepared a special set of CHL jerseys to wear while representing Denmark in Europe.
  • The club’s sporting director has flagged a possible future challenge should Herning enjoy success in the CHL later in the tournament.

IHM Discussion

Herning’s entry into the Champions Hockey League is a landmark for the club. Murray’s previous experience with Aalborg Pirates gives the group a coach who understands the sharper tempo European opposition can bring. His comments suggest Herning are aware that adapting to that pace will be central to their first taste of the competition.

Why It Matters

The CHL represents a step up in opposition and profile for Herning Blue Fox – not just a single game but an entry into a tournament where tempo and experience matter. Murray’s prior exposure to the competition gives Herning a practical head start in preparing for those adjustments. A strong showing would raise the club’s profile in Europe, while even early lessons could accelerate player development and tactical growth.

Mini Q&A

Who are Herning playing in their first Champions Hockey League match?

Herning Blue Fox will host Finnish side KooKoo.

Where will the debut match be played?

The match will take place at Herning’s Kvik Hockey Arena.

What experience does head coach Garth Murray bring to the game?

Murray has previously been involved in CHL campaigns with Aalborg Pirates, first as an assistant and later as head coach in the 2023/24 season.

Did Murray comment on lessons from his earlier CHL spells?

Yes. Murray said the higher tempo of European games was a tough learning curve but that the team took positive lessons from those matches and he expects the same this time.

What Comes Next

Herning’s home meeting with KooKoo at Kvik Hockey Arena is the club’s first Champions Hockey League fixture.

IHM Final View

Herning’s CHL debut is a memorable milestone, with Murray able to draw on lessons from previous European campaigns. Managing the pace of the occasion will be an early test for the club’s newest challenge.

Faško-Rudáš scores, but Liberec fall 6-3 at Tappara

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Martin Faško-Rudáš registered his first goal of the new Champions Hockey League season for Bílí Tygři Liberec, but his strike was not enough as Tappara Tampere defeated Liberec 6-3 in the opening round. Czech sides HC Škoda Plzeň and HC Dynamo Pardubice enjoyed comfortable victories, with Plzeň winning 4-0 at home against Rögle BK and Pardubice beating GKS Tychy 6-0. Slovak champions HK Nitra are scheduled to begin their campaign at home against Skellefteå on Friday at 18:00.

Key Facts

  • Martin Faško-Rudáš scored for Bílí Tygři Liberec in a 6-3 Champions Hockey League defeat at Tappara Tampere.
  • Tappara Tampere beat Bílí Tygři Liberec 6-3 in the opening round.
  • Tappara goalscorers were Räsänen (2nd, 30th, 53rd), Vanhatalo (37th), Suvanto (47th) and Almari (48th).
  • Liberec scorers were Lenc (16th), Martin Faško-Rudáš (42nd) and Najman (50th).
  • HC Škoda Plzeň defeated Rögle BK 4:0 at home; Plzeň goals came from Čech (34th), Katic (35th), Filip (43rd) and Merežko (50th).
  • HC Dynamo Pardubice beat GKS Tychy 6:0; scorers were Stránský (10th, 58th), Kondelík (16th, 22nd), Tourigny (19th) and Sedlák (43rd).
  • EC Red Bull Salzburg lost 2:5 at home to Kolín Haie; Salzburg goals by Schneider (24th) and Huber (38th, from Raffl). Kolín Haie scorers included Russell (17th), Noebels (17th, 44th), MacLeod (30th), Aubry (40th).
  • EC-KAC Klagenfurt beat Bordeaux Boxers 2:1 after overtime; Unterweger (33rd) and Petersen (62nd) scored for Klagenfurt, Tomasino (13th) for Bordeaux.
  • HC Fribourg-Gottéron won 4:2 at Graz99ers; Graz scorers Collins (20th) and Vela (59th), Fribourg scorers Hedlund (4th), Rathgeb (54th), Richard (55th, 60th).
  • Slovak champions HK Nitra are scheduled to open their Champions Hockey League campaign at home against Swedish side Skellefteå on Friday at 18:00.

