Label: IHM Nieuws

Champions Hockey League: Speeldag 2 begint zaterdag

Door de redactie van IceHockeyMan | September 5, 2026

Verhaalsamenvatting

Game Day 1 of the Champions Hockey League is complete and Game Day 2 brings a second set of 12 matches spread across the first weekend of September. The opening six fixtures on Saturday begin at 16:00 CEST when Tappara Tampere meet Kölner Haie in Finland. Thirty minutes later, HC Pilsen face GKS Tychy, who meet their second Czech opponent of the season as they search for a win.

dynamo Pardubice and Rögle Ängelholm meet at 17:00 CEST, having had opposite outcomes on Game Day 1. The round’s Spotlight Game sees Graz99ers gezichtsverzorging Bordeaux Boxers at 18:30 CEST.

The day’s final two matches both begin at 19:15 CEST in Austria: Red Bull Salzburg host Czech side Bílí Tygři Liberec, while KAC Klagenfurt entertain reigning Swiss champions Fribourg-Gottéron.

Fans can also enter the CHL Predictor for a chance to win a VIP trip for two to the CHL Final 2027 and follow live scores, goal notifications and statistics on the official CHL App.

Belangrijkste feiten

Game Day 2 is a second set of 12 Champions Hockey League matches spread across the first weekend of September.
Six CHL games are scheduled for Saturday, beginning at 16:00 CEST.
16:00 CEST – Tappara Tampere vs Kölner Haie.
16:30 CEST – HC Pilsen vs GKS Tychy.
17:00 CEST – Dynamo Pardubice vs Rögle Ängelholm; the two teams had opposite fates on Game Day 1.
18:30 CEST – Graz99ers vs Bordeaux Boxers (Spotlight Game).
19:15 CEST – Red Bull Salzburg vs Bílí Tygři Liberec (in Austria).
19:15 CEST – KAC Klagenfurt vs Fribourg-Gottéron (in Austria).
CHL Predictor is running, with a VIP trip for two to CHL Final 2027 as a prize.
Live updates, instant goal notifications and real-time game statistics are available through the official CHL App.

IHM Discussie

Game Day 2 presents six fixtures across a five-hour Saturday window, with a steady run of cross-border match-ups. Tappara – Kölner opens the day, followed by HC Pilsen – GKS Tychy, while the two 19:15 CEST starts in Austria see Salzburg and Klagenfurt host Czech and Swiss opposition respectively.

Graz99ers v Bordeaux Boxers is the round’s designated Spotlight Game, giving neutral viewers a clear focal point in the evening. Dynamo Pardubice v Rögle Ängelholm also carries an early storyline after the sides recorded opposite outcomes on Game Day 1.

The CHL Predictor and official CHL App offer supporters ways to follow a busy slate, particularly with the simultaneous late kick-offs.

Waarom het uitmaakt

Game Day 2 gives teams another kansen to set an early tone after the opening slate, while supporters have six Saturday fixtures to follow. The Spotlight Game provides a clear viewing focal point during a busy schedule.

The CHL Predictor adds an extra reason to track results, while the official app provides live scores, goal notifications and statistics for supporters following the fixtures.

Korte vraag- en antwoordsessie

How many matches make up Game Day 2?

Game Day 2 comprises 12 Champions Hockey League matches across the first weekend of September, with six fixtures scheduled for Saturday.

When and where does the first Saturday game start?

The first Saturday game starts at 16:00 CEST: Tappara Tampere host Kölner Haie in Finland.

Which match is the Spotlight Game of the round?

The Spotlight Game is Graz99ers vs Bordeaux Boxers, scheduled for 18:30 CEST.

Wat volgt

How to follow the next steps: watch the six Saturday fixtures beginning with Tappara Tampere vs Kölner Haie at 16:00 CEST; tune to the Spotlight Game Graz99ers vs Bordeaux Boxers at 18:30 CEST; enter the CHL Predictor for a chance to win the VIP trip for two to CHL Final 2027; and follow live updates and real-time statistics through the official CHL App.

IHM Eindbeeld

Game Day 2 keeps the Champions Hockey League schedule moving with six Saturday fixtures. Graz99ers v Bordeaux Boxers is the designated Spotlight Game, while the CHL Predictor and official app offer supporters additional ways to follow the action.

De fysieke aanpak van HIFK roept structurele vragen op na de overwinning van HPK.

Door de redactie van IceHockeyMan | September 5, 2026

Verhaalsamenvatting

HIFK opened their Liiga season with a 5-3 win over HPK, showing both a vibrant start and a determined finish. Eetu Liukas scored the 4-3 winner on a direct rush, while HIFK also struck on one of two third-period power plays. However, HPK’s compact five-man play controlled long stretches after the opening 10 minutes, exposing concerns over HIFK’s puck management, breakout ondersteuning en winger positioning. Nineteen-year-old defenceman Ossi Sippola stood out for his composure on controlled exits.

Belangrijkste feiten

HIFK defeated HPK 5-3 in the Liiga season opener.
The match featured a fast HIFK start, a middle period dominated by HPK, and a determined HIFK comeback that included two third-period powerplays, one of which produced a goal.
Eetu Liukas scored the 4-3 winning goal with a direct rush that beat HPK goaltender Jacob Crespín.
HPK, coached by Mikko Manner, played a tight five-man structure that helped it take control through the middle periods.
Sami Päivärinta scored to make the game 2-1 for HPK at one point.
Iiro Pakarinen finished a straight-attack to make it 2-0 earlier in the game.
HIFK’s play displayed a heavy emphasis on physical hitting and aggressive pressuring, including numerous hard checks.
HIFK used several trap sequences, often in a 1-2-2 shape with the top forward pressuring opposing breakouts.
Ossi Sippola, a 19-year-old HIFK defenceman, is singled out for composure and for choosing to pause for controlled exits at times.

