season review 2016/17
CHAMPIONS HOCKEY LEAGUE SEASON REVIEW 2016/17
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CHAMPIONS HOCKEY LEAGUE SEASON REVIEW 2016/17
table of contents
1. CEO MESSAGE 2. SPORT 3. SEASON IN BRIEF 4. PRIZE MONEY DISTRIBUTION 5. NEW PLAYING FORMAT & EXTENDED PARTNERSHIP 6. MEDIA 7. FAN AMBASSADORS 8. DIGITAL MEDIA 9. BROADCASTING 10. QUICK FACTS 11. A WORD FROM THE WINNER
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CHAMPIONS HOCKEY LEAGUE SEASON REVIEW 2016/17
CEO MESSAGE
Martin Baumann CEO Champions Hockey League AG
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CHAMPIONS HOCKEY LEAGUE SEASON REVIEW 2016/17
CEO MESSAGE 2016/17 started with a “boom” off the ice: Shareholders at the General Assembly voted to change the Champions Hockey League in a revolutionary way, reducing the total of teams from 48 to 32 and – most importantly – introducing pure qualification on sporting merits for the season 2017/18 onwards. They also agreed to prolonging cooperation with our marketing and media partner Infront Sports & Media for six years until 2022/23 which gives us a longterm perspective to develop the CHL on the fundamentals which have been built during the first three seasons.
• … SC Bern who proved within one season that it is possible to change fans’ attitude and set a new CHL attendance record (14,567) after having struggled badly with the CHL during the first two seasons. • … Sparta Prague who not only reached the CHL Final as the first non-Nordic team and impressed with a high-class performance against Frölunda, but also showed a best-practice in how to market their Semi-Final against Växjö by attracting 12,136 fans and generating CHL excitement within their fan base.
Taking ground-breaking decisions in June • … Frölunda Gothenburg who defied all resiswas important and gave us lots of argu- tances and put all their efforts into creating ments to convince fans a fantastic CHL Final in and media already in Gothenburg. They were season 3 by providing rewarded with a sold-out BLOOD, SWEAT AND them a shiny outlook for Frölundaborg Isstadion – TEARS WERE NEEDED the future – but of course and their second consecON AND OFF THE ICE it also meant that 2016/17 utive CHL title, the first on was not an easy one, as home ice. everything was stuck in the old structure. Nevertheless, we clearly Overall, players, coaches, club’s managements felt that there were positive vibes everywhere and staff were on fire, performed very well and when touring across Europe and staging sev- put lots of efforts into the development of the eral pre-season press-conferences. Champions Hockey League. Blood, sweat and tears were needed on and off the ice. Some On 16 August 2016, the first puck dropped succeeded, some failed. But rising again after when Vitkovice Ridera Ostrava met Kärpät a defeat is what true champions do. The fact Oulu in the season opener. Again, 48 teams that this attitude is injected in the DNA of the were in the competition, narrowed down to 32 CHL family makes me very proud. Keeping the for the playoffs. Poland joined the CHL family ground-breaking format changes for the upand proved that euphoria in C-licence coun- coming season in mind, I’m convinced that not tries still exists. Witnessing Comarch Cracovia’s only the Champions Hockey League as a prodCHL debut in front of some 7,000 fans and 100 uct, but all of us, will benefit. accredited journalists was more than just impressive. It was the same feeling when visiting I would like to use this opportunity to say thank Belarus’ Yunost Minsk, defeating Swedish Väx- you to all stakeholders who contributed to the jö Lakers 4-3 in overtime – pushed by a large success, first and foremost the clubs, their home crowd of 8,000. management, coaches and players. Also a big thank you to the CHL staff and to the staff of our With 157 games scheduled, it needs of course marketing partner Infront Sports & Media AG. a bit of luck to strike the very special ones personally in the arena and I surely did not make all of them. There were many outstanding games this season – both in terms of competition and as an event. If I may point out three more sam- Martin Baumann ples, then I have to mention…. CEO
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CHAMPIONS HOCKEY LEAGUE SEASON REVIEW 2016/17
The Clubs
Djurgården Stockholm
Färjestad Karlstad
After a passionate, dramatic finish in the Round of 32 return leg, the oldest of all Swedish clubs bowed out against the Finns of KalPa Kuopio 2-3 on aggregate.
Liberec goalie Roman Will stopped the Swedish powerhouse in the Round of 32. The two-time European Trophy finalist still waits to advance past the first playoff round in the CHL.
Frölunda Gothenburg
HV71 Jönköping
First CHL back-to-back champions, and a third Final appearance in a row. Frölunda is still the team to beat.
Leading the CHL scoring list for a long period, HV71’s Martin Thörnberg and his teammates were undone by Sparta Prague’s comeback from 2-4 to 7-4 on aggregate in the Round of 16. Linköping HC
Luleå Hockey
Unbeaten in the Group Stage, they made it to the Quarter- Finals for the second time, as the side did in 2014/15. This time however they were stopped by the would-be champions Frölunda.
The 2015 CHL champions struggled badly in this season’s Group Stage, and were knocked out of the competition in a dramatic all-or-nothing game against Eisbären Berlin.
Skellefteå AIK
Växjö Lakers
Despite two surprise defeats against the Vienna Capitals, Skellefteå won their group – but were then stopped by JYP Jyväskylä.
All good things come in threes: After two disappointing CHL seasons, Växjö was on fire as they made the semis, before Sparta Prague shut the Swedes down in the Semi-Finals.
IFK Helsinki
JYP Jyväskylä
Securing the playoff spot with a big 7-0 win in their very last Group Stage game, and then advancing via penalty shoots to the Round of 16, the side form the Finnish capital were eventually sent home by Linköping by a single goal.
Made it for the first time into the second CHL playoff round, but were stopped by a familiar foes in Finnish coach Kari Jalonen and his Swiss champion SC Bern side.
KalPa Kuopio
Kärpät Oulu
By saving 60/62 shots, goaltender Eero Kilpelainen showed his magic in the two Round of 32 games against Djurgården and put KalPa into the next round.
Defending silver medallists faced Czech powerhouse Sparta Prague in the playoffs for the second year in a row – and were eliminated in the Round of 32 in a dramatic overtime period.
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CHAMPIONS HOCKEY LEAGUE SEASON REVIEW 2016/17
The Clubs
Lukko Rauma
SaiPa Lappeenranta
Last year’s Semi-Finalists couldn’t repeat their earlier success, falling in the Round of 32 against HV71 Jönköping from Sweden.
Back in the competition after a one year absence, the Finns dominated their group with Eisbären Berlin and inaugural champions Luleå Hockey. In the Round of 16 an OT goal from Växjö ended their European dreams.
Tappara Tampere
TPS Turku
The 16-time Finnish champions were heavily challenged by Adler Mannheim to earn the second playoff spot in Group C– and came out on top before going out in the Round of 32 against SaiPa.
