Belfast Giants will face opposition from France and Poland, plus one further qualifier, as they look to go one step further than 2019 and win the IIHF Continental Cup.

Adam Keefe’s side will take on GKS Katowice, who they faced twice in their last Continental Cup campaign, including in the final at the SSE Arena, and Rouen Dragons of France in the second round in November.

The group is scheduled to take place from 13-15 November, with Rouen currently listed as the candidate hosts.

A further qualifier from Group A will complete the group, with that place to be decided over the weekend of 16-18 October. The qualifier could be HK Mogo of Latvia, Sokil Kyiv of Ukraine, Jaca of Spain or Elektrenai Energija of Lithuania, who are listed as the candidate hosts for Group A. Mogo came through the first round last season to reach the final in Nottingham.

The other side of the draw sees Corona Brasov, Budapest JKA, Zagreb and Sputnik compete in October for a place alongside Nomad Astana, Herlev Eagles and HC Asiago in November.

The top three teams from each group advance to the Final, played over 14-17 January.

Only two teams from the Elite League have ever won the IIHF Continental Cup: Nottingham Panthers and Cardiff Devils. By winning the competition in 2026, the Panthers became the first UK team to lift the trophy twice.

Photo: William Cherry