IHM Discussion

The opening fixtures produced contrasting nights for the Czech clubs in the Champions Hockey League. Plzeň beat Rögle 4-0 at home, with Čech, Katic, Filip and Merežko scoring. Pardubice followed with a 6-0 win over GKS Tychy, as Stránský and Kondelík each scored twice. Liberec, meanwhile, received a goal from Martin Faško-Rudáš but lost 6-3 at Tappara, where Räsänen completed a hat-trick.

Why It Matters

The opening results give Plzeň and Pardubice clean-sheet victories to build on in the Champions Hockey League, while Liberec will look to respond after conceding six at Tappara. Nitra’s home opener against Skellefteå gives the Slovak champions their first opportunity to enter the competition.

Mini Q&A

Who scored for Liberec in their 6-3 defeat?

Lenc, Martin Faško-Rudáš and Najman scored for Liberec.

Which Czech teams kept clean sheets in the first round?

HC Škoda Plzeň kept a 4-0 clean sheet against Rögle BK and HC Dynamo Pardubice kept a 6-0 clean sheet against GKS Tychy.

Who recorded a hat-trick in Tappara’s win?

Räsänen scored three times for Tappara (2nd, 30th and 53rd minutes).

When and against whom does HK Nitra begin their campaign?

HK Nitra are scheduled to open their Champions Hockey League campaign at home against Skellefteå on Friday at 18:00.

What Comes Next

HK Nitra are scheduled to begin their Champions Hockey League campaign at home against Skellefteå on Friday at 18:00.

IHM Final View

Plzeň and Pardubice opened with emphatic clean-sheet wins, while Liberec’s 6-3 defeat at Tappara came despite Faško-Rudáš getting on the scoresheet. Nitra are next to enter the competition against Skellefteå.

Herning Blue Fox to make CHL debut against KooKoo

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Herning Blue Fox will make their Champions Hockey League debut on Friday, 4 September at 19:00 when they host KooKoo Kouvola at KVIK Hockey Arena. The match will be officiated by Danish referees Rene Jensen and Niklas Knøsen, with Albert Ankerstjerne and Andreas Fuglsang named as linesmen.

Key Facts

  • Herning Blue Fox make their Champions Hockey League debut.
  • Match: Herning Blue Fox vs KooKoo Kouvola.
  • Date and time listed: Friday 4 September – 19.00.
  • Venue: KVIK Hockey Arena.
  • Main referees: Rene Jensen and Niklas Knøsen.
  • Linesmen: Albert Ankerstjerne and Andreas Fuglsang.
  • Reportedly, Herning’s CHL debut will feature Danish officials on the ice.

IHM Discussion

The short bulletin confirms a clear, local framing for Herning Blue Fox’s first match in the Champions Hockey League: a home opener scheduled for the evening and overseen by a Danish officiating team. That pairing of domestic referees and a continental competition debut underlines the national interest in Herning’s arrival on the CHL stage. Naming the match officials lends immediate practical detail for supporters and local media while signalling match organisation is in place.

Why It Matters

A first appearance in the Champions Hockey League is a milestone for any club. For Herning Blue Fox, the fixture is both a sporting debut on the continental stage and a domestic showcase at KVIK Hockey Arena. Clear confirmation of officials and a set date/time helps fans and followers prepare and frames the club’s entrance into European competition as a locally attended event.

Six fixtures to close out CHL Game Day 1 tonight

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Game Day 1 of the 2026/27 Champions Hockey League season concludes tonight with six matches across Europe. The schedule features a meeting of national champions HK Nitra and Skellefteå AIK to open the evening, CHL debuts for Herning Blue Fox and KooKoo Kouvola, and reigning CHL winners Frölunda Gothenburg beginning their title defence. Adler Mannheim vs. Växjö Lakers is the round’s Spotlight Game, while Genève-Servette host Eisbären Berlin at the Patinoire des Vernets and HC Davos face Norwegian champions Storhamar Hamar.