After having lost only one single point in the Group Stage, TPS Turku faced IFK Helsinki in an all-Finnish Round of 32 duel – and went out on a shootout to the capital city side (6-5 on aggregate). Adler Mannheim
Grizzlys Wolfsburg
Challenged Finnish champions Tappara Tampere and Swiss runners up HC Lugano heavily – but missed the playoffs after a 1-2 loss in the decisive last game.
Reaching the DEL Finals and qualifying for the CHL was a big success for the young club. The Grizzlys made it all through to the Round of 32 where they were bitten by the Lions from Zurich.
Eisbären Berlin
ERC Ingolstadt
The most successful German club in the CHL so far by reaching the Round of 16 for the second consecutive year. Hit the wall against reigning champs Frölunda.
3 points in their last group stage game against Finns Lukko Rauma was not enough to prolong the Panthers’ CHL journey.
Krefeld Pinguine
Red Bull Munich
Struggling in the domestic league for the past few seasons, Krefeld stepped up but narrowly missed the CHL playoffs by 1 point.
The Bavarians made it to the Round of 32, challenged later Semi-Finalists Växjö Lakers heavily before they were eliminated 4-5 on aggregate.
Bili Tygri Liberec
BK Mlada Boleslav
After winning the Czech league for the first time in 2016, the White Tigers shocked Swedish side Färjestad Karlstad in the Round of 32, but then struggled against their countrymen Vitkovice Ridera Ostrava.
One of the oldest Czech hockey clubs and one of the founding members of the Czech Ice Hockey Association, but first time participant in the CHL. Narrowly missed the playoffs.
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CHAMPIONS HOCKEY LEAGUE SEASON REVIEW 2016/17
The Clubs
Dynamo Pardubice
HC Pilsen
Surprised with a shootout win in their season opener against defending champions Frölunda, but then missed the playoffs for the third year in a row.
The 2013 Extraliga champions made it directly to the playoffs in their first ever CHL participation, but were then stopped in the “battle of the newbies” by HC Lugano.
Sparta Prague
Vitkovice Ridera Ostrava
The Czech powerhouse proudly became the first non-Nordic CHL Finalists, but had to lick their wounds after a 2-3 loss in Overtime against Frölunda.
Impressed with a 12-0 on aggregate in the Round of 32 against Slovak champions HK Nitra, and went all the way to the QuarterFinals before being downed by Fribourg. EV Zug
Fribourg-Gottéron
“All good things come in threes”, this seems to be the motto of EV Zug – and in their third CHL season they finally managed to reach the playoffs after an impressive Group Stage.
Not many would have bet a cent on the unsteady Dragons to be the most successful Swiss team in this year’s CHL campaign. Despite all doomsayers Fribourg made it to the Semi-Finals.
HC Davos
HC Lugano
Last season’s Semi-Finalists was close to managing the impossible: Davos overcame a three-goal deficit on aggregate in the Round of 32 against Linköping to pull even, but then a late surge put the Swedes one step too far ahead.
Back on the European stage after 10 long years, the excitement around CHL participation was huge – and the journey was only stopped by fellow Swiss team ZSC Lions in the Round of 16.
SC Bern
ZSC Lions Zurich
New head coach, new spirit: SC Bern was on fire in this year’s CHL campaign. This resulted not only in sportive success by reaching the Quarter-Finals, but also in a new CHL attendance record (14,567).
The CHL champions of 2009 were close to reaching the Semi-Finals – but then let a 2-0 lead slip in the return game and were eliminated by Växjö 2-3 on aggregate.
Black Wings Linz
Orli Znojmo
Missing the first CHL playoff qualification ever hurts – especially if it’s only because 3 goals to little were scored.
The Czech team qualified as runners up of the Austrian EBEL-league and challenged Fribourg-Gottéron and Red Bull Munich in the Group Stage.
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CHAMPIONS HOCKEY LEAGUE SEASON REVIEW 2016/17
The Clubs
Red Bull Salzburg
Vienna Capitals
The only EBEL-team to make it to the playoffs, Salzburg then had to face SC Bern. Being down 1-4 after the first leg, Salzburg weren’t able to fight back in front of a decent 14,000 crowd in Bern.
After two wins against Swedish runners up Skellefteå they already saw the CHL playoffs on the horizon, but then KalPa Kuopio fought back on the finish line, in Vienna, and took the spot from the Capitals.
Gap Rapaces
Rouen Dragons
Drawn in a strong group with Swedish side Linköping HC and Finns from JYP Jyväskylä, the French runners up used the opportunity to develop their team internationally.
The French champions and IIHF Continental Cup winners were pushed by their impressive home crowd to 2 points in OT losses against HC Davos and Djurgården Stockholm. Stavanger Oilers
Lørenskog IK
Although winning their fifth national title in a row, they couldn’t keep up their CHL success from 2015/16 and were eliminated in the Group Stage.
The Danish runners up already collected a first point in their very first CHL game against Czech champions Bili Tigry Liberec.
HC Kosice
HK Nitra
An impressive comeback against Black Wings Linz, blowing a 3-0 lead away, brought 10-times Slovakian champion Kosice back on track – and finally to the CHL playoffs.
A year of the debuts for the Slovaks: After winning their first national title in spring 2016 Nitra made it to the CHL playoffs for the first time.
Yunost Minsk
Esbjerg Energy
One of this season’s Cinderella stories: Pushed by their great home crowd Minsk earned the first playoff qualification for a Belarusian team. Stopped by the latter champions Frölunda in the Round of 32, after having won the first leg at home.
Called an underdog in the group with EV Zug and IFK Helsinki, the Danish champions battled hard and only missed the playoffs in their very last Group Stage game in Finland.
Sheffield Steelers
Comarch Cracovia
Being Britain’s most successful team since the mid-90s (9 titles) and well-known in the CHL for their touring fans, Sheffield was finally rewarded with their first 3 points in the competition.
Being proud first-time-ever CHL representative for Poland, the 11-times national champion attracted many fans and journalists to their two home games.
