2 minute read
The European Ice Hockey Family keeps growing closer
THE EUROPEAN HOCKEY FAMILY KEEPS GROWING CLOSER
Teams are inviting their supporters to join them on their travels all over Europe and be part of their unique Champions Hockey League journey – and fans are all-in. Here’s to hockey supporters who don’t shy away from travelling thousands of kilometers and embracing European ice hockey culture.
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Everyone going to the ice rink to root for their team – be it in Poland, Switzerland, Finland, or anywhere else in Europe – has one common thread: their love of the game. Getting the chance to follow your team to international games and flying your team’s colours in a foreign country is an unparalleled experience you won’t soon forget.
500 Red Bull Munich fans wouldn’t let the opportunity slip to cheer on their team in the CHL Final at the packed Scandinavium in Gothenburg, 1000 Storhamar Hamar supporters took on the trip to Stockholm, THOMAS SABO Ice Tigers’ charter for fans going to the far-north city of Oulu was sold-out within minutes. And it doesn’t stop there…
European ice hockey fans have grown ever more interested in following their teams to away games and travelling to foreign places, visiting unknown cities and, of course, experiencing new – hockey – cultures. What you will take home are not only the memories of your team’s spectacular win or heart-breaking defeat, it’s the uncharted atmosphere of this international showdown. Eliška Kaslová who travelled to Bolzano with fellow HC Pilsen supporters for their Round of 16 game was thrilled about her team’s victory but was left even more impressed by the atmosphere at the Eiswelle arena, where the Italians cheered for their team until the very last second.
Many travelling fans have taken the chance to meet opposing supporters, getting to know them and even growing close friendships. Dumenig Stiffler, a Davos native and follower of the local team, became friends with Cardiff Devils supporters back in 2017 when they faced off in the Group Stage. A year later, the Swiss joined the Devils in the away stands of the PostFinance Arena in Bern and even travelled to an EIHL game in Belfast with his new pals.
CHL teams are doing an extraordinary job encouraging their supporters to join them on their journey and welcoming fans from all over Europe to their home towns, their arenas and their community. They truly went beyond themselves to let supporters take part in their Champions Hockey League experience.
Over the last five years, the European Hockey Family has grown closer thanks to all those efforts. Let’s hope we can expand this marvellous family even further.