IHM Discussie

HIFK’s opening and closing phases showed their attacking assets: big forwards able to occupy the crease, direct attacks towards goal and a late surge that turned the game. Yet HPK took control for long stretches after the first 10 minutes. Their compact five-man structure forced HIFK into hurried, short attacks and repeatedly pinned the red shirts in their own end.

Two habits were especially costly. HIFK often moved the puck forward too quickly when HPK had its structure in place, while outlet options for puck-moving defencemen were too often limited. Their wingers were frequently too high to offer support, making controlled exits and neutrale zone entries more difficult.

HIFK’s physicality also needs to work within the team structure. Heavy hits and aggressive pressure can create momentum, but an isolated hitter can leave the rest of the unit exposed when play turns. Sippola’s willingness to pause on the puck during delay starts offered a useful contrast, helping create a more controlled route through the neutral zone.

The opener showed resilience and attacking quality, but it also underlined the need for more consistent five-man decisions away from the puck.

Waarom het uitmaakt

The balance between physicality and structure has immediate consequences in Liiga. Big hits and aggressive pressure can unsettle opponents and create momentum, but inconsistent spacing and hurried exits can hand control back to a compact opponent. HIFK’s winger depth and outlet support will be important if they are to turn promising possessions into sustained attacks rather than long spells in their own zone.

Korte vraag- en antwoordsessie

Wat was de eindstand?

HIFK won 5-3 against HPK.

Who scored the winning goal?

Eetu Liukas scored the 4-3 winning goal with a direct rush that beat HPK goaltender Jacob Crespín.

What tactical problems did the analysis identify?

HIFK were too quick to transition at times, lacked reliable outlet support for puck-moving defencemen and had wingers positioned too high relative to the team shape. Their aggressive hitting could also leave players isolated when possession changed hands.

Which HIFK player earned specific praise?

Defenceman Ossi Sippola, aged 19, was noted for calm decision-making and for occasionally choosing controlled delay starts to move the puck out.

How did HPK cause trouble for HIFK?

HPK, coached by Mikko Manner, used a compact five-man structure and cohesive play to take control for long stretches, forcing HIFK into short attacks and extended verdedigingszone verschuivingen.

Did special teams play a part in the result?

Yes. HIFK had two third-period powerplays and scored on one of them during the comeback.

Commentaar van coach Mark

From a coaching perspective, the core decision is one of balance. Physicality and aggressive forechecking are useful tools, but they must be integrated with reliable support patterns. Jokinen’s group needs clearer rules for when to commit to the hit and when to maintain a unit shape: wingers should understand when to drop to form safer passing lanes for a puck-moving defenceman, and the team must rehearse controlled delay starts so centre-ice crossings aren’t dependent on improvisation. Reduce the number of isolated high-risk hits and increase the number of two-man press actions that allow a teammate to cover the lane behind. That simple structural discipline would preserve HIFK’s edge without sacrificing defensief .

IHM Eindbeeld

HIFK began with a win and showed the attacking tools to hurt opponents, particularly through direct play and net-front presence. But HPK also exposed structural problems in the middle of the game. Better breakout support, more disciplined winger positioning and collective cover behind the forecheck would allow HIFK to retain their physical edge without giving up control so easily.

Graz ontvangt Bordeaux in de jacht op hun eerste CHL-overwinning.

Door de redactie van IceHockeyMan | September 5, 2026

Verhaalsamenvatting

De Graz99ers return to the Merkur Eisstadion to meet French debutants the Bordeaux Boxers in a Champions Hockey League regular-season fixture that carries early-season significance. Bordeaux arrived in the competition with energy and earned a point from a 2-1 overtime De nederlaag volgde nadat Quentin Tomasino in de twaalfde minuut van de openingswedstrijd het allereerste CHL-doelpunt voor de club scoorde. Graz, de regerend ICE HL-kampioen, wil zich herstellen van een nederlaag waarin Fribourg in de laatste periode drie keer scoorde en zo de overwinning pakte. Beide ploegen hebben punten en momentum nodig voor deze grensoverschrijdende confrontatie op zaterdag 5 september om 18:30 uur CEST.

Belangrijkste feiten

Wedstrijd: Graz99ers tegen Bordeaux Boxers in het reguliere seizoen van de Champions Hockey League.
Locatie: Merkur Eisstadion, Graz (thuisbasis voor Graz99ers).
Datum en tijd (zoals vermeld in de bron): zaterdag 5 september om 18:30 CEST.
Graz99ers worden beschreven als de regerende ICE HL-kampioenen.
Bordeaux Boxers is de regerend Frans kampioen en maakt zijn debuut in de CHL.
Bordeaux pakte één punt in hun eerste CHL-wedstrijd door met 2-1 te winnen. overtime nederlaag tegen Klagenfurt.
Quentin Tomasino scoorde het allereerste doelpunt van Bordeaux in de Champions Hockey League, twaalf minuten na aanvang van de openingswedstrijd.
Graz incasseerde drie doelpunten in de slotfase van de wedstrijd tegen Fribourg op speeldag 1 en verloor die wedstrijd.
Philipp Pinter, sportdirecteur van Graz99ers, zei: "Bordeaux is een grote onbekende voor ons. Ik ken hun hoofdtrainer, Olivier Dimet, van het nationale jeugdteam. We zullen gewoon moeten afwachten! Graz krijgt niet zo vaak de kans om Franse teams te zien spelen."
Olivier Dimet, hoofdcoach van Bordeaux Boxers, zei: “Graz is de regerend kampioen van de ICE HL. Ik verwacht een zeer intense en fysieke wedstrijd. We moeten vanaf het begin klaar zijn, gedisciplineerd blijven en hun tempo kunnen bijbenen. Het zal een goede test zijn voor ons team.”

