Champions Hockey League: The Countdown Is On!

Your Handy Guide to Who’s Playing and the First Big Games.

We’re just 21 days out from the start of a brand new Champions Hockey League (CHL) season, and if you’re anything like me, the hype is real! This isn’t just a bunch of games—it’s where Europe’s top hockey clubs clash for bragging rights and the ultimate trophy. With the season nearly here, let me walk you through which teams made it in this year, plus some of the juiciest matchups you can look forward to in those first couple of game weeks.

If you’re new to the CHL, here’s the quick lowdown: it’s Europe’s club hockey showdown, where the best from every major league get together to battle it out. Teams qualify by crushing it in their home leagues, and then face off in a group stage, followed by a do-or-die playoff format. Winner takes all—and the bragging rights that come with it!

Since launching back in 2014, the CHL has brought us all sorts of wild moments and breakout stars. And this year? It feels like it’s going to be even bigger.

Let’s check out the main leagues and their top teams that are lacing up this season:

Austria

Red Bull Salzburg (League Champions)

KAC Klagenfelt (Regular Season Winners)

HC Bolzano (Regular Season 3^rd place)

Czechia

Kometa Brno (National Champions)

Sparta Prague (Regular Season Winner)

Mountfield HK (Regular Season Runners up)

Finland

KalPa Kuopio (National Champions)

Lukko Rauma (Regular Season Winners)

Ilves Tampere (Regular Season Runners Up)

Germany

Eisbaren Berlin (National Champions)

ERC Ingolstadt (Regular Season Winners)

Pinguins Bremerhaven (Regular Season 3^rd Place)

Sweden

Lulea Hockey (National Champions)

Brynas IF (Regular Season Winners)

Frolunda Gothenburg (Regular Season 3^rd Place)

Switzerland

ZSC Lions Zurich (CHL Champions 2024/25 and National Champions)

Lausanne HC (Regular Season Winners)

SC Bern (Regular Season 3^rd Place)

EV Zug (Regular Season 4^th Place)

Challenger Leagues (National Champions)

Odense Bulldogs (Denmark)

Grenoble (France)

Strohamar Hamar (Norway)

GKS Tychy (Poland)

Belfast Giants (UK)

More than just the silverware, the CHL is a massive stage for clubs to strut their stuff in front of all of Europe. For the players, it’s a shot to make a name for themselves. For the fans, it’s a blast: epic games, wild atmospheres, and memories you’ll be talking about all season long.

The excitement ramps up as the puck drops on the opening matchdays, with fixtures lighting up arenas all across Europe. On 28 August, fans can witness Lulea Hockey take on EV Zug at Coop Norrbotten Arena, Storhamar Hamar battling Eisbaren Berlin at CC Amfi, and ERC Ingolstadt facing Ilves Tampere at SATURN-Arena. The action continues with Belfast Giants hosting KalPa Kuopio, Grenoble clashing with SC Bern, and KAC Klagenfurt challenging Sparta Prague—all in the same electric evening.

The next day, 29 August, Lausanne HC heads to Kivikylan Areena to meet Lukko Rauma, while Mountfield HK welcomes Odense Bulldogs. Frolunda Gothenburg will skate against HC Bolzano, Kometa Brno faces Brynas IF, and ZSC Lions Zurich take on Pinguins Bremerhaven. To round out the first wave of games, Red Bull Salzburg confronts GKS Tychy at Eisarena Salzburg. Each match promises drama, skill, and the unpredictable magic only the CHL can deliver.

With three weeks left, it’s almost go time. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just getting into European hockey, this year’s CHL is packed with must-see games and storylines. The wait’s almost over—the teams are ready, the ice is set, and anything can happen.

Stay Tuned for all the latest on this seasons CHL!