Champions Hockey League Team Previews: Part VI
Part VI is the final chapter in our preview series for the Champions Hockey League so after reading this, you will have:
- Detailed information on the 24 teams.
- All the funky rule changes implemented this year.
- A drink to enjoy in each European city, since Big Deal Brew and Pink Whitney are not overseas yet.
- $EBR tips on each team to crush your book throughout the season.
Now let's get to the final four teams.
TEAM: Stavanger Oilers
LEAGUE: Norway GET-Ligaen
2022-23 RECAP: Finished first in the Regular Season and won the title in Game 7 vs. Storhamar. This marks back-to-back titles for the club. This might be a team in a less recognized league but it is run really well, so many top-flight players have played here and it shows by the history of success.
SIP 'EM: Glögg - the spiced warm wine we all love for those trips to the Holiday markets.
FUN FACT: The Oilers have won the Norwegian championship nine times, including six in a row between 2011 and 2017.
2023-24 CHAMPIONS LEAGUE OUTLOOK: Strong candidate to lead the competition in goals against and not make it to playoffs.
ODDS TO WIN: +25,000
PLAYER TO WATCH: Tristan Langan comes over from the Orlando Solar Bears in the ECHL where he had 54 points. This skilled player will enjoy success in the Ligaen with its less physical style and open ice.
$EBR BETS: This is Whit's favorite team, because of course once an Oiler always an Oiler, but we will be fading these guys most nights.
TEAM: Tappara Tampere
LEAGUE: Finland SM-Liiga
2022-23 RECAP: A historic season for the Tampere as they first won the Champions League and then followed that up by winning their domestic league. The fact they only had 16 losses is unreal and they will be as good or better this year.
SIP 'EM: Jallu is a cut brandy that is cognac and clear grain spirit. In Tampere, it gets very cold so this will switch your brain to thinking it's warm and have you ready for the game.
FUN FACT: Have not changed the logo since 1955 and their team motto is “ Tappara is made of steel!”
2023-24 CHAMPIONS LEAGUE OUTLOOK: Finals or bust for the defending Champs.
ODDS TO WIN: +700
PLAYER TO WATCH: Topi Ronni Flames 2nd round pick is a terrific passer and has the size to play a 200 ft game. It will be interesting to see when he makes the move to the Red Mile.
$EBR BETS: Obviously $EBR loves Tappara and our bank accounts thank them, but we also will be taking the Under in a lot of their games.
TEAM: Växjö Lakers
LEAGUE: Swedish Hockey League - SHL
2022-23 RECAP: Regular Season and Playoff Champion for the SHL. The team that made Army’s career had an unreal season with probably the best lineup from top to bottom in terms of talent.
SIP 'EM: Per Colby “ Find a small local bar and order a Fisherman shot!”
FUN FACT: Game Notes host Colby Armstrong played 37 games here in the 2012-13 season. The club went bankrupt in 97, was in the 5th level of Swedish hockey, and is now at the top of the mountain.
2023-24 CHAMPIONS LEAGUE OUTLOOK: Will cruise through the regular season and a trip to at least the Semi-Finals seems likely.
ODDS TO WIN: +550
PLAYER TO WATCH: Brian Cooper - American D-man logs big minutes and will produce lots of offense in the Champions League. Also, has one of the best mustaches in the SHL.
$EBR Bets: Same as Tappara above, we will take them to win most of their games, but also the Under because their goalie Emil Larmi is a real game changer.
TEAM: Vítkovice Ritera
LEAGUE: Czech Extra-Liga
2022-23 RECAP: 2nd in the regular season, Semi-final loss. They look to build on last season but need a miracle to compete in this Champions League field.
SIP 'EM: Houba- in English it means mushroom and it is red wine mixed with Coca-Cola.
FUN FACT: Hometown team of long-time NHLer Marek Malik who is famous for this between-the-legs shootout goal with the Rangers.
2023-24 CHAMPIONS LEAGUE OUTLOOK: Group Stage.
ODDS TO WIN: +3000
PLAYER TO WATCH: Peter Krieger - American had 38 points in 59 games last season for Vitkovice. Will look to play on the top line and make plays on the PP.
$EBR BET: Located in the 3rd largest city in Czech this team gets about 10,000 fans for home games but their draw is just too hard, so we will be fading them.
$EBR thanks for following along through all 6 chapters, now it's time to drop the puck and cash some winners!
Everybody Rides!!!
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