The hunt for the plate begins

The Continental Cup begins in Belgrade, Serbia, at the end of September, it's 21th journey, ending as usual in the first part of January in a venue to be determined. This edition will be marked by an all-time debut: a team from Iceland, Esja UMFK Reykjavik, will enter in the competition facing tough opponents in the first round. Champion of Estonia Narva PSK is another debutant, bringing back the Baltic country in the second European competition after a four-years absence. Kurbads Riga, Nomad Astana and Rungsted Ishockey will also play for the first time in the competition. From last year finalists, only Italian champion Renon/Ritten is still present. Last season Nottingham Panthers won for the first time the trophy with a long journey, entering in the competition from the second round. As happened in the last editions, the winner will earn a spot in the 2019 Champions League

First round, 29 September – 1 October 2017:

Group A in Belgrade, Serbia: Irbis-Skate Sofia (BUL), Crvena Zvezda Belgrade (SRB), Zeytinburnu Istanbul (TUR), Esja Reykjavik (ISL).

Second round, 20-22 October 2017:

Group B in Riga, Latvia: GKS Tychy (POL), HC Donbass (UKR), Kurbads Riga (LAT), Narva PSK (EST).

Group C in Brasov, Romania: DVTK Jegesmedvek Miskolc (HUN), Corona Brasov (ROU), Txuri Urdin San Sebastian (ESP), Winner Group A.

Third round, 17-19 November 2017:

Group D in Rungsted, Denmark: Sheffield Steelers (GBR), Rungsted Ishockey (DEN), Yunost Minsk (BLR), Winner Group B.

Group E in Renon/Ritten, Italy: Grenoble Bruleurs de Loups (FRA), Nomad Astana (KAZ), Ritten Sport (ITA), Winner Group C.

Final, 12-14 January 2018:

The top-two teams of each semifinals group advance to the final tournament, hosted in one of four finalists venue

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