IHM Discussie

Deze wedstrijd vormt een vroege test voor beide teams. Bordeaux' eerste wedstrijd in de Champions Hockey League leverde het allereerste CHL-doelpunt van de club op, gescoord door Quentin Tomasino, en een punt ondanks een overtime verlies. Dat is een veelbelovende start voor een debuterend team dat onbekend terrein betreedt.

Graz keert terug naar huis nadat Fribourg in de slotfase van hun openingswedstrijd drie keer scoorde. De 99ers hopen de lessen uit die slotfase toe te passen in hun zoektocht naar de eerste overwinning van het seizoen.

Philipp Pinter benadrukte de onbekendheid van Bordeaux met de tegenstander, terwijl Olivier Dimet een intense, fysieke wedstrijd verwacht waarin discipline van cruciaal belang zal zijn. De openingsresultaten wijzen op een spannende strijd, waarbij speciale teams, kalmte in de slotfase en momentum waarschijnlijk van belang zullen zijn.

Waarom het uitmaakt

The match gives Bordeaux another kansen to test themselves in Europe after taking a point from their CHL debut. For Graz, it is a chance to respond thuis after a difficult final period against Fribourg. Early results can build confidence, and both teams are seeking points after opening their campaigns with setbacks.

Korte vraag- en antwoordsessie

Wanneer en waar is de wedstrijd?

De wedstrijd vindt plaats in het Merkur Eisstadion in Graz op zaterdag 5 september om 18:30 uur CEST.

Welke teams zijn betrokken en wat is hun recente status?

In deze wedstrijd nemen de Graz99ers, die worden beschreven als de regerende ICE HL-kampioenen, het op tegen de Bordeaux Boxers, de regerende Franse kampioenen die hun debuut maken in de Champions Hockey League.

Hoe heeft Bordeaux het gedaan in hun eerste CHL-wedstrijd?

Bordeaux verloor met 2-1 in overtime Bordeaux reisde af naar Klagenfurt, maar pakte een punt; Quentin Tomasino scoorde in die wedstrijd al na 12 minuten het allereerste CHL-doelpunt voor Bordeaux.

Wat ging er mis voor Graz in hun openingswedstrijd?

Graz incasseerde drie doelpunten in de slotfase tegen Fribourg en verloor de wedstrijd.

Wat hebben de coaches aangemerkt als de belangrijkste factoren voor deze wedstrijd?

Philipp Pinter merkte op dat Bordeaux een grote onbekende is en dat Graz niet vaak tegen Franse teams speelt; Olivier Dimet benadrukte dat hij een intense, fysieke wedstrijd verwachtte en dat zijn team gedisciplineerd moest blijven en het tempo van Graz moest bijhouden.

Wat volgt

De wedstrijd staat gepland voor zaterdag 5 september om 18:30 uur CEST in het Merkur Eisstadion.

IHM Eindbeeld

Bordeaux komt vol vertrouwen naar de wedstrijd na het eerste punt in de CHL, terwijl Graz de kans krijgt om zich te herstellen van de openingsnederlaag in eigen huis. Beide teams zijn op zoek naar hun eerste overwinning van het seizoen, dus discipline en kalmte in de slotfase kunnen doorslaggevend zijn.

Het doelpunt van Martin Pospíšil bij zijn debuut tegen Kraken staat nog steeds in het geheugen gegrift.

Door de redactie van IceHockeyMan | September 5, 2026

Verhaalsamenvatting

An examination of notable rookie debuts singled out Martin Pospíšil’s first NHL game as the most memorable Slovak contribution against the Seattle kraken. Pospíšil scored his first NHL goal on 4 November 2023 at Climate Pledge Arena, a strike that started Calgary Flames‘ comeback in a 6-3 win. The goal remains unique in the short history of the Kraken as one of only two players to score in their NHL debut against Seattle. Pospíšil’s path to that moment included serious concussion issues in the AHL, a period of recovery and persistence, and has since been followed by a secured role in Calgary and a contract through 2028/29 at a reported annual pay of $2.5 million.

Belangrijkste feiten

Sean McIndoe, writing under the Down Goes Brown name, analysed notable NHL rookie debuts and highlighted Martin Pospíšil’s performance against the Seattle Kraken.
Martin Pospíšil scored in his NHL debut on 4 November 2023 at Climate Pledge Arena.
Pospíšil’s goal was his first NHL goal and helped spark Calgary Flames’ comeback in a 6-3 victory over Seattle.
Reportedly, no player has ever recorded an assist against the Kraken in their NHL debut; two players have scored debut goals against Seattle: Beckett Sennecke (the previous year) and Martin Pospíšil (2023).
Pospíšil was drafted by the Calgary Flames in 2018, fourth round, 105th overall; he is a native of Zvolen.
In the AHL Pospíšil missed many games because of repeated and serious concussions, at one point putting his career in doubt.
Following his recovery and establishment in Calgary’s first team, Pospíšil signed a one-way, two-year contract worth $1 million per year in February 2024.
Calgary extended Pospíšil in July 2025; his contract now runs through the end of the 2028/29 season with an annual pay of $2.5 million.

