Brynäs IF were awarded the CHL Impact Award for 2025/26 at this year’s CHL Final, recognising the club for an actively running community initiative that delivers measurable positive impact in its region. This marks the first time the CHL Impact Award has been presented.
The award honours the project that creates the strongest current societal value. All submitted initiatives were evaluated by a jury consisting of Franziska Garbe (Associate Director Sustainability at Infront), Nico Decurtins (Sustainability Coach) and the CHL Office.
Brynäs IF claimed first place with their ongoing initiative En Bra Start (“A Good Start”), which currently reaches thousands of children in the region. The programme promotes friendship, healthy movement and future readiness through school workshops, arena visits, skating activities and children‑centred game experiences.
"The initiative demonstrates the positive contribution sports organisations can make in their communities."Fadri Holinger, CHL Director of Operations & Sport
“Seeing how En Bra Start influences so many children is truly inspiring,” stated Fadri Holinger, CHL Director of Operations & Sport. “The initiative delivers measurable societal value, aligns with the CHL’s sustainability goals and demonstrates the positive contribution sports organisations can make in their communities. Brynäs IF are a truly deserving winner of the inaugural CHL Impact Award!”
During the 2024/25 cycle, the programme reached more than 12,000 children, involved 47 schools, enabled over 3,000 children to try ice skating and facilitated the donation of around 1,000 teddy bears to families in need. Teacher evaluations confirm its measurable influence, with 96% valuing the school visits, 92% believing the activities support long-term prevention and 84% observing positive behavioural changes. Similar figures are expected for this season as well. A visual symbol of the club’s commitment is also their “Clean Jersey”, solely featuring the Brynäs crest and the En Bra Start emblem.
"We are proud to see our work recognised."Jakob Westerlund, Head of Commercial, Brynäs IF
“Community engagement is a key part of our vision to lead the development of Swedish ice hockey. It’s about using the strength of our brand to be positive role models in society. Building a healthy, relevant hockey club is fundamental to sporting success and central to how we want to develop our organisation and the game of hockey,” commented Jakob Westerlund, Head of Commercial at Brynäs IF.
Brynäs IF claimed first place, receiving the trophy from Fadri Holinger, CHL Director of Operations & Sport, at CHL Final 2026. Frölunda Gothenburg ended runners-up, whilst Sparta Prague took third place.
About the CHL’s Sustainability Strategy
The Impact Award is part of the Champions Hockey League’s wider Sustainability Strategy, introduced in June 2024. The CHL presented a dedicated sustainability website that explains the league’s approach, outlines evaluated metrics, showcases past and upcoming milestones and highlights innovations. The CHL also introduced two Sustainability Playbooks to support clubs in improving their own sustainability actions.
A key goal of the Sustainability Strategy is to collect and showcase impactful club initiatives as Best Practices, allowing clubs across Europe to learn from each other and implement similar measures in their own communities. The Impact Award therefore serves as a platform to inspire participating teams and support the CHL's long‑term commitment to responsibility and positive impact.