Belfast to Frölunda – 2025 Champions Hockey League Team Previews
- jamesduncanshannon
- Aug 16, 2025
- 3 min read
Belfast Giants
Founded in 2000, the Belfast Giants have quickly established themselves as a force in ice hockey, finishing first in their league last season and reaching the semi-finals in the playoffs. Their record speaks to a consistent and formidable presence: 54 games played, with 31 wins, 11 losses, 6 overtime wins, and 6 overtime losses.
Players to Watch
· Scott Conway (C): 54 GP, 28 G, 29 A, 57 Pts
· J.J. Piccinich (RW): 54 GP, 22 G, 29 A, 51 Pts
Goaltenders
· Andrew Dickson: 1 GP, Save% 1.000, TOI 3:00
· Jackson Whistle: 27 GP, 2.17 GAA, .923 Save%, TOI 1576:00
Head coach Adam Keefe brings an energetic style, and the team plays at the SSE Arena Belfast, where the atmosphere is known to be electric.
Brynäs IF
With a storied history dating back to 1912, Brynäs IF are perennial contenders. They finished first in their league and reached the finals last season, ultimately falling just short of the title. Their record: 52 GP, 26 W, 15 L, 8 OTW, 3 OTL.
Players to Watch
· Jakob Silfverberg (RW/LW): 52 GP, 23 G, 24 A, 47 Pts
· Anton Rödin (RW): 51 GP, 13 G, 24 A, 37 Pts
Nicklas Bäckström, after a decade in the NHL alongside the legendary Alexander Ovechkin, is a new face sure to make a significant impact.
Goaltender
· Erik Källgren: 32 GP, .891 Save%, TOI 1863:52
Niklas Gällstedt is the head coach, with games held at the Monitor ERP Arena.
ERC Ingolstadt
A relatively young club founded in 2002, ERC Ingolstadt finished atop their league and made a deep playoff run to the semifinals last year. Their record: 52 GP, 33 W, 10 L, 5 OTW, 4 OTL.
Players to Watch
· Alex Breton (D): 52 GP, 20 G, 28 A, 48 Pts
· Myles Powell (LW/C): 52 GP, 14 G, 32 A, 46 Pts
· Kenny Agostino (LW/C): 50 GP, 12 G, 33 A, 45 Pts
Goaltender
· Devin Williams: 30 GP, .910 Save%
Head coach Mark French leads the squad at the Saturn Arena.
EV Zug
Founded in 1967, EV Zug are known for developing top talent and playing an exciting brand of hockey. They finished fourth in the league and reached the quarterfinals, with a record of 52 GP, 25 W, 19 L, 5 OTW, 3 OTL.
Players to Watch
· Lino Martschini (RW): 47 GP, 18 G, 26 A, 44 Pts
· Jan Kovář (C): 48 GP, 10 G, 26 A, 36 Pts
· Daniel Vozenilek (W/C): 48 GP, 16 G, 19 A, 35 Pts
Goaltenders
· Leonardo Genoni: 22 GP, .919 Save%, TOI 1327:46
· Tim Wolf: 29 GP, .911 Save%, TOI 1679:55
Michael Liniger coaches the team, who play at the Bossard Arena.
Eisbären Berlin
Founded: 1994, Eisbären Berlin claimed the championship after finishing second in the regular season. Their record: 52 GP, 29 W, 10 L, 7 OTW, 6 OTL.
Players to Watch
· Ty Ronning (RW): 47 GP, 37 G, 36 A, 73 Pts
· Leo Pföderl (RW/LW): 51 GP, 26 G, 45 A, 71 Pts
· Kai Wissmann (D): 50 GP, 8 G, 38 A, 46 Pts
· Liam Kirk (LW/C): 48 GP, 23 G, 21 A, 44 Pts
Goaltenders
· Jonas Stettmer: 17 GP, .907 Save%
· Jake Hildebrand: 35 GP, .890 Save%
Serge Aubin is head coach, with the team’s home at the Uber Arena.
Frölunda Gothenburg
Founded in 1943, Frölunda are a mainstay in Swedish hockey. Last season, they finished third and reached the semifinals, with a record of 52 GP, 25 W, 18 L, 7 OTW, 2 OTL.
Players to Watch:
· Henrik Tömmernes (D): 49 GP, 6 G, 33 A, 39 Pts
· Max Friberg (RW): 51 GP, 13 G, 21 A, 34 Pts
· Linus Weissbach (LW): 47 GP, 12 G, 20 A, 32 Pts
Goaltenders
· Lars Johansson: 32 GP, .916 Save%
· Tobias Normann: 22 GP, .912 Save%
Robert Ohlsson is the head coach, and the team plays at the Scandinavium, a historic arena in Gothenburg.
Conclusion
These six teams bring a blend of history, talent, and ambition to the Champions Hockey League this season. From the fresh fire of the Belfast Giants to the storied tradition of Brynäs IF and the offensive dynamism of Eisbären Berlin, fans are promised thrilling storylines and world-class hockey as the puck drops on a new campaign.
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