IHM Discussie

Pospíšil’s debut goal against Seattle is striking because it combines rarity with consequence. The Kraken joined the NHL only in 2021/22, so their short history produces unusual statistical quirks; one such quirk, as noted by McIndoe, is the absence of debut-game helpt against Seattle and the small number of debut goals. Pospíšil’s strike in November 2023 was not merely a novelty: it arrived early in the match, altered momentum and became the opening act in a comprehensive Flames comeback. That moment mattered for the immediate result and for Pospíšil’s trajectory. After a sustained fightback from repeated concussions in the minors, he converted kansen into permanence in the NHL lineup, saw time in a top line and secured progressively larger contracts.

Waarom het uitmaakt

The episode shows how a strong NHL debut can become a defining early marker for a player who has worked through significant setbacks. It also reflects the unusual statistical context around Seattle’s short NHL history: only two players have scored against the Kraken in their first NHL game, while no player has recorded an assist in that situation. For Calgary, Pospíšil’s rise from an AHL prospect affected by concussion problems to an established NHL player has been a significant development.

Korte vraag- en antwoordsessie

When did Martin Pospíšil score his NHL debut goal and where?

He scored on 4 November 2023 at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle.

Why is that debut goal notable in Kraken history?

In the Kraken’s short history it is one of only two instances of a visiting player scoring in his NHL debut against Seattle, and analysts noted the club has no recorded assists by debutants.

What obstacles did Pospíšil overcome before establishing himself with Calgary?

He endured repeated, serious concussions in the AHL that cost him many games and at one point put his career in doubt.

What contracts has Pospíšil signed since his debut?

He signed a one-way, two-year deal worth $1 million per year in February 2024 and was extended in July 2025 to a contract running through the end of 2028/29 with an annual pay of $2.5 million.

Commentaar van coach Mark

Pospíšil’s debut goal showed the value of arriving hard at the net and staying available around loose pucks. His skating, physical approach and willingness to work in traffic give a coaching staff useful options, while time in a top line indicates that Calgary saw enough in his game to test him in a demanding role.

IHM Eindbeeld

Pospíšil’s November 2023 debut goal remains a striking intersection of personal perseverance and statistical oddity. It marked the arrival of a player who had overcome significant medical setbacks and who has since established himself in Calgary’s NHL line-up while earning a meaningful contract.

Marko Stacha keert terug na een zware uitschakeling en hoopt het op te nemen tegen Växjö.

Door de redactie van IceHockeyMan | September 5, 2026

Verhaalsamenvatting

Marko Stacha, a 24-year-old defenceman for HK Nitra, suffered a deep cut in the 14th minute of his team’s Champions League match that exposed bone and drew blood. He left the ice not via the players’ bench but through a corner entrance to the dressing room, for which referees assessed a two-minute boete for delaying the game. Nitra’s doctor gave Stacha several internal and five external stitches; Stacha returned to the match, scored Nitra’s only goal in a heavy defeat and later had his external stitches tear during play, so they were re-stitched after the game. Stacha said he will see a doctor the following morning and believes he will be available for Nitra’s next home game against Växjö Lakers on Sunday.

Belangrijkste feiten

Marko Stacha is a 24-year-old defenceman for HK Nitra.
In the 14th minute he left the ice through a corner entrance to the dressing room rather than the players’ bench; referees penalised him two minutes for delaying the game.
Stacha suffered a cut that revealed bone and bled; he said, “I felt that I’d got a skate to an area that isn’t protected, I looked and I saw bone and blood.”
He told reporters he apologised to team-mates for the two-minute penalty but would act the same way again because he did not know of the rule.
A team doctor performed several internal stitches and five external stitches; those external stitches tore during the match and were re-stitched after the game.
Stacha returned to the match after being treated and scored Nitra’s only goal, making the score 1-5.
Nitra were badly outshot in the first period, 1-14.
After scoring Nitra’s only goal, Stacha became the team’s leading scorer and is set to wear the special top-scorer jersey.
Nitra will host Swedish side Växjö Lakers on Sunday; other opponents in the group include Finnish clubs CooCoo en SaiPa, Swiss Fribourg-Gottéron and a home finale versus BK Rögle.
Stacha said he had prepared for two to three months for the Champions League games and was keen to play against strong opponents.
Stacha stated he planned to see a doctor the following morning and believed he would be able to play on Sunday.

IHM Discussie

Stacha’s account of looking down to see bone and blood explains why he headed directly for the dressing room rather than the bench. That immediate response led to a two-minute penalty for delaying the game after he left the ice through a corner entrance during play.

He apologised to his team-mates for the penalty, but said he would have acted the same way again because he did not know the rule. After receiving internal and external stitches, Stacha returned to finish the match and scored Nitra’s only goal. The external stitches tore during play and had to be redone afterwards.

Stacha had been looking forward to Nitra’s Champions League fixtures for months, particularly against strong opposition. His return reflected that desire to take part, while his availability for Sunday remains subject to a medical check.

Waarom het uitmaakt

The incident brought an unusual sequence: a player seeking immediate treatment was penalised for the route he took off the ice, then returned to score Nitra’s only goal. It also leaves Nitra awaiting the outcome of Stacha’s medical check before Sunday’s visit of Växjö.

