Release from 27.05.2026

Attractive CHL Opponents Await ICE Representatives

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The three representatives of the win2day ICE Hockey League now know their opponents for the 2026/27 Champions Hockey League season. While the Moser Medical Graz99ers can look forward to a “dream draw,” EC-KAC once again faces several high-profile clashes against national champions. EC Red Bull Salzburg, meanwhile, will take on three Swedish powerhouse clubs. The CHL season gets underway in early September.

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Graz99ers: Dream Draw Headlined by Berlin Clash
For the Moser Medical Graz99ers, their second CHL appearance in club history will be a special occasion. The Styrians, returning to international competition for the first time in seven years, can look forward to attractive matchups and some major European hockey brands.

Graz will host newly crowned Swiss champion HC Fribourg-Gottéron, French titleholder Bordeaux Boxers, and Finnish side SaiPa Lappeenranta. On the road, the biggest highlight will undoubtedly be a clash with Eisbären Berlin, one of Europe’s true heavyweights. The reigning DEL champion has won five of the last six German titles and regularly draws massive crowds at the Uber Arena. The away schedule is rounded out by Norway’s Storhamar Hamar and Czech club Bílí Tygři Liberec.

President Herbert Jerich believes his team can compete with many of the opponents: “We certainly don’t need to hide.” Sporting director Philipp Pinter was equally excited after the draw, describing it as “a really very attractive group.” In particular, the matchups against Berlin and Fribourg are already generating plenty of anticipation.

KAC Set for Tests Against Four National Champions
EC-KAC will compete in the CHL for the seventh time next season and hopes to finally reach the knockout stage after narrowly missing out on the Round of 16 in each of the past two years. The challenge, however, will be demanding, with four reigning national champions among the KAC opponents.

At Heidi Horten Arena, the Austrian runner-up will host Switzerland’s Fribourg-Gottéron, Finland’s KooKoo Kouvola, and France’s Bordeaux Boxers. On the road, KAC will face two major German clubs in Eisbären Berlin and Kölner Haie, while also travelling to Norwegian champion Storhamar Hamar.

Salzburg Draws Swedish Heavyweights
EC Red Bull Salzburg faces an especially elite field of opponents in the 2026/27 CHL campaign. The Red Bulls will go up against three Swedish clubs, opening the new season with several marquee matchups.

In Salzburg, the Red Bulls will welcome Eisbären Berlin, Kölner Haie, and Czech representative Bílí Tygři Liberec. The road games in Sweden promise to be particularly challenging, with Skellefteå AIK, Växjö Lakers, and Rögle Ängelholm all waiting as established top-tier clubs.

Captain Thomas Raffl described the draw as “a huge challenge,” but also highlighted the benefits: “The CHL is exciting because you get to measure yourself against the best.” Facing international top opponents early in the season could prove valuable for the team.

No Changes to CHL Format
The competition format remains unchanged: all 24 teams will compete in a single standings table, with the top 16 advancing to the Round of 16. After falling just short in the group stage over the past two seasons, the Klagenfurt side is hoping to take the next step this time around.

CHL Game Days
Game Days 1: September 3/4
Game Days 2: September 5/6
Game Days 3: September 10/11
Game Days 4: September 12/13
Game Days 5: October 6/7
Game Days 6: October 13/14