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CHAMPIONS HOCKEY LEAGUE SEASON REVIEW 2016/17
highlights GROUP STAGE
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CHAMPIONS HOCKEY LEAGUE SEASON REVIEW 2016/17
highlights GROUP STAGE
48
teams again contested in the Champions Hockey League Group Stage, with 38 teams from the Founding Leagues and 10 wildcards. In addition to teams from Great Britain, Denmark, France, Norway, and Slovakia, additional wildcard places were also awarded to Belarussian Champions Yunost Minsk, Polish play-off winners Comarch Cracovia and French side Rouen Dragons as winners of the Continental Cup. As in the previous season, teams played four games each, with the 16 group winners and runners up qualifying for the knock-out stage. There were notable shocks in the Group Stage as inaugural CHL Champions Luleå Hockey were knocked out by SaiPa Lappeenranta and Eisbären Berlin, finishing with just one point from four games. Defending Champions Frölunda Gothenburg eventually topped Group A, but it was far from plain sailing as they suffered a shoot-out defeat in Pardubice and a home loss to Grizzlys Wolfsburg. Notable successes however came from Swiss sides, with all six NLA teams progressing through the Group Stage for the first time, five of them as group winners; while Slovakia also celebrated both HC Kosice and HK Nitra making it through, and Finland saw all eight of its teams advance. On the other hand, the EBEL lost all its teams after only four games, while there was to be no repeat of the previous season’s Norwegian fairy tale with both
Stavanger Oilers and Lørenskog IK going in the group stage. Teams from Czech Republic and Germany again had indifferent results, the Extraliga losing two teams while the DEL saw half of its teams pack their bags. Only Linköping HC and SC Bern made it through to the Round of 32 with perfect records, while EV Zug, Kärpät Oulu, SaiPa, TPS Turku and ZSC Lions Zurich all dropped a single point only. The fairy tale teams of the round were arguably Nitra and Yunost Minsk – the Slovaks beating Czech side HC Pilsen home and away to top their group, while the Belarusians remained unbeaten at home as they qualified including a win over Växjo Lakers. Notable mentions also to Esbjerg Energy who took IFK to the final game before Helsinki secured qualification, having beaten the Finns in Denmark; and Sheffield Steelers who won their first ever CHL game at home to Red Bull Salzburg. Polish debutants Cracovia meanwhile may have lost all four games, but they didn’t leave the CHL without making a big impact on the competition. Playing at the city’s Tauron Arena, 13,333 fans watched European club hockey in Krakow over two gamedays. 500 fans also travelled to the team’s first road game in Prague, where the visitors almost upset Sparta, but eventually lost 5-4.
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CHAMPIONS HOCKEY LEAGUE SEASON REVIEW 2016/17
highlights PLAYOFFS
T
he headline of the 2016/17 Champions Hockey League playoffs was arguably the ‘awakening’ of Central Europe, compared to the Nordic domination of the previous two seasons. For the first time in the competition’s history, two sides from outside of Northern Europe made it to the Semi-Finals, with Sparta Prague eventually going all the way to the Final. Sparta’s journey saw them come through in overtime away at Kärpät Oulu in the Round of 32 to win the tie 2-1, while also providing one of the CHL’s greatest ever comebacks as they overturned a 4-2 home game defeat to HV71 to win 5-0 in Jönköping. Elsewhere, the surprise package of the playoffs were Fribourg-Gottéron. Struggling in the Swiss NLA, and changing coaches midway through the season, the side upset Finnish high-fliers KalPa Kuopio in the Round of 16 before knocking out Vitkovice Ridera Ostrava in the Quarter-Finals. A Semi-Final against Frölunda was eventually a step to far, but it was a remarkable journey for the team that eventually finished at the bottom of the NLA. There was early drama between Finnish sides HIFK and TPS who needed a shootout to decide their Round of 32 match-up after it finished 5-5 on aggregate; thanks to a 1-1 and
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4-4 draw across the two legs. HIFK eventually won through - Teemu Eronen tying it for TPS with 51 seconds left before Eemeli Heikkinen struck the decisive penalty shot to put HIFK through. With six teams reaching the playoffs, Switzerland saw at least one side fall at each of the next four rounds. Aside from Fribourg, ZSC Lions were left wondering what might have been – 2-0 up in Växjö in the return leg, the Lakers then scored three unanswered goals to make the semis. The first leg was notable as well – no goals in 60 minutes! While teams from Austria, Belarus, and Slovakia all bowed out before the Round of 16, Germany again saw its teams struggle with just Eisbären Berlin going a round further. They came up against an unstoppable Frölunda team, who won 10-2 on aggregate including a 6-1 thrashing in Berlin. The playoffs were also notable for all four Finnish teams falling at the Round of 16 stage, meaning the Quarter-Finals saw five teams from outside of the Nordics taking part. While only two would make it on to the Semi-Finals, Sparta’s ride to the Final, knocking out Växjö 6-1, showed that it can be done. The home leg in Prague was another highlight – some 12,136 fans enjoying the game at the O2 arena.
CHAMPIONS HOCKEY LEAGUE SEASON REVIEW 2016/17
highlights FINAL
S
ometimes in sport one game can do more over 60 minutes than marketing campaigns can do in whole year – and the 2017 Champions Hockey League Final was one of those occasions. Even before the puck dropped there were so many different angles to the build-up – Frölunda finally playing a Final at home in Gothenburg; Sparta Prague being the first team outside the Nordics to reach the Final; a sold-out Frölundaborg Isstadion; over 400 Sparta fans travelling to the game by bus; together with Joel Lundqvist, Lukáš Pech, and Casey Wellman all in the race to finish as top scorer all added extra spice to the competition’s finale. On the ice, the opening period left most spectators watching live and on television breathless. Sparta gave as good as they got against the Indians, who had qualified for the Final by racking up 35 goals throughout the CHL Playoffs. The visitors twice led thanks to goals from Lukáš Cingel and Petr Vrána, but were pegged back each time by the Wellman and Lundqvist combination. The period ended tied at two each, with a staggering 31 shots on goal! Period two was a little less frantic but no less intense as both sides tried to gain the lead. Eventually Wellman struck again to put Frölunda ahead with 27:27 played, and this time Sparta were unable to reply before the
buzzer sounded. A one-goal game going into the third period, it was then Sparta who were pressing. They were rewarded and tied the game at 46:15 – a scramble around the Johan Gustafsson’s net eventually ended with Lukáš Klimek scoring the goal to level things, and with no further goals we headed to overtime. If that wasn’t enough drama already, then what followed certainly was. Set up to play 20 minutes of 3-on-3 overtime, Frölunda won possession of the puck and had Sparta pinned in their own zone. With just 1:27 of the extra session played, Niklas Lasu lost his man and skated across Tomas Pöpperle to score the golden goal, and spark wild celebrations from the home team and fans. For Frölunda it marked the first title celebrated on home ice in many years; for Sparta forever a question of what might have been. There was however one more special moment to come – Sparta’s players saluting their own fans, and then applauded by the entire rink as they skated to salute the Frölunda supporters as well. Casey Wellman finished as the CHL’s Top Scorer in his debut season for the Indians, while Joel Lundqvist not only lifted the European trophy aloft, but was also voted as the league’s MVP.