For Stacha, the match was an early test of the step up to Champions League opposition. He said Nitra initially found the pace a major jump from pre-season games, but began to adjust as the game went on.

Korte vraag- en antwoordsessie

Why was Marko Stacha penalised in the 14th minute?

Referees gave Stacha a two-minute penalty for delaying the game because he left the ice through a corner entrance to the dressing room rather than via the players’ bench during play.

How serious was Stacha’s injury and what treatment did he receive?

Stacha said he saw bone and blood; team medical staff performed several internal stitches and five external stitches. The external stitches tore during the match and were re-stitched after the game.

Did Stacha return to the match?

Yes. After initial treatment, he returned to finish the game and scored Nitra’s only goal at 0-5.

Will Stacha be available for the next match?

Stacha said he will see a doctor the following morning and believes he will be able to play in Nitra’s next home game against Växjö Lakers on Sunday.

What is next for Nitra in the Champions League?

Nitra host Växjö Lakers on Sunday, then face KooKoo, SaiPa and Fribourg-Gottéron away before hosting BK Rögle to close the league phase.

Wat volgt

Stacha will see a doctor the next morning and said he hopes to be fit for Nitra’s home game against Växjö Lakers on Sunday. Nitra then face KooKoo, SaiPa and Fribourg-Gottéron away before hosting BK Rögle to close the league phase.

IHM Eindbeeld

Stacha’s night combined a serious cut, an unusual penalty and Nitra’s only goal. His return underlined how much the Champions League fixtures mean to him, but the immediate focus is the medical check before Växjö arrive on Sunday.

Skellefteå en Frölunda ravotten naar 6-1 CHL-overwinningen

Door de redactie van IceHockeyMan | September 5, 2026

Verhaalsamenvatting

Skellefteå and Frölunda made emphatic starts to their Champions Hockey League campaigns with 6-1 victories, while Växjö lost 1-3 away to Adler Mannheim. Skellefteå beat HK Nitra 6-1, with contributions from new signing Hudson Fasching and three helpt from Jonathan Pudas; Frölunda defeated SaiPa 6-1 thuis, with Oskar Olausson setting up three goals and junior scorers among the tally. Adler Mannheim secured a 3-1 win over Växjö thanks to two early second-period powerplay goals and an empty-netter from Anthony Greco.

Belangrijkste feiten

Skellefteå defeated HK Nitra 6-1 in their CHL opener.
Skellefteå led 2-0 after the first period and were 5-0 partway through the third before Nitra reduced the deficit.
Valter Lindberg and Andreas Johnson each had one goal and two assists for Skellefteå.
Hudson Fasching, a recent Skellefteå signing, scored in the 6-1 win.
Jonathan Pudas recorded three assists for Skellefteå.
Skellefteå goal scorers: Hudson Fasching, Andreas Johnson, Oskar Vuollet, Mikkel Aagaard, Rickard Hugg, Valter Lindberg.
Frölunda beat SaiPa 6-1 at home in their CHL opener.
SaiPa opened 1-0 on the powerplay after around three minutes, but Frölunda turned the game around to lead 3-1 by the end of the first period.
Juniors Bosse Meijer and Max Westergård scored for Frölunda.
Oskar Olausson assisted three Frölunda goals.
Frölunda goal scorers: Max Westergård, Bosse Meijer, Samuel Fagemo, Nicklas Lasu, Linus Nässén, Jacob Peterson.
Adler Mannheim beat Växjö 3-1; Adler scored two quick powerplay goals early in the second period and Anthony Greco added an empty-net goal in the final minute to seal the win.

IHM Discussie

Skellefteå, the reigning Swedish champions, produced a dominant offensive display against HK Nitra. A two-goal first period set the tone and a 5-0 cushion early in the third removed pressure from the closing stages. Lindberg and Johnson each finished with a goal and two assists, Pudas supplied three assists, and new signing Fasching also found the net.

Frölunda, the defending CHL champions, responded to an early SaiPa machtsspel goal by turning the game around before the first intermission and pulling further clear thereafter. Juniors Bosse Meijer and Max Westergård scored, while Oskar Olausson’s three assists highlighted Frölunda’s playmaking.

Växjö’s trip to Adler Mannheim underlined the importance of special teams. Adler struck twice on the power play early in the second period; Växjö’s only goal, from Dennis Rasmussen, also came on the power play, but the visitors could not draw level. Anthony Greco’s late empty-net goal completed a 3-1 result.

Waarom het uitmaakt

The opening results give Skellefteå and Frölunda early momentum in the competition. Skellefteå combined shared scoring with major individual contributions, while Frölunda’s win featured goals from Meijer and Westergård and three assists from Olausson. For Växjö, the result showed how decisive special teams can be after Adler’s two early second-period power-play goals.

Korte vraag- en antwoordsessie

Which teams won 6-1 in the CHL openers?

Skellefteå and Frölunda each won 6-1 in their opening matches.

Who scored and assisted notably for Skellefteå?

Valter Lindberg and Andreas Johnson each had one goal and two assists; Jonathan Pudas had three assists; Hudson Fasching scored as a new signing.

What happened in the Växjö game?

Adler Mannheim beat Växjö 3-1. Adler scored two quick powerplay goals early in the second period, Dennis Rasmussen pulled one back for Växjö on a powerplay, and Anthony Greco scored an empty-net goal laat op.

Which Frölunda players were highlighted?

Juniors Bosse Meijer and Max Westergård each scored, and Oskar Olausson recorded three assists for Frölunda.

