GKS TYCHY to KalPa Kuopio - 2025 Champions Hockey League Team Previews
- jamesduncanshannon
- Aug 19, 2025
- 3 min read
GKS Tychy
Founded in 1971, GKS Tychy claimed top honours with a first-place league finish and a championship run in the playoffs. Playing at Stadion Zimowy MOSiR under head coach Pekka Tirkkonen, their form was formidable all season with a record of 40 games, 28 wins, 5 losses, 4 overtime wins, and 3 overtime losses.
Players to watch:
· Rasmus Heljanko (F): GP: 38 | G: 24 | A: 28 | Pts: 52
· Joona Monto (C): GP: 37 | G: 14 | A: 36 | Pts: 50
· Alan Lyszczarczyk (C/W): GP: 40 | G: 12 | A: 33 | Pts: 45
Goaltenders:
· Szymon Chabior (G): GP: 2 | SV%: .958 | TOI: 87:55
· Tomas Fucik (G): GP: 29 | SV%: .921 | TOI: 1749:23
· Kamil Lewartowski (G): GP: 11 | SV%: .909 | TOI: 577:39
Grenoble
A storied club since 1963, Grenoble conquered both the regular season and playoffs, led by coach Per Hånberg at Patinoire Pôle Sud. Their superb run: 44 games, 32 wins, 5 losses, 5 overtime wins, and 2 overtime losses.
Players to watch:
· Christophe Boivin (LW): GP: 42 | G: 29 | A: 28 | Pts: 57
· François Beauchemin (C/W): GP: 40 | G: 14 | A: 34 | Pts: 48
Goaltenders:
· Matija Pintaric (G): GP: 26 | SV%: .933 | TOI: 1567:06
· Jakub Stepanek (G): GP: 18 | SV%: .930 | TOI: 1075:38
HC Bolzano
Founded in 1933, HC Bolzano powered their way to the semi-finals, finishing third in the league. Coached by Kurt Kleinendorst at Sparkasse Arena, they posted a 48-game record: 25 wins, 13 losses, 8 OT wins, and 2 OT losses.
Players to watch:
· Matt Bradley (C): GP: 48 | G: 16 | A: 25 | Pts: 41
· Adam Helewka (LW/C): GP: 44 | G: 15 | A: 21 | Pts: 36
· Anthony Salinitri (C): GP: 47 | G: 17 | A: 18 | Pts: 35
Goaltenders:
· Samuel Harvey (G): GP: 37 | GAA: 2.13 | SV%: .924 | TOI: 2195:09
· Gianluca Vallini (G): GP: 13 | GAA: 2.46 | SV%: .893 | TOI: 708:40
Ilves Tampere
With roots tracing back to 1931, Ilves Tampere finished second in the league and claimed bronze in the playoffs. Guided by coach Tommi Niemelä at the Nokia Arena, they played 60 games: 32 wins, 17 losses, 4 OT wins, and 7 OT losses.
Players to watch:
· Matias Mäntykivi (C): GP: 60 | G: 18 | A: 36 | Pts: 54
· Jens Lööke (RW/LW): GP: 59 | G: 16 | A: 38 | Pts: 54
Goaltenders:
· Dominik Pavlát (G): GP: 29 | SV%: .910 | TOI: 1687:56
KAC Klagenfurt
The oldest club here, founded in 1909, KAC Klagenfurt took first in the league, but fell just short in the playoff final. At Heidi Horten-Arena, coached by Kirk Furey, their record: 48 games, 27 wins, 10 losses, 5 OT wins, and 6 OT losses.
Players to watch:
· Nick Petersen (RW/LW): GP: 44 | G: 18 | A: 35 | Pts: 53
· Mathias From (LW/RW): GP: 46 | G: 21 | A: 20 | Pts: 41
· Matt Fraser (RW/LW): GP: 47 | G: 21 | A: 17 | Pts: 38
Goaltenders:
· Sebastian Dahm (G): GP: 39 | SV%: .911 | TOI: 2321:21
· Florian Vorauer (G): GP: 10 | GAA: 2.33 | SV%: .907 | TOI: 591:50
KalPa Kuopio
Founded in 1929, KalPa Kuopio clinched third place and soared to the playoff championship, steered by coach Sami Tervonen at Olvi Areena. Regular season: 60 games, 29 wins, 18 losses, 7 OT wins, and 6 OT losses.
Players to watch:
· Patrick Curry (C/LW): GP: 60 | G: 29 | A: 31 | Pts: 60
· Jaakko Rissanen (C): GP: 58 | G: 16 | A: 40 | Pts: 56
Goaltenders:
· Stefanos Lekkas (G): GP: 32 | GAA: 2.15 | SV%: .906 | TOI: 1894:38
· Patrik Kerkola (G): GP: 1 | GAA: 3.13 | SV%: .842 | TOI: 57:29
As next season beckons, these clubs and their stars will be ones to watch—whether you’re scanning stat sheets or tuning in for the thrill of the chase. Stay tuned for more ice-cold action!
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