Steelers learn CHL opponents

Photo: Dean Woolley

Sheffield Steelers found out the six teams they'll face in the Champions Hockey League after the draw took place on Wednesday night.

With Patrik Eliáš and Petr Čech part of the draw at the O2 Arena in Prague, the Steelers were pitted against:

Home games: Skellefteå AIK (SWE), Dynamo Pardubice (CZE), Sparta Prague (CZE)
Road games: ZSC Lions (SWI), Fribourg-Gotteron (SWI), Växjö Lakers (SWE)

Under the new format launched last seasons, teams play six opponents in the first stage, with all 24 teams ranked in one league table. The top 16 teams will qualify for the knockout rounds.

Last season, Belfast Giants narrowly missed out on advancing to the Round of 16. Only Nottingham Panthers from the EIHL have ever made it past the first round.