Wat volgt

The second round of Champions Hockey League matches is scheduled to be played on Saturday and Sunday.

IHM Eindbeeld

Two heavy opening wins give Skellefteå and Frölunda early momentum in the Champions Hockey League; both showed scoring balance and playmaking depth. Växjö’s defeat to Adler Mannheim is a reminder that special teams will be decisive in tight continental fixtures.

Olympisch winnaar Niklas Friman keert terug naar TPS als aanvoerder.

Door de redactie van IceHockeyMan | September 5, 2026

Verhaalsamenvatting

Niklas Friman, 32, has returned to Turun Palloseura and will captain the Liiga side for the coming season. Friman described the club’s upgraded training facilities and said he has enjoyed elke dag since his homecoming. A second-generation TPS player – his father Kari-Pekka Friman played for the club in the 1980s – Friman last wore the blue-and-white in 2015-16 before spells in the KHL, SHL, HPK (where he won a Finnish championship) and most recently in Switzerland with HC Ajoiessa. He is an Olympic gold medallist and world champion with two gold medals from 2022. Otto Paajanen joins TPS as another established leader, and expert Ismo Lehkonen has praised the pair’s potential impact after a disappointing season that left TPS outside the playoffs for the first time in 11 years.

Belangrijkste feiten

Niklas Friman, age 32, has returned to Turun Palloseura (TPS) and been named the team’s captain for the upcoming season.
Friman says the club’s training facilities, gym and overall environment have seen investment since he last played there.
Friman made his Liiga debut for TPS as an 18-year-old in the 2011-12 season.
His TPS contract previously ended after the 2015-16 season; he left Turku in summer 2016.
Since leaving TPS, Friman has played in the KHL, won the Finnish championship with HPK, played in the SHL and spent last season with Swiss club HC Ajoiessa.
Friman is an Olympic gold medallist and world champion, with two gold medals from 2022.
Friman has captained at various points in his career: TuTo U16, TPS U20, HPK (vice-captain) and Ilves.
Friman previously shared a dressing room with Tomi Kallio, Ville Vahalahti, Antero Niittymäki and Ilkka Pikkarainen; their sons are now his TPS teammates.
Friman’s father, Kari-Pekka Friman, played for TPS’s Liiga team in the 1980s.
Otto Paajanen has also joined TPS and brings recent championship experience; he was CooCoo‘s captain during their run to the Liiga final.
Ismo Lehkonen called Friman and Paajanen “quality controllers” whose experience of success and failure will help the club.
Friman recalls a turbulent early spell at TPS, when the club had six different head coaches across five seasons following his debut.

IHM Discussie

Friman’s return to TPS carries both symbolism and practical value. He debuted as a teenager in Turku, where his father also played, and returns as a decorated international to captain his hometown club.

Friman and Otto Paajanen give TPS two experienced leaders after last season’s playoff miss. Friman brings a Finnish title, KHL and SHL experience, plus two international gold medals in 2022. Paajanen captained KooKoo during its run to the Liiga final and was HPK captain when the club won the Finnish title in 2019. Ismo Lehkonen has described the pair as “quality controllers” capable of setting standards in the daily work.

Friman has previously captained junior and senior teams, and his comments point to a leadership role built on demanding habits in training, off-ice work and on the ice. That experience can be valuable to younger teammates, including the sons of former TPS players with whom Friman once shared a team.

He has also highlighted investment in TPS’s gym, training and wider environment since his previous spell at the club. The coming season will show how that setting and the new leadership group shape the team’s response.

Waarom het uitmaakt

For TPS, Friman’s appointment places an experienced player at the centre of its leadership group after a season that ended outside the playoffs. Alongside Paajanen, he brings championship experience and a record of captaincy at several levels. His return also links TPS’s history with its current squad, while the club’s improved facilities provide a stronger setting for daily work.

Korte vraag- en antwoordsessie

Who has returned to TPS and been named captain?

Niklas Friman, age 32, has rejoined Turun Palloseura and will serve as the team’s captain.

What recent clubs and competitions has Friman played in since leaving TPS?

After leaving TPS in 2016 Friman played in the KHL, won the Finnish championship with HPK, played in the SHL and spent last season with Swiss club HC Ajoiessa.

What international honours does Friman hold?

Friman is an Olympic gold medallist and world champion, with two gold medals from 2022.

Who else brings leadership to TPS and why is he important?

Otto Paajanen has joined TPS; he was KooKoo’s captain during their run to the Liiga final and captained HPK in 2019, bringing championship experience and daily standards.

What investments at TPS did Friman highlight on his return?

Friman said the club has invested in the gym, training and general facilities, improving the environment for players.

What immediate test does the club face?

The coming Liiga season will test whether the new leadership and upgraded facilities can return TPS to the playoffs after last season’s absence.

Wat volgt

The coming Liiga season is the next test for TPS after last season’s playoff absence. Friman and Paajanen will be central figures in setting the team’s daily standards as the campaign unfolds.

IHM Eindbeeld

Friman’s homecoming combines club history with proven experience. As captain, he brings the habits of a player who has led teams before and won at club and international level.

Tomáš Chrenko blijft in Nitra na NHL-draft

Door de redactie van IceHockeyMan | September 5, 2026

Verhaalsamenvatting

Tomáš Chrenko, selected 81st overall in the 2026 NHL Draft by the New York Rangers, has decided to remain with his hometown club HK Nitra for the coming season. The 18-year-old forward will still travel to New York for the Rangers’ main trainingskamp this month and is expected to feature in prospect games, but he will complete his secondary education in Slovakia and play the 2026-27 campaign for the reigning Slovak champions.