Key Facts

  • Six CHL games will close out Game Day 1 tonight (all times CEST).
  • 18:00 CEST – HK Nitra vs. Skellefteå AIK; a clash between the reigning Slovak and Swedish national champions.
  • 19:00 CEST – Herning Blue Fox vs. KooKoo Kouvola; both clubs make their CHL debuts against each other.
  • 19:00 CEST – Herning Blue Fox vs. KooKoo Kouvola; both clubs make their CHL debuts.
  • 19:30 CEST – Adler Mannheim vs. Växjö Lakers; designated Spotlight Game for the round with an in-depth preview available.
  • 19:30 CEST – Adler Mannheim vs. Växjö Lakers; the round’s Spotlight Game.
  • 19:45 CEST – HC Davos vs. Storhamar Hamar; Swiss returnees HC Davos open their season against Norway’s Storhamar Hamar.
  • Fans are invited to take part in the CHL Predictor for a chance to win a VIP trip for two to CHL Final 2027.
  • Live following is available through the official CHL App for scores, goal notifications and real-time statistics.

IHM Discussion

Tonight’s schedule balances established European names with two CHL debutants. HK Nitra and Skellefteå AIK open the evening in a meeting of the reigning Slovak and Swedish national champions, before Herning Blue Fox and KooKoo Kouvola make their first CHL appearances.

Frölunda Gothenburg begin their title defence against SaiPa Lappeenranta, while Adler Mannheim and Växjö Lakers take centre stage in the round’s Spotlight Game. The late fixtures send Genève-Servette up against Eisbären Berlin in Geneva and HC Davos against Norwegian champions Storhamar Hamar.

Why It Matters

The six fixtures complete Game Day 1 and bring together domestic champions, returning CHL sides and two clubs making their competition debuts. Frölunda’s first game as reigning champions and the Spotlight Game between Adler Mannheim and Växjö Lakers add further interest to the evening.

Mini Q&A

How many CHL games finish Game Day 1 tonight?

Six matches complete Game Day 1 tonight.

Which match opens the evening and what makes it notable?

HK Nitra vs. Skellefteå AIK opens at 18:00 CEST; it pairs the reigning Slovak and Swedish national champions.

When do Frölunda Gothenburg begin their title defence and who are they playing?

Frölunda Gothenburg start their defence at 19:00 CEST against SaiPa Lappeenranta.

Which game is the designated Spotlight Game for the round?

Adler Mannheim vs. Växjö Lakers is the Spotlight Game, scheduled for 19:30 CEST.

What Comes Next

Follow tonight’s fixtures live via the official CHL App for real-time scores, instant goal notifications and statistics. Fans can also participate in the CHL Predictor to compete for a VIP trip for two to CHL Final 2027.

IHM Final View

Game Day 1 closes with six varied fixtures, from a meeting of national champions to the first CHL appearances for Herning Blue Fox and KooKoo Kouvola. Frölunda’s title defence and the Adler Mannheim – Växjö Lakers Spotlight Game headline the programme.

Rögle beaten 4-0 by HC Pilsen in CHL season opener

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Rögle started their Champions Hockey League campaign with a 4-0 away defeat to Czech side HC Pilsen. Pilsen struck twice inside 21 seconds in the middle period to establish a 2-0 lead, and an early third-period power-play goal made it 3-0. The visitors could not recover and the match finished 4-0. Rögle remain in the Czech Republic as they prepare for Saturday’s meeting with Pardubice.

Key Facts

  • Competition: Champions Hockey League (CHL).
  • Match: HC Pilsen 4-0 Rögle.
  • Location: Away for Rögle; match played in the Czech Republic.
  • Second period: HC Pilsen scored two goals within 21 seconds to move 2-0 ahead.
  • Third period: HC Pilsen extended the lead to 3-0 with an early power-play goal; final score 4-0.
  • Report author: Jonas Gustavsson.

IHM Discussion

The quick double from HC Pilsen in the middle period proved decisive, swinging the match firmly in the home side’s favour. Conceding two goals inside 21 seconds left Rögle chasing the game from that point onward. The third-period power-play strike further reduced any hope of a comeback by increasing the cushion early in the final period. With the CHL campaign only just under way, Rögle will need to respond quickly as they remain in the Czech Republic ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Pardubice.

Why It Matters

A goalless opening to the Champions Hockey League campaign underlined how quickly a match can turn on a short sequence. The two goals in 21 seconds and the early third-period power-play strike left Rögle with a steep climb. Their response against Pardubice will show how they handle a difficult start to the competition.

