Tappara Tampere 

Tappara is one of the good teams of the Finnish league in one of the strongest leagues in Europe. So we expect a solid year for this team in the competition. From the last year's team no big changes were made. In defense we believe that Nick Bailen (to Minsk) and Johan Larsson (to Saipa) can be replaced by David Kolomatis (from Hershey Bears) and Tuuka Mäntylä (from Metallurg Novokuznetsk). The captain Ville Nieminen chose Lukko to play next year and the club will give opportunity for youngsters to rise up. 

 Ocerali Trinec

Let's be clear, opponents have to pay attention to this year's Trinec team. Even if the star of team Martin Ruzicka signed with Traktor Chelyabinsk, and three historical players (Varada, Peterek, Bonk) retired, the team have made a big effort to replace them and be strong next year. Kamil Kreps (from Assät), Thomas Plihal (from Tappara), Zybnek Irgl (from Minsk) for the forward position and Rotislav Klesla (from Buffalo Sabres) and Milan Doudera (from HC Kladno) to the blueline are the new boys in town. 

 SC Bern 

Guy Boucher is the new the sheriff in town. Day's ago Boucher let the NHL stars Roman Josi, Mark Streit, Jonas Hiller and Yannick Weber know that they were not welcome to Bern's ice practice like every year in August. The coach wants concentration in the group. Last year was one of the most horrific seasons to Bern. For the first time in Swiss league a reigning Champion failed a play-off spot. This year they are back in the business and they are hungry. Historical NLA players Travis Roche (to MODO), Glen Metropolit (Adler Manheim), Hnat Domenichelli (retired), Ivo Rüthemann (retired) were replaced by stronger pieces. Eric Blum (from Kloten), Marc-André Gragnani (Lev Praha), Thomas Rüfenacht (from Lugano), Simon Moser (from Milwaukee Admirals), Bud Holloway (from Skellefteå) and Chuck Kobasew (from Pittsburgh Penguins) are the new faces.  

 Stavanger Oilers

With three sharks in this group E the life will be difficult for the Oilers. But then again they have nothing to lose. And this is ice hockey were everything can happen, they can create a surprise or two. One thing is for sure, the three times defending Norwegian champions are clearly stronger than last year. Nick Schaus (to Wolfsburg), Kurt Davis (to Düsseldorf) and Martin Strandfeldt (retired) were replaced by Nick Plastino (from Örebro), Adrian Veideman (from Vienna Capitals), Martin Huse (from Storhamar),  Kristian Forsberg (from MODO), Josh Soares (from Graz 99ers) and Lukas David (return to competition). 

Tweets by @eurohockey