Belangrijkste feiten

Tomáš Chrenko was selected 81st overall in the 2026 NHL Draft by the New York Rangers (third round).
Kitchener Rangers of the OHL and Muskegon Lumberjacks of the USHL also hold draft rights to Chrenko.
Chrenko has chosen to play the 2026-27 season for HK Nitra, the Slovak club where he finished last season as a champion and scored the title-winning goal.
The primary reason for staying in Slovakia is unfinished secondary school; Chrenko said he must complete his studies before moving abroad.
He will attend the New York Rangers’ main training camp this month and may play in one or both vooruitzichten games against Philadelphia in the coming weekends.
The Rangers told Chrenko after a July development camp that the decision where he plays is his and that the organisation will support him.
While in Slovakia, Chrenko will be monitored by a Finnish scout assigned by the Rangers and will receive skating-coach videos from the club.
Last season in Nitra Chrenko recorded 31 points in 44 regular-season games and added 12 points in 19 playoff games.
Chrenko scored the decisive gold-winning goal in the championship final for HK Nitra.
At the IIHF World U20 Championship, Chrenko produced eight points in five games (5 goals, 3 helpt).
He will turn 19 in early November and acknowledges he needs to add muscle and improve his contact play for North American competition.

IHM Discussie

Chrenko’s choice to remain in Nitra for the coming season is straightforward: he wants to finish secondary school. Staying in Slovakia also keeps him with the reigning champions while he attends the Rangers’ training camp and remains in contact with the NHL organisation.

The Rangers have told Chrenko that they will support his decision on where to play. A Finnish scout will follow his games, while skating-coach videos will provide another link to the organisation.

The player has identified physical development and contact play as priorities for a future move to North America. Training camp and possible prospect games against Philadelphia should offer an early measure of where he stands before his season in Nitra begins.

Waarom het uitmaakt

Chrenko’s decision keeps a recent title-winning scorer in Nitra while allowing him to complete his education. For the Rangers, it provides another season to follow a prospect who produced 31 points in 44 regular-season games and 12 points in 19 playoff games last season.

His eight points in five games at the World U20 Championship underline his offensive potential. The next year will give him time to work on the physical side of his game before any move to North America.

Korte vraag- en antwoordsessie

Why is Tomáš Chrenko staying in Slovakia after being drafted?

He has decided to finish secondary school in Slovakia and will therefore play the 2026-27 season for HK Nitra.

Which NHL team drafted Chrenko and at what position?

The New York Rangers selected Tomáš Chrenko 81st overall in the 2026 NHL Draft (third round).

Will Chrenko have any contact with the Rangers while playing in Slovakia?

Yes. He will attend the Rangers’ main training camp this month, be monitored by a Finnish scout assigned by the organisation, and receive skating-coach videos from the club.

What were Chrenko’s statistics last season?

He recorded 31 points in 44 regular-season games for HK Nitra and added 12 points in 19 playoff games; at the World U20 Championship he had eight points in five games (5 goals, 3 assists).

What area of his game does Chrenko need to improve for North America?

He needs to add muscle and improve his contact play to cope with the more physical style in North American hockey.

Commentaar van coach Mark

From a coaching perspective, the key is to use this season to build strength without losing the skating and offensive instincts that define his game. His contact play and puck protection are sensible areas of focus as he prepares for the demands of North American hockey.

Wat volgt

Chrenko will attend the New York Rangers’ main training camp this month and is a candidate to play in one or both prospect games against Philadelphia in the coming weekends. After camp, he will return to Slovakia and play the 2026-27 season with HK Nitra while completing secondary school.

IHM Eindbeeld

Staying in Nitra gives Chrenko time to complete secondary school while remaining connected to the Rangers through camp, scouting and skating support. His next task is to build on last season’s production and address the physical areas he has identified.

Seguin wordt verwacht in het trainingskamp van de Stars; Huberdeau zal de start missen.

Door de redactie van IceHockeyMan | September 5, 2026

Verhaalsamenvatting

Dallas Stars vooruit Tyler Seguin looks set to be available for the club’s upcoming trainingskamp after returning to the ice nine months after surgery for a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. Seguin has not played since 2 December 2025. By contrast, Jonathan Huberdeau of the Calgary Flames – a teammate of Šimon Nemec – is still recovering from hip joint surgery and is expected to miss the opening of his club’s camp.

Belangrijkste feiten

Tyler Seguin is captain of the Dallas Stars and has not played since 2 December 2025, when he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and underwent surgery.
Seguin is reportedly back on the ice and is nine months removed from the operation.
Jim Nill, general manager of the Dallas Stars, said: ” I just spoke with him. He is back on the ice and feels good. He is nine months out from the operation, which is a pretty good time considering anterior cruciate ligament injuries. He is excited and wants to return. It’s a big year for him.”
Seguin recorded 17 points last season (seven goals and 10 helpt) in 27 games.
NHL training camps are due to start in two weeks, and Dallas’s first game of the 2026/27 season is scheduled thuis tegen St. Louis Blues op 2 oktober.
Jonathan Huberdeau, a teammate of Šimon Nemec in Calgary, is recovering from hip joint surgery and is unlikely to be ready for the first day of camp.
Craig Conroy, general manager of the Calgary Flames, said: ” He probably won’t be ready for the first day of camp. He will train individually and then we’ll see. We will monitor him elke dag. '
Huberdeau played 50 games in the previous season, collecting 25 points (10 goals and 15 assists) before his season ended early; he is entering his fifth year with Calgary.