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CHAMPIONS HOCKEY LEAGUE SEASON REVIEW 2016/17
Group Stage Results
GROUP A Grizzlys Wolfsburg
vs. Frölunda Gothenburg
1:2
Dynamo Pardubice
vs. Frölunda Gothenburg
3:2 PS
Frölunda Gothenburg
vs. Dynamo Pardubice
5:2
Grizzlys Wolfsburg
vs. Dynamo Pardubice
6:0
Dynamo Pardubice
vs. Grizzlys Wolfsburg
6:1
Frölunda Gothenburg
vs. Grizzlys Wolfsburg
2:3
Frölunda Gothenburg
7
Grizzlys Wolfsburg
6
Dynamo Pardubice
5
Djurgården Stockholm
8
HC Davos
8
Rouen Dragons
2
HC Lugano
8
Tappara Tampere
6
Adler Mannheim
4
ZSC Lions Zurich
11
Lukko Rauma
4
ERC Ingolstadt
3
GROUP B HC Davos
vs. Rouen Dragons
4:1
Djurgården Stockholm
vs. Rouen Dragons
4:0
Djurgården Stockholm
vs. HC Davos
6:0
HC Davos
vs. Djurgården Stockholm
3:1
Rouen Dragons
vs. HC Davos
2:3 OT
Rouen Dragons
vs. Djurgården Stockholm
3:4 OT
GROUP C Adler Mannheim
vs. HC Lugano
2:3
Adler Mannheim
vs. Tappara Tampere
4:1
HC Lugano
vs. Tappara Tampere
1:3
Tappara Tampere
vs. HC Lugano
1:3
HC Lugano
vs. Adler Mannheim
4:3 OT
Tappara Tampere
vs. Adler Mannheim
2:1
GROUP D ZSC Lions Zurich
vs. ERC Ingolstadt
2:0
ERC Ingolstadt
vs. ZSC Lions Zurich
1:4
Lukko Rauma
vs. ZSC Lions Zurich
2:3 PS
ZSC Lions Zurich
vs. Lukko Rauma
2:0
ERC Ingolstadt
vs. Lukko Rauma
1:6
Lukko Rauma
vs. ERC Ingolstadt
1:3
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CHAMPIONS HOCKEY LEAGUE SEASON REVIEW 2016/17
Group Stage Results
GROUP E Vitkovice Ridera Ostrava vs. Kärpät Oulu
2:4
Krefeld Pinguine
vs. Kärpät Oulu
0:2
Krefeld Pinguine
vs. Vitkovice Ridera Ostrava 2:0
Kärpät Oulu
vs. Vitkovice Ridera Ostrava 1:0 OT
Vitkovice Ridera Ostrava vs. Krefeld Pinguine
5:3
Kärpät Oulu
5:3
vs. Krefeld Pinguine
Kärpät Oulu
11
Vitkovice Ridera Ostrava
4
Krefeld Pinguine
3
Fribourg-Gottèron
9
Red Bull Munich
9
Orli Znojmo
0
EV Zug
11
IFK Helsinki
4
Esbjerg Energy
3
TPS Turku
11
Bili Tygri Liberec
6
Lørenskog IK
1
GROUP F Fribourg-Gottèron
vs. Red Bull Munich
3:0
Orli Znojmo
vs. Red Bull Munich
3:4
Fribourg-Gottèron
vs. Orli Znojmo
5:2
Orli Znojmo
vs. Fribourg-Gottèron
1:3
Red Bull Munich
vs. Fribourg-Gottèron
3:1
Red Bull Munich
vs. Orli Znojmo
7:0
GROUP G Esbjerg Energy
vs. EV Zug
3:8
EV Zug
vs. IFK Helsinki
2:1
IFK Helsinki
vs. EV Zug
1:4
EV Zug
vs. Esbjerg Energy
3:2 PS
Esbjerg Energy
vs. IFK Helsinki
5:4 OT
IFK Helsinki
vs. Esbjerg Energy
7:0
GROUP H Bili Tygri Liberec
vs. Lørenskog IK
4:3 OT
TPS Turku
vs. Lørenskog IK
4:1
Bili Tygri Liberec
vs. TPS Turku
1:2
TPS Turku
vs. Bili Tygri Liberec
3:1
Lørenskog IK
vs. Bili Tygri Liberec
1:2
Lørenskog IK
vs. TPS Turku
0:6
PS
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CHAMPIONS HOCKEY LEAGUE SEASON REVIEW 2016/17
Group Stage Results
GROUP I Eisbären Berlin
vs. Luleå Hockey
2:1
Eisbären Berlin
vs. SaiPa Lappeenranta
2:4
Luleå Hockey
vs. SaiPa Lappeenranta
2:4
SaiPa Lappeenranta
vs. Luleå Hockey
3:2 PS
Luleå Hockey
vs. Eisbären Berlin
2:5
SaiPa Lappeenranta
vs. Eisbären Berlin
6:3
SaiPa Lappeenranta
11
Eisbären Berlin
6
Luleå Hockey
1
HK Nitra
9
HC Pilsen
6
Stavanger Oilers
3
Linköping HC
12
JYP Jyväskylä
6
Gap Rapaces
0
Växjö Lakers
8
Yunost Minsk
5
BK Mlada Boleslav
5
GROUP J Stavanger Oilers
vs. HK Nitra
2:1
Stavanger Oilers
vs. HC Pilsen
0:3
HK Nitra
vs. HC Pilsen
2:1
HC Pilsen
vs. HK Nitra
2:4
HK Nitra
vs. Stavanger Oilers
2:1
HC Pilsen
vs. Stavanger Oilers
6:4
GROUP K Gap Rapaces
vs. JYP Jyväskylä
1:4
Gap Rapaces
vs. Linköping HC
0:2
JYP Jyväskylä
vs. Linköping HC
1:4
Linköping HC
vs. JYP Jyväskylä
4:3
Linköping HC
vs. Gap Rapaces
6:1
JYP Jyväskylä
vs. Gap Rapaces
4:0
GROUP L Yunost Minsk
vs. BK Mlada Boleslav
4:3
Växjö Lakers
vs. BK Mlada Boleslav
7:3
BK Mlada Boleslav
vs. Växjö Lakers
3:2 PS
Yunost Minsk
vs. Växjö Lakers
4:3 OT
BK Mlada Boleslav
vs. Yunost Minsk
3:2
Växjö Lakers
vs. Yunost Minsk
4:0
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CHAMPIONS HOCKEY LEAGUE SEASON REVIEW 2016/17
Group Stage Results
GROUP M HC Kosice
vs. SC Bern
3:6
Black Wings Linz
vs. SC Bern
1:3
HC Kosice
vs. Black Wings Linz
2:3
Black Wings Linz
vs. HC Kosice
3:4
SC Bern
vs. HC Kosice
3:1
SC Bern
vs. Black Wings Linz
5:0
SC Bern
12
HC Kosice
3
Black Wings Linz
3
Skellefteå AIK
7
KalPa Kuopio
6
Vienna Capitals
5
Färjestad Karlstad
10
Sparta Prague
8
Comarch Cracovia
0
HV71 Jönköping
9
Red Bull Salzburg
6
Sheffield Steelers
3
GROUP N Vienna Capitals
vs. Skellefteå AIK
3:2 OT
KalPa Kuopio
vs. Skellefteå AIK
1:2
Skellefteå AIK
vs. KalPa Kuopio
4:0
Skellefteå AIK
vs. Vienna Capitals
2:5
KalPa Kuopio
vs. Vienna Capitals
3:1
Vienna Capitals
vs. KalPa Kuopio
1:3
GROUP O Comarch Cracovia
vs. Sparta Prague
2:7
Comarch Cracovia
vs. Färjestad Karlstad
1:5
Sparta Prague
vs. Färjestad Karlstad
1:2
Sparta Prague
vs. Comarch Cracovia
5:4
Färjestad Karlstad
vs. Sparta Prague
2:3 OT
Färjestad Karlstad
vs. Comarch Cracovia
7:0
GROUP P HV71 Jönköping
vs. Sheffield Steelers
5:3
Red Bull Salzburg
vs. Sheffield Steelers
8:1
Sheffield Steelers
vs. HV71 Jönköping
2:5
Red Bull Salzburg
vs. HV71 Jönköping
2:5
HV71 Jönköping
vs. RedBull Salzburg
1:2
Sheffield Steelers
vs. RedBull Salzburg
5:2
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CHAMPIONS HOCKEY LEAGUE SEASON REVIEW 2016/17
Playoffs - Final Frรถlundaborgs Isstadion
Gothenburg, Sweden
4 ROUND OF 32
