For the first time this season, competitive action arrives with points on the line as Belfast Giants begin their Champions Hockey League campaign.
After two warm-up games against Norway’s Stavanger Oilers, both played under CHL rules, the Giants now welcome Finland’s KalPa Kuopio to the SSE Arena as they return to competition among Europe’s elite 24 clubs.
KalPa arrive in Belfast as reigning Liiga champions, having captured their first-ever Finnish national title in 2024/25 with a 4–2 playoff final series victory over SaiPa. Founded in 1929, the Kuopio-based club was proud to lift their first-ever national title last season.
“Belfast are a very interesting opponent to meet away from home,” said KalPa Head Coach Sami Tervonen, who was promoted from assistant coach during the off-season. “They have great facilities and an extremely passionate home crowd, which should make the experience unforgettable. Our objectives are straightforward: whenever we enter a competition, the goal is to succeed. We’re eager to test our identity against Europe’s elite clubs.”
KalPa began their pre-season on 13 August, recording a win over Ilves Tampere and defeats against Jukurit and Kärpät Oulu, the latter a 7–4 setback last week in their most recent outing.
The Giants return to the CHL after a year’s absence, looking to build on 2023/24 when they narrowly missed out on a playoff berth. Last season Sheffield Steelers went one step further, reaching the Round of 16, only the second EIHL side to advance that far and first under the competition’s current format.
“We’re not just here to take part – we’re here to compete and win hockey games,” said Giants Head Coach Adam Keefe. “We’ve built a team that we believe can go toe-to-toe with top clubs in Europe, and our ambition is to make it out of the group and into the knockout rounds. Representing Belfast and the Elite League at this level is an honour, and we want to show that we belong among Europe’s best.
“KalPa are a structured, disciplined team with a strong skating game. They play with high tempo and aren’t afraid to attack in waves.”
Photo: William Cherry
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