IHM Discussie

The two situations offer contrasting pre-season outlooks for established NHL forwards. Seguin’s return to the ice nine months after surgery is an encouraging step for Dallas, while Jim Nill said the captain feels good and is eager to return.

Huberdeau’s situation is more cautious. Calgary plans for him to train individually and be monitored daily before deciding when he can rejoin the group. The Flames may therefore begin camp without him on day one, with his gereedheid to be assessed as camp develops.

Waarom het uitmaakt

Seguin’s potential availability would return Dallas’s captain and a veteran forward who recorded 17 points in 27 games last season. For Calgary, Huberdeau’s likely absence on the opening day of camp means the club will assess his return gradually through individual work and daily monitoring.

Korte vraag- en antwoordsessie

Is Tyler Seguin expected to attend Dallas Stars training camp?

Yes. Seguin is back on the ice and is likely to be available for camp, according to Dallas general manager Jim Nill, who said he is nine months removed from surgery and feeling good.

When did Seguin last play and what was the injury?

Seguin last played on 2 December 2025, when he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and subsequently underwent surgery.

When do NHL camps begin and when is Dallas’s first game?

NHL camps are due to begin in two weeks. Dallas’s first regular-season game is scheduled at home against the St. Louis Blues on 2 October.

Will Jonathan Huberdeau be ready for the first day of camp?

Craig Conroy, the Flames’ general manager, said Huberdeau ” probably won’t be ready for the first day of camp,” and that the club will monitor him daily while he trains individually.

How did Huberdeau perform last season?

Huberdeau played 50 games in the previous season and recorded 25 points, with 10 goals and 15 assists, before his season ended early.

Wat volgt

The next checkpoints are the start of NHL training camps in two weeks and Dallas’s home opener against the St. Louis Blues on 2 October. Calgary will continue to monitor Huberdeau daily as he trains individually.

IHM Eindbeeld

Tyler Seguin is likely to take part in Dallas Stars camp after returning to the ice following ACL surgery, giving the club an encouraging sign ahead of the season. Jonathan Huberdeau’s timeline is less certain: Calgary expects him to train individually and be assessed daily, making him unlikely to be ready for the first day of camp.

Canucks contracteren Zeev Buium voor acht jaar met een gemiddeld jaarsalaris van $9.38 miljoen.

Door de redactie van IceHockeyMan | September 5, 2026

Verhaalsamenvatting

Vancouver have signed 20-year-old defenceman Zeev Buium to an eight-year contract carrying an average annual value of $9.38 million. Buium joined the Canucks from Minnesota last season in the transaction involving Quinn Hughes and often played alongside Czech defenceman Filip Hronek. Eight-year contracts are set to become rarer under the new collective agreement, with such deals possible only until 15 September.

Belangrijkste feiten

Vancouver signed 20-year-old defenceman Zeev Buium to an eight-year contract with an average annual value of $9.38 million.
Buium joined Vancouver from Minnesota last season in the transaction involving Quinn Hughes.
Buium frequently skated paired with Czech defenceman Filip Hronek last season.
Eight-year contracts are set to become rarer under the new collective agreement, and such deals are possible only until 15 September.
The $9.38 million AAV could prove to be strong value over time if Buium continues to develop.

IHM Discussie

Vancouver’s decision to sign Zeev Buium for eight years at a $9.38 million AAV is a substantial commitment to a 20-year-old defenceman. It gives the club long-term cost certainty while placing considerable faith in his continued development.

Buium is already familiar with Vancouver’s group after arriving from Minnesota last season in the transaction involving Quinn Hughes. His regular appearances alongside Filip Hronek offer a useful indication of how he has been integrated into the Canucks’ defence.

The timing is notable, too. Eight-year contracts are set to become rarer under the new collective agreement, and the option remains available only until 15 September. Vancouver have chosen to act within that window rather than wait for a larger body of evidence.

Waarom het uitmaakt

An eight-year commitment to a 20-year-old defenceman gives Vancouver greater certainty in its longer-term roster planning. It also places $9.38 million of annual cap commitment on the books for a lengthy period, making Buium’s development central to the value of the deal. With the window for eight-year contracts closing on 15 September, the Canucks have acted before that option changes.

Korte vraag- en antwoordsessie

Who did Vancouver sign and what are the contract terms?

Vancouver signed 20-year-old defenceman Zeev Buium to an eight-year contract with an average annual value of $9.38 million.

Why is an eight-year deal notable now?

Eight-year contracts are set to become rarer under the new collective agreement, and such deals are possible only until 15 September.

Does the report suggest the deal is good value?

The $9.38 million AAV could prove to be strong value over time if Buium continues to develop.

What is the next date to watch?

The key date is 15 September, when the option to sign eight-year contracts closes.

Commentaar van coach Mark

The value here is continuity. Buium has already spent time alongside Filip Hronek, and keeping that familiarity in place gives Vancouver a platform to develop his game within an established defensive environment. The contract itself will not determine his usage; his performance will.

Wat volgt

The immediate date to watch is 15 September, when the option to sign eight-year contracts closes.

IHM Eindbeeld

Vancouver have made a decisive long-term bet on Zeev Buium. The eight-year deal secures a promising young defenceman at a substantial $9.38 million AAV, and its value will ultimately rest on how his game develops over the life of the contract.