It's been ten years since SaiPa Lappeenranta last competed in the Champions Hockey League and their return to the pan-European competition begins with a trip to Sweden where they'll take on reigning CHL Champions Frölunda Gothenburg. A victory in last year's Final granted Frölunda their 11th CHL appearance while SaiPa's third-place finish in Liiga helped them secure their third CHL qualification.

After missing the two previous iterations of CHL action, the Swedish heavyweights manufactured one of their best seasons to date, boasting a 9-2-2 record as they were eventually crowned Champions for the fifth time in CHL history last March. In their ten previous participations, Frölunda have never missed the Playoffs and have made it to at least the Semi-Finals in all but one campaign. Their success speaks for itself and though expectations are high, if history is any indicator, the Swedes are more than up for the challenge.

On the opposing bench, SaiPa's previous involvements were early success met by disappointing defeat. In the 2014/15 season, the team made it all the way to the Quarter-Finals before losing to fellow Finnish side Kärpät Oulu. They then followed up with a more impressive sophomore performance in 2016/17 with a 7-1 record but fell in the Round of 16 to the Växjö Lakers by an aggregate score of 6-5. It's been some time since the Finns suited up for CHL action, but make no mistake, this club is ready for the challenge.