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FBK
1 2 3
LIB
4 0 4
NIT
0 0 0
VIT
7 5 12
DIF
0 2 2
KAL
2 1 3
FRI
1 4 5
KOS
1 1 2
FHC
2 5 7
MSK
3 0 3
EVZ
0 1 1
BER
4 2 6
LHC
7 2 9
HCD
4 3 7
TPS
1 4 5
IFK
1 5 6
ROUND OF 16
LIB
1 1 2
VIT
0 3 3
KAL
1 2 3
FRI
1 3 4
FHC
6 4 10
BER
1 1 2
LHC
1 1 2
TPS
1 0 1
QUARTER-FINALS
VIT
2 2 4
FRI
5 3 8
FHC
4 5 9
TPS
0 2 2
SEMI-FINALS
FRI
1 0 1
FHC
5 4 9
CHAMPIONS HOCKEY LEAGUE SEASON REVIEW 2016/17
Playoffs - Final Final (OT)
February 7, 2017
3 SEMI-FINALS
QUARTER-FINALS
ROUND OF 16
ROUND OF 32 4 5 9
1 0 1
VLH
2 4 6
SPA
0 2 2
ZSC
0 3 3
VLH
1 4 5
SPA
1 1 2
SCB
2 4 6
ZSC
3 2 5
HCL
3 2 5
SAI
2 4 6
VLH
2 5 7
SPA
4 0 4
HVJ
2 3 5
JYP
3 3 6
SCB
ZSC
1 2 3 WOB
4 3 7
HCL
1 3 4
PLZ
2 4 6
SAI
0 2 2
TAP
1 4 5
VLH
1 3 4
RBM
1 0 1
KÄR
1 1 2
SPA
2 4 6
HVJ
0 3 3
LUK
0 4 4
SKE
4 2 6
JYP
4 3 7
SCB
1 3 4
RBS
P.19
CHAMPIONS HOCKEY LEAGUE SEASON REVIEW 2016/17
Season In brief
Sparta’s Cinderella Story For two years in a row Sparta had been to the CHL's Round of 16, and come close to going further until late defeats knocked them out both times. This year they made it all the way through, eliminating top names from Sweden, Finland and Switzerland on their road to the Final. By doing this, the “Spartans” took their fans on a journey – emotionally and physically. The team fanned the flame which resulted in an amazing 12,136 audience at the O2 arena in the Semi-Final against Växjö – and some 400 supporters traveling by bus to Gothenburg, supporting Sparta in a dramatic Final against Frölunda. The Cinderella story ended with a shock in overtime – but by delivering hockey at its best the Czechs not only earned a bittersweet silver medal, but the respect of the entire European ice hockey community.
Swiss springtime Sometimes, there’s just this feeling in the air when something special starts to grow. This impression was omnipresent when the Swiss clubs tackled the 2016/17 season. With last year’s CHL Semi-Finalists HC Davos, and enthusiastic HC Lugano returning to the European stage after 10 years of absence, the four founding clubs had ideal company in their ranks. As soon the puck dropped on the ice, the Swiss were on fire – and for the very first time all six of them made it to the playoffs. At the Quarter-Finals, three Swiss were still in – and Fribourg, the most underestimated of them, even made it to the Semis. The Swiss run ended in being the most successful league this season (2,19 points per game on average) – and only slightly missing a fifth spot for 2017/18 according to the newly introduced CHL league ranking. Also, the fans slowly seem to get addicted to the CHL …
P.20
CHAMPIONS HOCKEY LEAGUE SEASON REVIEW 2016/17
Season In brief
Enter the millennials The Champions Hockey League is the ideal platform for young players to develop.” How often have we heard this sentence from coaches all over Europe – and seen proof by stunning performances of many top prospects so far. Matthews, Laine, Puljujärvi were first round draft picks from CHL clubs last summer, Andersson, Heiskanen, Vesalainen and Vaakanainen are touted to be this year. But an impressive fact is that even younger players debuted in the CHL this season – and took first experiences of what it means to compete on the highest international club level. Players, born 2000, sweet 16, gave us a taste of what we will see from them in future. Let’s enjoy Rasmus Dahlin (Frölunda) and Adam Ginning (Linköping) some more seasons before they leave for overseas - no doubt they will!
Luleå’s lesson After losing their first two Group Stage games against Eisbären Berlin and SaiPa Lappeenranta, former CHL champions Luleå were unexpectedly fighting with their backs to the wall. Their situation didn’t improve after game 3, where they lost in shootout after their best effort of the season. So Luleå had to face an early “Final” against Eisbären Berlin, an “all or nothing” game where a win in regulation was needed to keep hope alive of still making the playoffs. But an early goal against broke the former champs into pieces. Luleå was not able to fight back and lost eventually 2-5, leaving the competition with one single point. A hurtful lesson for a very committed club – but the best proof of how close top teams in European ice hockey are and, what impact early mistakes have at this level.
P.21
CHAMPIONS HOCKEY LEAGUE SEASON REVIEW 2016/17
Season In brief
Bern’s turnaround SC Bern and the Champions Hockey League was hardly a match made in Heaven story for the first two seasons. But, as they say, all good things come in threes and so it was for the Swiss Champions. Slight changes in their attitude made them to a successful CHL team in season three – on and off the ice. The arrival of former Finnish national team coach Kari Jalonen and his strong desire to perform successfully in international games unified all internal stakeholders, from players to top management and the other way around. The team showed a new face and made it to the Quarter-Finals, after having been eliminated in the Group Stage twice in previous seasons. With the on-ice success, the fans also jumped on the bandwagon – which resulted in solid attendances for the playoffs, as well as in a new CHL attendance record (14,567).
