Champions Hockey League - Group I

Red Bull Salzburg

Salzburg is coming off a successful season, only loosing to Bolzano in the EBEL Final. The young history of this club shows a lot of potential, RB won the Austrian championship in 2007, 2008, 2010 and 2011. The squad for the new season includes 10 players from North America, one Slovakian player, the rest are Austrians. Probably the best known athlete from the past is Arturs Irbe who was signed as a back up goalie in 2005-2006 for one season.

What probably made RB Salzburg famous was their invitational tournament called "Red Bull Salute" which was a pre-season tournament. It was upgraded in 2010 as part of the European Trophy.

Kloten Flyers

Coming off a disappointing Final last year Kloten's goal will definitely try to make the sweep by local rival ZSC Lions forgotten in the new season. They'll have to do so without their top scorer Peter Mueller who signed a one-year contract with the Florida Panthers of the NHL. But the Flyers have tried to make up for the loss, luring Denis Hollenstein back home while Peter Guggisberg, an experienced but injury-prone forward signed with the Flyers coming from HC Davos. From southern Switzerland, Sami El Assaoui (D, Ambri-Piotta) and Michael Flückiger (G, HC Lugano) will try and strengthen the defense. As mentioned, Kloten will try to repeat a participation in the NLA final, it won't be easy with the rest of the League upgrading their rosters with NHL calibre players.

JYP Jyväskylä

Founded in 1923, Jyväskylä has been a top-tier team since 1985 and won 2 championship titles. The Finnish quarter finalist of last years season have some European experience, winning the European Trophy in 2014. This season they want to continue their successful campaign and they'll do so with newly signed forward Darryl Boyce and Markus Hännikäinen from Jokerit. Off their own academy, Valtteri Kemiläinen will join the pro squad.

HV71 Jönköping

4 time Swedish champion Jönköping's run for a 5th title ended in the quarter finals last year but as a founding member they qualified for the CHL nonetheless. After a merger of local clubs Husqvarna und Vättersted in 1971 the name HV71 was established. Since 1985 the club has remained in the top league and won titles in 1995, 2004, 2008 and 2010. Notable players in the past are Fredrik Stillman, Stefan Örnskog, Per Gustafsson and tragically deceased Stefan Liv. Current roster players include Chris Campoli, Swiss youngster Kevin Fiala and newly transferred Mattias Tedenby will join from New Jersey.

My predictions:

Jönköping looks like the favourite in this group. Fighting for the second spot will be Kloten and Jyväskylä.

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