Four Danish players to feature on CHL opening night

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

The Champions Hockey League season begins on Thursday with six matches and four Danish players set to be involved. Joachim Blichfeld is with Tappara, Sebastian Dahm with Klagenfurt, and Frederik Storm and Patrick Russell with Kölner Haie. Köln, who qualified as winners of last season’s DEL regular season, face Salzburg. Herning Blue Fox will make their first CHL appearance on Friday, hosting Finnish side KooKoo.

Key Facts

  • Champions Hockey League opens with six matches on Thursday evening.
  • Joachim Blichfeld is with Tappara for their 17.30 game against Liberec.
  • Plzen play Rögle at 17.30.
  • Pardubice play Tychy at 18.00.
  • Graz play Fribourg at 18.30.
  • Sebastian Dahm is with Klagenfurt for their 19.15 game against Bordeaux.
  • Salzburg play Kölner Haie at 19.15, with Frederik Storm and Patrick Russell part of the German club.
  • Kölner Haie are in the CHL as winners of the DEL regular season last season.
  • Herning Blue Fox will make their first Champions Hockey League appearance on Friday at 19.00 against Finnish KooKoo.

IHM Discussion

Thursday’s opening slate brings notable Danish representation, with players spread across three clubs and three matches. The Salzburg – Kölner Haie game carries particular Danish interest, as Frederik Storm and Patrick Russell are both with the German club. Joachim Blichfeld’s Tappara and Sebastian Dahm’s Klagenfurt provide further Danish links across the opening night.

Why It Matters

The early Danish presence underlines how players from a smaller hockey nation can be spread across European clubs, creating multiple focal points for fans at the start of the CHL. Herning Blue Fox’s first-ever CHL fixture is a separate national milestone: the Danish club’s home debut in the competition arrives the following evening and promises local interest beyond the Thursday schedule.

Mini Q&A

Which Danish players are with clubs in action on the CHL opening night?

Joachim Blichfeld (Tappara), Sebastian Dahm (Klagenfurt), Frederik Storm (Kölner Haie) and Patrick Russell (Kölner Haie).

Which Thursday match involves Danish interest in two players?

Salzburg v Kölner Haie at 19.15, with Frederik Storm and Patrick Russell part of Kölner Haie.

Why is Kölner Haie’s CHL place notable?

Kölner Haie are in the CHL as winners of the DEL regular season last season.

When do Herning Blue Fox make their CHL debut?

Herning Blue Fox play their first Champions Hockey League match on Friday at 19.00 at home against Finnish KooKoo.

How many CHL matches open the evening and what are the puck drop times?

Six CHL matches open the evening with kick-offs listed at 17.30, 17.30, 18.00, 18.30, 19.15 and 19.15.

What Comes Next

Herning Blue Fox will play its first Champions Hockey League match on Friday at 19.00, hosting Finnish side KooKoo.

Champions Hockey League 2026/27 kicks off with four SHL clubs

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

The 2026/27 Champions Hockey League season begins with four Swedish Hockey League clubs in the field: Frölunda, Rögle, Skellefteå and Växjö. The continent-wide competition brings together 24 teams for six regular-season rounds before a 16-team knockout phase. Frölunda return as reigning champions after defeating Luleå in last season’s all-Swedish final and will be the only SHL side to open at home, against SaiPa. The three other Swedish entrants begin with away fixtures in the opening round.

Key Facts

  • Four SHL teams have qualified for the 2026/27 Champions Hockey League: Frölunda, Rögle, Skellefteå and Växjö.
  • Frölunda qualified as the reigning CHL champions, having beaten Luleå in the previous season’s final.
  • Frölunda won their fifth CHL title in the most recent edition.
  • The CHL 2026/27 features 24 teams competing across Europe.
  • The regular season is played over six rounds, with each club playing three home and three away matches.
  • All 24 teams are ranked in a single table, with the top 16 progressing to the knockout phase.
  • The knockout rounds up to the semi-finals are played over two legs; the final is a single match.
  • Opening fixtures listed: 3 Sept 17:30 HC Pilsen – Rögle; 4 Sept 18:00 HK Nitra – Skellefteå; 4 Sept 19:00 Frölunda – SaiPa; 4 Sept 19:30 Adler Mannheim – Växjö.
  • Rögle were CHL champions in 2022 and had last appeared in the competition in 2023 before this return.
  • Rögle open away in the Czech Republic, with a Saturday trip to Dynamo Pardubice following their match against HC Pilsen.
  • HC Pilsen’s squad includes Latvian defenceman Kristian Rubins, who previously played in the SHL with Modo.
  • Skellefteå are making their 11th CHL appearance. They visit HK Nitra on Friday before facing Adler Mannheim in Germany on Sunday. Nitra return after a ten-year absence; Canadian Brett Pollock previously had a spell with Södertälje in Sweden’s Allsvenskan. Växjö return after a one-season absence for their ninth appearance and open against Adler Mannheim, whose squad includes Anthony Greco and Tom Kühnhackl. SaiPa include Swedish forward Einar Emanuelsson, Petrus Palmu and Mikka Salomäki. No CHL final since 2014 has been played without Swedish participation, while Swedish clubs have won seven of the 11 tournaments.