The Cracovia Hype What big news it was for Polish ice hockey when Comarch Cracovia qualified as the first team ever for the Champions Hockey League! By always knowing that they will most likely not win the European Trophy, Cracovia put all their efforts into providing the CHL a worthy stage. While the club usually plays in a small rink with 2,500 capacity, they moved their CHL home games to the modern multifunction Tauron Arena. By doing this, they had a clear goal in mind and targeted a new CHL attendance record of 15,000 fans for their CHL debut against Sparta Prague. Despite all efforts the bar was set too high. However, 7,124 spectators attended the game, still tripling their regular attendance figures. In addition to that some 100 media representatives were accredited to the game – a worthy debut for Poland in the CHL.
P.22
CHAMPIONS HOCKEY LEAGUE SEASON REVIEW 2016/17
Season In brief
Forman’s unexpected call What a whirlwind 24 hours it was for Sparta Prague’s Miroslav Forman: On Tuesday, he was focused on the return game of the CHL Quarter-Finals against SC Bern, where he scored the game- and series-winning goal. After celebrating the victory with his teammates Forman went to bed thinking he'd get a chance to sleep in with an international break coming up. Then he got an early-morning phone call on Wednesday from Sparta’s head coach Jiri Kalous, who also happens to be an assistant coach for the Czech national team. “It was a bit of a shock!”, Forman said. “At first I wondered if it was a dumb joke or something, but the coach spoke quite seriously, so I quickly figured out it was for real.” Forman was asked to join the national team immediately as a replacement – it was his well-deserved first appearance in Czech colours at any level.
Finnish Disappointment 2016/17 was not a highlight from the Finnish point of view. Some of the eight teams already struggled during the Group Stage, but in the end all of them made it to the playoffs. IFK Helsinki coach Antti Tormänen had fate in his hands when he conducted the playoff draw at the studios of Finish broadcaster MTV – and drew among others an all-Finnish duel for his own team against TPS Turku. “At least the trip is not too long”, he joked. IFK was it to win this match-up dramatically in overtime and enter the Round of 16 together with Liiga fellows JYP, KalPa and SaiPa. But this was as far any Finnish side would go. While the previous year 2/4 teams in the Semi-Finals were from Finland with Kärpät Oulu going to and hosting the CHL Final, in 2016/17 they were much further from bringing the trophy to their own shores.
P.23
CHAMPIONS HOCKEY LEAGUE SEASON REVIEW 2016/17
Prize Money Distribution
Participation Fee A&B Licensees
Prize Money Round of 32
Prize Money Round of 16
Prize Money 1/4 Finals
Prize Money 1/2 Finals
Prize Money Final
Grand Total gross
AUT
Red Bull Salzburg
20,000.00
9,000.00
29,000.00
AUT
Vienna Capitals
20,000.00
-
20,000.00
AUT
Black Wings Linz
20,000.00
-
20,000.00
AUT
Orli Znojmo
20,000.00
-
20,000.00
CZE
Sparta Prague
20,000.00
9,000.00
10,000.00
14,000.00
CZE Vitkovice Ridera Ostrava
20,000.00
9,000.00
10,000.00
14,000.00
CZE
Bili Tygri Liberec
20,000.00
9,000.00
10,000.00
CZE
HC Pilsen
20,000.00
9,000.00
39,000.00
CZE
BK Mlada Boleslav
20,000.00
-
20,000.00
CZE
Dynamo Pardubice
20,000.00
-
20,000.00
FIN
IFK Helsinki
20,000.00
9,000.00
10,000.00
39,000.00
FIN
JYP Jyväskylä
20,000.00
9,000.00
10,000.00
39,000.00
FIN
KalPa Kuopio
20,000.00
9,000.00
10,000.00
39,000.00
FIN
SaiPa Lappeenranta
20,000.00
9,000.00
10,000.00
39,000.00
FIN
Kärpät Oulu
20,000.00
9,000.00
29,000.00
FIN
Tappara Tampere
20,000.00
9,000.00
29,000.00
FIN
TPS Turku
20,000.00
9,000.00
29,000.00
FIN
Lukko Rauma
20,000.00
9,000.00
29,000.00
GER
Eisbären Berlin
20,000.00
9,000.00
GER
Red Bull Munich
20,000.00
9,000.00
29,000.00
GER
Grizzlys Wolfsburg
20,000.00
9,000.00
29,000.00
GER
Adler Mannheim
20,000.00
GER
ERC Ingolstadt
20,000.00
-
20,000.00
GER
Krefeld Pinguine
20,000.00
-
20,000.00
P.24
10,000.00
20,000.00
30,000.00
103,000.00 53,000.00 39,000.00
39,000.00
20,000.00
CHAMPIONS HOCKEY LEAGUE SEASON REVIEW 2016/17
Prize Money Distribution
Participation Fee A&B Licensees
Prize Money Round of 32
Prize Money Round of 16
Prize Money 1/4 Finals
Prize Money 1/2 Finals
Prize Money Final
SWE
Frölunda Gothenburg
20,000.00
9,000.00
10,000.00
14,000.00
20,000.00
SWE
Växjö Lakers
20,000.00
9,000.00
10,000.00
14,000.00
20,000.00
SWE
Linköping HC
20,000.00
9,000.00
10,000.00
14,000.00
SWE
HV71 Jönköping
20,000.00
9,000.00
10,000.00
SWE
Djurgården Stockholm
20,000.00
9,000.00
29,000.00
SWE
Färjestad Karlstad
20,000.00
9,000.00
29,000.00
SWE
Skellefteå AIK
20,000.00
9,000.00
29,000.00
SWE
Luleå Hockey
20,000.00
-
20,000.00
SUI
Fribourg-Gottéron
20,000.00
9,000.00
10,000.00
14,000.00
SUI
SC Bern
20,000.00
9,000.00
10,000.00
14,000.00
53,000.00
SUI
ZSC Lions Zurich
20,000.00
9,000.00
10,000.00
14,000.00
53,000.00
SUI
HC Lugano
20,000.00
9,000.00
10,000.00
SUI
EV Zug
20,000.00
9,000.00
29,000.00
SUI
HC Davos
20,000.00
9,000.00
29,000.00
BLR
Yunost Minsk
-
9,000.00
9,000.00
DEN
Esbjerg Energy
-
-
-
FRA
Gap Rapaces
-
FRA
Rouen Dragons
-
-
-
GBR
Sheffield Steelers
-
-
-
NOR
Stavanger Oilers
-
-
-
NOR
Lørenskog IK
-
-
-
POL
Comarch Cracovia
-
-
-
SVK
HC Kosice
-
9,000.00
9,000.00
SVK
HK Nitra
-
9,000.00
9,000.00
TOTAL 48 CLUBS
760,000
70,000.00
Grand total Gross 143,000.00 73,000.00 53,000.00 39,000.00
20,000.00
73,000.00
39,000.00
-
288,000
160,000
112,000
80,000
100,000
1,500,000
*all amounts in € | all gross amounts
P.25
CHAMPIONS HOCKEY LEAGUE SEASON REVIEW 2016/17
New Playing Format & Extended Partnership
T
he third Annual General Assembly, held on 14 June 2016 in Berlin, was a ground-breaking one. The 33 shareholders (26 clubs, 6 leagues and the IIHF) were ready to make history and change the face of the Champions Hockey League significantly.
