We've asked representatives from the clubs a few questions relating to their club competing in the CHL in 2014/15. We've arranged the answers into 11 articles, one for each group. It's now time for Group E, which features Tappara Tampere, Oceláři Třinec, SC Bern, and the Stavanger Oilers -- four clubs that were all strong in their respective leagues last season.
Staff Writers
What do you think of the group you've been drawn into, and which of your opponents do you think is strongest?
Mikko Leinonen (CEO/general manager, Tappara Tampere): "I'm very happy with the draw. We get a chance to play with a Norwegian team, a Swiss team and a Czech team so it's a really international group. We've already played against SC Bern, we had a tight game in their arena last time and I think they have a really good team so I'm looking forward to meeting them again. Stavanger is also exciting and you never know, Norwegian hockey is getting better all the time and the Czechs are always good."
Pavel Marek (general manager, Oceláři Třinec): "We are satisfied with our group, as they are some interesting opponents. All the teams there have their own quality and we can look forward to some great games. Also, we’re going to play against teams from hockey towns. It's a good group for our fans."
Sven Leuenberger (general manager, SC Bern): "The CHL Draw was very exciting, it felt little bit like the football Champions League. We are happy with what we've got, but from the travelling side it could be better. We have to fly three times, so this is a new experience for us. I personally don't know much about the Stavanger Oilers, but I know that Třinec and Tampere are very good teams, so it will be an interesting challenge for us."
Pål Haukali Higson (general manager, Stavanger Oilers): "It's an interesting group. It's really hard to pre-judge our opponents. All three are top teams in top leagues. I think it will be a tight race. We're up against last season's second best teams from two of Europe's best leagues in Finland and the Czech Republic. With the last team being perennial Swiss contender Bern, we know we're up against a great challenge. The games should be fun ."
What does competing in the Champions Hockey League mean to your club?
Leinonen (TAP): "Some good games are coming up for us. I'm very happy to be involved in this for my team and the players and the fans."
Marek (TRI): "It’s a great challenge for us. We can't wait to start playing some of these games against international opponents, which could help us grow. I believe we will gain some new experience."
Leuenberger (SCB): "It means a lot for us, because we are one of the league's 26 founding clubs and we have always believed in it. Now, it's a great feeling to see how our work is being rewarded. I think it's a right step in the right direction."
Higson (STA): "We're first and foremost very proud to be part of the CHL. It's great for hockey that we now have a tournament where the best in Europe can go up against each other. This gives us a chance to prove ourselves at a different level. For us it was a goal all last year to get in and our organisation, sponsors and fans really embrace this challenge."
How far do you expect your team to advance in the competition?
Leinonen (TAP): "A couple of years ago we were in the finals of the European Trophy, so our goal is to try to win this tournament. If you don't think about winning, you'll never win, so we have to think about that and we'll win one day."
Marek (TRI): "We would love to win the whole competition for sure, but at first we want to get out of our group."
Leuenberger (SCB): "We have quite a few new players. Of course we want to win all the games, but for us it will be difficult because it starts only 14 days after we step onto the ice for the first time. But of course we want to win every time."
Higson (STA): "As a wildcard team we're obviously the outsider in the group. But every time you step on the ice you want to win. We believe we can compete at this level and we aim to turn a few heads with our play in these games. We want to make ourselves and Norwegian hockey proud with our performance."
Click here to compare basic information about these four clubs.