IHM Discussion

The Champions Hockey League returns as one of the few pan-European competitions bringing together clubs from different national leagues. This season the SHL is represented by Frölunda as title holders alongside Rögle, Skellefteå and Växjö. Frölunda will draw particular attention as reigning champions and the only Swedish side opening at home, but the wider story is the depth of Swedish participation and the country’s record in the competition. The single-table regular season demands consistency across six games before the stakes rise in two-legged knockout ties.

Why It Matters

Swedish clubs have a strong pedigree in this tournament: recent history shows frequent Swedish participation in finals and a majority share of titles since 2014. For the SHL clubs involved, the CHL offers high-level European opposition early in the season, a different tactical challenge from domestic play and valuable experience for squads blending domestic and international players. For supporters and scouts it is a concentrated showcase: players with SHL experience now playing abroad – and former SHL players returning to face Swedish clubs – underline the cross-league movement that makes CHL matchups interesting and unpredictable.

Mini Q&A

How many SHL teams are in this season’s CHL?

Four SHL teams have qualified: Frölunda, Rögle, Skellefteå and Växjö.

Why is Frölunda notable in this edition of the CHL?

Frölunda enter as the reigning CHL champions, having beaten Luleå in last season’s final, and they open the tournament at home against SaiPa.

What is the CHL regular-season format?

The regular season is played over six rounds, with each team playing three home and three away matches. All 24 teams are ranked in a single table, and the top 16 advance to the knockout phase.

When and where do the Swedish teams play in the opening round?

The opening fixtures are: 3 September, 17:30 – HC Pilsen v Rögle; 4 September, 18:00 – HK Nitra v Skellefteå; 4 September, 19:00 – Frölunda v SaiPa; 4 September, 19:30 – Adler Mannheim v Växjö.

Are there any notable personnel or squad links mentioned?

Yes. HC Pilsen feature Latvian defenceman Kristian Rubins who formerly played for Modo in the SHL; HK Nitra include Canadian Brett Pollock who had a stint in Sweden’s Allsvenskan with Södertälje; Adler Mannheim’s squad has Anthony Greco and Tom Kühnhackl; SaiPa’s roster includes Swedish forward Einar Emanuelsson plus Petrus Palmu and Mikka Salomäki, both of whom briefly played in the SHL.

Coach Mark Comment

The opening schedule puts an immediate premium on travel management for the three Swedish clubs starting away from home. Rögle, Skellefteå and Växjö each face a second road fixture within days, so coaches will need to manage preparation and ice time carefully. Frölunda’s home opener offers a simpler start, but all four sides will need to establish reliable habits quickly in a six-game regular season.

What Comes Next

The opening CHL fixtures involving SHL clubs are HC Pilsen v Rögle on 3 September, followed on 4 September by HK Nitra v Skellefteå, Frölunda v SaiPa and Adler Mannheim v Växjö. The regular season runs for six rounds, with the top 16 in the combined table advancing to two-legged knockout rounds before a one-match final.

IHM Final View

The 2026/27 CHL opens with four SHL clubs in the field, led by defending champions Frölunda. The six-round regular season will quickly test consistency before the competition moves into two-legged knockout ties. Sweden’s record in the tournament gives the four entrants a strong platform, starting with a full opening schedule this week.