First, the shareholders voted in favour of a new playing format to be implemented 2017/18 onwards, based on the following cornerstones:
• 32 teams in total • 24 teams from founding leagues (SWE, FIN, CZE, SUI, GER, AUT) • 8 teams from challenge leagues
• Automatic qualification for the CHL Champions (this will not grant one extra spot for the league of the winner) • Teams can only qualify based on sporting merits
• A maximum of 5 teams per country • No founding club shall be automatically granted playing rights
P.26
CHAMPIONS HOCKEY LEAGUE SEASON REVIEW 2016/17
New Playing Format & Extended Partnership
"This format change is a huge step for us. Only the best of the best shall compete in the Champions Hockey League – no one shall earn its right to play by payment anymore,” says Martin Baumann, CEO of the Champions Hockey League, and adds: “I would like to thank our shareholders that they recognized the importance and voted in favour of the product and European club ice hockey, even if the decision may hurt one or other of them.”
CHL and Infront Sports & Media: Partnership extended until 2023 Further, the shareholders agreed at the General Assembly to extend the partnership with Infront Sports & Media, the exclusive media and marketing partner for the CHL. The new agreement covers a period of six years from 2017/18 onwards and includes media rights sales, marketing of the event and commercial packages, overall venue management, digital strategy and management of the TV production. “Signing a six-year extension is a very strong message for fans and media. It shows that all shareholders and partners are extremely committed and will continue to work hard on improvements. The new Infront contract, together with the new competitive format, gives us stability and a long-term perspective to develop club ice hockey in Europe,” Baumann explained. Bruno Marty, Executive Director Winter Sports of Infront, said: “This extension is in line with our original nine-year plan and development strategy for the CHL. Acquiring strong partners and convinced investors that inject real passion into the sport and momentum into future growth is fundamental. Furthermore, with the new changes to the entry qualification criteria and competition format, we expect a massive increase in the appeal of the platform.”
P.27
CHAMPIONS HOCKEY LEAGUE SEASON REVIEW 2016/17
Media
P.28
CHAMPIONS HOCKEY LEAGUE SEASON REVIEW 2016/17
Media
W
orking closely with media all over the continent is one of the keys to success for the Champions Hockey League. To provide journalists with first-hand information and easy access to relevant people is crucial for a relatively young product and helps to build a collaborative cooperation and to reduce prejudices and the distribution of wrong facts. For this reason, the CHL intensified its media relations work and organised 2016/17 press-conferences for all six founding leagues; four of them as pre-season events, two of them which followed a little later. All media events were implemented in close collaboration and with great support of the clubs and leagues. In terms of content, they were mainly used to promote the new qualification format for season 2017/18 onwards, and to provide the clubs an opportunity to show their strong commitment. Clubs were represented by head coaches, players and/or top management – depending on the country-specific set-up. The press-conference marathon kicked off on 8 August 2016 with the German media event,
held on the Olympic tower in Munich. A day later, Finnish clubs and the CHL took the journalists on a boat trip in Helsinki. One week on, media were invited to the Czech Ice Hockey Hall of Fame in Prague, before Austrian journalists were briefed at the Red Bull Ice Hockey Academy in Salzburg the following day, where the CHL was a key topic at the EBEL media day. O Â n 5 September, shortly before the Group Stage came to an end, the SHL clubs and CHL representatives met with media in Gothenburg, where the Swedish national team prepared for the World Cup of Hockey at that time. And last, but not least, Swiss journalists were invited to a roof-top pre-playoff press-conference on 29 September in Lucerne, after all six NLA teams had qualified for the knockout-phase for the very first time. In addition to the press-conferences, the CHL released its first Media Guide in 2016/17 with important information about the league and the 48 participating clubs. One hundred pages packed with facts, figures, contacts and statements were made available to journalists, club communication managers, and CHL partners as a very much appreciated handbook for their daily work.
P.29
CHAMPIONS HOCKEY LEAGUE SEASON REVIEW 2016/17
Fan Ambassadors
F
or the first time, the Champions Hockey League and its partners CRAMO and Warrior appointed ‘Fan Ambassadors’ for each of the 48 teams taking part this season. More than 90 Ambassadors were tasked with sharing their experience at games through the #GreatDayAtCHL campaign, and generally promoting their team's CHL matches – with a prize for the best one.
After the Semi-Finals, it was up to the jury again to take a decision – and to award the most committed Fan Ambassador with a trip to the CHL Final in Gothenburg. It was not easy to make a decision, but there was a group who simply stood out: IFK Helsinki’s fan ambassadors, the Kamraatit Fan Club! They did a lot more than simply turn up at matches to support their team, as the jury recognised.
Registration for the Fan Ambassador campaign was open from mid-May until mid-June. The feedback was overwhelming, not only in quantity, but above all in quality. The majority of hockey fans who applied were very creative, very committed and eloquent. Not an easy choice for the jury. For this reason, the CHL and their partners decided to not only pick one Fan Ambassador per CHL team, but up to three – depending on the number and quality of the applications.
“First of all it should be said, that taking the Fan Ambassador role as a whole group is a very strong statement. It shows full commitment towards the Champions Hockey League,” said jury member Monika Reinhard, CHL Communication Manager. “Kamraatit also always had the ‘big picture’ in their mind, not just limiting their #GreatDayAtCHL campaign activities to game day content – but also to any other activity which helped the CHL to grow and to increase fan’s excitement. And last, but not least, the Kamraatit Fan Ambassador jersey was represented at CHL games abroad, meeting with local IFK fans and the Fan Ambassadors of the opponents, which reflects an important off-ice effect of our competition: the CHL connects clubs and fans.”
With the season kicking-off on 16 August 2016 more than 90 Fan Ambassadors took on their duties. Provided with a special jersey and two tickets per home game, they shared their experiences on Social Media – climaxing in having a behind the scenes tour at the arena and a meet & greet with the Cramo Top Scorer at their team’s second home game.
P.30
CHAMPIONS HOCKEY LEAGUE SEASON REVIEW 2016/17
Fan Ambassadors
P.31
CHAMPIONS HOCKEY LEAGUE SEASON REVIEW 2016/17
DIGITAL MEDIA
P
ushing forward in the digital world, the Champions Hockey League focused intensely on developing of new and existing video formats as a solid base for the overall season - and greatly improved the fan experience with several new additions for the Final. A studio programme called “CHL Centre Ice” was introduced permanently as one of the key features throughout the season. 13 episodes presented by host Victoria Vigilanti and analyst John Tripp, a former CHLer with the Kölner Haie and Olympian with the German national team, were produced, allowing fans to relive the most impressive goals and saves of each game day, along with other great moments and short interviews.
