Inside the CHL: A Decade of Drama, Rivalries, and a Fresh Future

KEY POINTS FROM CHL PRESS CONFERENCE

When the CHL gathered for its press conference on 26th August 2025, you could feel the energy and anticipation in the air, well I could as I tuned on from my sofa. After a decade of high-intensity competition, the Champions Hockey League stands at a crossroads—celebrating its history while looking forward to even bigger accomplishments.

Ten Years of CHL: Unforgettable Moments and New Horizons

Jurg Lingren, the CHL President, kicked things off by reflecting on the league’s landmark tenth season. The previous year brought an avalanche of emotion and historic feats, especially with fiercely competitive games that stretched all the way to the final at the Swiss Life Arena. "Our approach to hockey is fresh and modern. While a home team victory always fires up the crowd, we cherish unpredictability. When teams from across leagues and countries win, it creates excitement and drama that keeps fans coming back," Lingren said. The vision is clear: the CHL aims to deliver the best matchups in European club hockey, both on and off the ice. Yet, building the CHL’s profile and deepening fan engagement remain ongoing missions.

Players and Coaches: The Pulse of the CHL

ZSC Lions: Relentless and Hungry

Patrick Geering, captain of the ZSC Lions, shared the team’s mindset going into the new campaign. For Geering, last season was all about striving for success. He recounted the nail-biting final and the tough battles against Berlin, which demanded comebacks, as well as clashes with domestic rivals Geneva. To describe the Lions’ spirit for the upcoming season, Geering picked three words: relentless, ready, and hungry.

Frölunda Gothenburg: Chasing Excellence

Frölunda’s captain, Max Friberg, enters his sixth CHL season more determined than ever. "The games are tougher now, especially against the big European leagues," Friberg explained. Frölunda is intent on setting the pace, fielding top-level men’s and women’s teams and striving to be the best at everything. His most cherished memory? The final at home against Red Bull Munich. As captain, Friberg believes in seizing each day and making every moment of the season count.

Ilves Tampere: Lessons Learned, Goals Set

Coach Tomi Niemelä of Ilves Tampere expressed his eagerness for meaningful games. Reflecting on last year’s contests against formidable opponents, Niemelä emphasised how every match brings valuable experience, and this season, he’s determined to apply those lessons. "We want to outscore our rivals, control the puck, and dictate the flow. Excelling in five-on-five and special teams will give us the edge," Niemelä asserted.

By the Numbers: A European Hockey Showcase

The stats from ten seasons are impressive:

·         10 completed seasons

·         1,298 games played

·         102 teams involved

·         14 leagues represented

Frölunda Gothenburg is on the verge of a milestone, with 97 CHL games played and their 100th contest just around the corner.

Building the CHL: Rules, Structure, and a Global Vision

Fadri Holinger, CHL’s Sport Director, shared updates on the logistical side. The ‘no return rule’ in 3-on-3 overtime is now in effect: once a team in the attacking zone controls the puck, they cannot retreat to the neutral zone. Violations bring a stoppage and a defensive zone face-off—no line changes allowed, echoing icing rules. This tweak aims to ramp up pace and intensity.

The league continues to expand, spanning 12 countries and 11 leagues. Each season culminates in one CHL Champion, 10 national champions, five regular season winners, three runners-up, four third-place finishers, and a sole fourth-place team (due to domestic finishes and winners). The season structure remains: regular season, round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, and the grand final. This year, 136 on-ice officials will enforce the rules, ensuring fairness and consistency.

Mark Your Calendars: The Road to the Final

Circle 3rd March 2026—the date of the CHL Final. As the league gears up for another unforgettable season, fans can expect fierce competition, dramatic matchups, and plenty of surprises.

The CHL isn’t just celebrating its past; it’s actively shaping the future of European club hockey. With evolving rules, passionate teams, and a commitment to excellence, the next chapter promises to be just as thrilling as the last. Stay tuned—history is in the making.