CHL prize money rises as Liiga sides face SHL opposition

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

The 2026-27 Champions Hockey League (CHL) season opens on 3 September 2026 and runs through to the final on 23 February 2027. The competition features 24 clubs from 11 leagues. Finland’s representatives are Tappara, KooKoo and SaiPa. The CHL’s overall prize pool has risen to €3.2 million from €2.54 million last season; each participating club receives €90,000, up €10,000, while payments for reaching the knockout rounds from the first round through to the semi-finals have doubled to €30,000. The tournament follows the familiar format of an opening phase and two-legged knockout rounds, with a single-game final. Liiga clubs will face SHL opposition during the opening phase.

Key Facts

  • CHL 2026-27 begins on 3 September 2026 and concludes with the final on 23 February 2027.
  • Total number of participating teams: 24 from 11 different leagues.
  • Finland’s participants (Liiga): Tappara, KooKoo and SaiPa.
  • SHL teams involved (four clubs): Frölunda HC, Skellefteå AIK, Växjö Lakers and Rögle BK.
  • Overall CHL prize pool increased to €3.2 million from €2.54 million last season.
  • Every participating club receives €90,000, an increase of €10,000 from last season.
  • Teams qualifying from the first knockout round through the semi-finals receive €30,000 each, double the previous season’s amount.
  • Final payouts remain unchanged; the away team in the final receives an additional €50,000.
  • The CHL schedule comprises 101 matches across September – February.
  • Group stage (regular season) ends on 14 October 2026.
  • Knockout phase begins on 10 November 2026; quarterfinalists are determined by 18 November 2026.
  • Play-off ties before the final are two-legged and decided on aggregate goals, with no away-goal rule. Tied aggregates go to a 10-minute 3-on-3 overtime and, if required, a shootout. The final uses 20-minute 3-on-3 sudden-death overtime if tied after regulation and is hosted by the higher-ranked team from the opening phase.

IHM Discussion

The CHL’s increased prize pot is the clearest structural change this season. Raising the overall fund to €3.2 million and increasing the guaranteed participation payment to €90,000 improves the baseline reward for continental participation. The most notable adjustment is the doubling of payments for reaching the knockout rounds from the first round through to the semi-finals, making each step more lucrative. For Liiga clubs, the combination of stronger financial incentives and a familiar competition format makes CHL involvement an important part of the autumn schedule. On the ice, Finnish sides will face SHL opposition, including Frölunda, Växjö and Rögle, in the opening phase.

Why It Matters

The higher payments for participation and knockout progression increase the financial incentive attached to the competition. Sportingly, Liiga sides will face SHL opponents including Frölunda, Växjö and Rögle during the opening phase, providing an early cross-border test. For Tappara, KooKoo and SaiPa, the CHL offers fixtures against established European clubs alongside their domestic schedules.

Mini Q&A

When does the 2026-27 CHL season begin and end?

The CHL season starts on 3 September 2026 and concludes with the final on 23 February 2027.

How many teams take part and how many come from Liiga?

There are 24 teams in total; three of them represent Finland’s Liiga: Tappara, KooKoo and SaiPa.

How much is the CHL prize pool for 2026-27 and how does it compare to last season?

The prize pool is €3.2 million, up from €2.54 million in the previous season.

What are the changes to team payments this season?

Each participating club receives €90,000 (an increase of €10,000). Teams that qualify through knockout phases from the first round to the semi-finals receive €30,000 for those achievements, which is double the amount paid last season.

Which SHL teams will Liiga clubs face during the opening phase?

Tappara face Växjö Lakers and Rögle BK, while KooKoo and SaiPa both play Frölunda HC.

How many matches does the CHL schedule include?

The competition schedule comprises 101 matches across the season.

What Comes Next

Key schedule checkpoints set out by the CHL: the group stage finishes on 14 October 2026; the knockout phase begins on 10 November 2026; the quarterfinalists will be determined by 18 November 2026; last two-legged quarterfinals are played by 15 December 2026; semi-finals are scheduled for 12-20 January 2027; and the final is set for 23 February 2027.

IHM Final View

The CHL’s financial uplift improves the competition’s incentives without altering its format. For Liiga clubs, the immediate task is to balance domestic commitments with European fixtures that include SHL opposition. The increased payments for knockout progression add further value to advancing through the autumn schedule.