Additionally a behind the scenes video series was established, giving fans the chance to go beyond the rink and see things which they usually won’t. A video crew followed Comarch Cracovia at their very fist CHL game, spent a CHL day with Frölunda’s captain Joel Lundqvist, met Sparta Prague’s fan club and captured the rollercoaster of emotions from both teams at the thrilling Final in Gothenburg. The outcome was very unique content and much appreciated by the audience.
championshockeyleague @championshockey @championshockey championshockeyleague
P.32
CHAMPIONS HOCKEY LEAGUE SEASON REVIEW 2016/17
DIGITAL MEDIA
For the Final, a wide range of digital activities were set in place. In the run-up, the “Best Goal Voting” generated more than 115,000 votes for the second year in a row. On-site, Twitter & Facebook live was introduced to the CHL fans, giving them exclusive access to the pre-final press conference, the morning skate of both finalists and the on-ice warm-up prior the game. Also, live interviews were conducted, including the opportunity for fans to submit their questions to players.
As one of the highlights, a hashtag battle was implemented on game day with the goal to increase the fan engagement by motivating people to show their team support. Fans in the arena or at home were posting with hashtags #4Frolunda or #4Sparta, while a live display in the arena and on the CHL’s digital channels showed the progress of the battle, as well as selected posts and pictures. The campaign was a big success and generated almost 1000 posts with a reach of 2.2 Mio.
P.33
CHAMPIONS HOCKEY LEAGUE SEASON REVIEW 2016/17
Broadcasting
52
TERRITORIES WORLDWIDE
OUTSIDE EUROPE
P.34
Brazil
ESPN
Mauritius
L'Equipe
Canada
TSN
Mayotte
L'Equipe
Israel
Charlton
New Zealand
L'Equipe
USA
ONE World Sports
Réunion
L'Equipe
Australia
L'Equipe
Saint-Barthélemy L'Equipe
Comoros
L'Equipe
Saint-Pierre and Miquelon
L'Equipe
Dominican Republic
L'Equipe
Saint-Martin
L'Equipe
Fiji Islands
L'Equipe
Seychelles
L'Equipe
French Guyana L'Equipe
Tonga
L'Equipe
French Polynesia L'Equipe
Trinidad and Tobago
L'Equipe
Guadalupe
L'Equipe
Vanuatu
L'Equipe
Haiti
L'Equipe
Venezuela
L'Equipe
Martinica
L'Equipe
Wallis and Futuna L'Equipe
CHAMPIONS HOCKEY LEAGUE SEASON REVIEW 2016/17
Broadcasting
187.8 MILLION VIEWERS
23%
increase of viewers from previous season EUROPE Austria
LAOLA 1
Poland
TVP
Belarus
BTRC
Serbia
Arena Sport
Bulgaria
BNT
Bosnia
Arena Sport
Czech Republic Sport 1/2
Croatia
Arena Sport
Hungary
Sport 1/2
Macedonia
Arena Sport
Slovakia
Sport 1/2
Montenegro
Arena Sport
Germany
Sport 1 and LAOLA 1
Kosovo
Arena Sport
Denmark
TV2
Slovenia
Sport TV
Finland
MTV
Sweden
SVT and Eurosport Sweden
France
L'Equipe
Switzerland
SRG and Teleclub
Andorra
L'Equipe
Turkey
Sports TV
Monaco
L'Equipe
UK
Premier Sports
Latvia
Best4Sport
Ireland
Premier Sports P.35
CHAMPIONS HOCKEY LEAGUE SEASON REVIEW 2016/17
QUICK FACTS
P.36
157
795
5.06
Games in Total
goals scored in total (517 in the group stage/278 in the playoffs)
goals per game on average
510,275
9,748
6,666
spectators in total, 3275 on average per game
top attendance average per club, SC Bern
top attendance average per country, Poland
14,567
2.19
50
new attendance record by SC Bern
most points per game on average per country, Switzerland
most goals scored by a team, Frölunda Gothenburg
1st
97.92%
+9
Goal of the season: Jesse Saarinen at 7:52 against Vitkovice Ridera Ostrava
top save percentage, Lars Haugen (Färjestad Karlstad, 4 games played)
plus-minus-leaders: Yannick Rathgeb (Fribourg-Gottéron), Beat Gerber (SC Bern), Joel Lundqvist (Frölunda Gothenburg)
CHAMPIONS HOCKEY LEAGUE SEASON REVIEW 2016/17
QUICK FACTS
34.78%
100%
24:40
top power play efficiency, Esbjerg Energy (8 goals scored on 23 powerplays)
top penalty killing efficiency, Kärpät Oulu (0 goals against in 13 opportunities)
most penalty minutes per game on average, Red Bull Munich
15.94%
429
3
top scoring efficiency, Dynamo Pardubice (11 goals from 69 shots on goal)
most shots on goal by a team, Sparta Prague (but only 9.09% hit the net)
most shorthanded goals by team, HC Davos and Red Bull Munich (in 6 games each)
MVP
14
€143K
NordicBet MVP: Joel Lundqvist (Frölunda Gothenburg)
points in total for Cramo Top Scorer Casey Wellman (Frölunda Gothenburg; 8 goals/6 assists)
accumulated prize money for the champions, Frölunda Gothenburg
628 game official assignments: 76 referees and 94 linesmen from 14 leagues were in action
116,000 200,000 votes in total for the Best Goal of the season, won by Alexander Kogalev (Yunost Minsk)
highest live TV audience, CHL Final between Frölunda Gothenburg and Sparta Prague on Swedish SVT
P.37
CHAMPIONS HOCKEY LEAGUE SEASON REVIEW 2016/17
A WORD FROM THE WINNER
T
o win the Champions Hockey League once was great. Two win it twice, in our own town and in front of our own fans in our own arena, was fantastic.
A packed Frölundaborg saluted the home-team and visiting Sparta Prague players after probably the best game ever played in the competition’s three year history. The final game of the season had it all. Two great teams, drama and a setting worthy of Europe’s premier ice hockey tournament. And a sold out arena (6,044) in Gothenburg may be the breakthrough, spectatorwise, for the Champions Hockey League in Sweden. For our young team the Champions Hockey League has yet again been an educational journey, and as one of the founding clubs we have a responsibility to continue developing and strengthening the tournament. The Champions Hockey League is a quest for Frölunda, and with three straight finals we settle for no less than a fourth one. We will be the reigning champions when the next season begins in August 2017 and we will not let go of the cup easily. The trophy stayed in Gothenburg in February and as we’ve got quite attached to it our aim is to keep it here for another season, at least.
Christian Lechtaler General Manager Frölunda Gothenburg
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CHAMPIONS HOCKEY LEAGUE SEASON REVIEW 2016/17
A WORD FROM THE WINNER
P.39
Champions Hockey League AG Gubelstrasse 24 6300 Zug Switzerland
Infront Sports & Media AG Grafenauweg 2 P.O. Box 44426 6304 Zug Switzerland
tel +41 44 562 27 77 web www.championshockeyleague.com
Tel Web
+41 41 723 15 15 www.infrontsports.com