Plzeň arrives in the high-altitude resort of Davos for the opening leg of the Champions Hockey League round of 16, carrying a flawless group stage record without a single lost point.
Traveling ahead of schedule to Davos, the Czech club sought to acclimate players to an altitude of roughly 1,560 meters and the venue’s unusually wide ice surface. Assistant coach Jiří Veber oversees the squad during Josef Jandače’s health absence. Defender Aleš Čech and center Christophe Lalancette stayed home with medical issues. Forward Danny Katic departed the organization following a mutual termination of his contract.
As the squad arrived early to adapt to the venue where the traditional Spengler Cup is held annually, forward Ondřej Rohlík noted that the elevation is distinctly noticeable when players begin to breathe more heavily.
Even though our opponent is not currently moving in the positions they would imagine, a tough match definitely awaits us. Moreover, there are no easy opponents in the Swiss league, there are no pushover players there,
Veber noted regarding the challenge via the club’s official website. Assistant coach Veber emphasized that the team wants to bring joy to their supporters and do their absolute utmost to advance.
While Plzeň swept through a preliminary phase featuring Rögle, Tychy, Fribourg, Bordeaux, Skellefteå, and SaiPa, their Swiss opponents laboured through the autumn. Davos secured the sixteenth and final playoff spot with eight points from six games and sits tenth in domestic league play. The hosts will miss Czech star forward Filip Zadina, who faces an approximate month-long recovery following upper-body surgery.
We know he is there and that he is doing well. There was even talk about him in connection with a national team nomination. We will certainly be focusing on him, but of course we have to prepare for all of the opponent’s players.
Jiří Veber, coach.
Two other Czech clubs join the opening round of sixteen away from home this week. Extraliga champions Pardubice travel to face SaiPa in Lappeenranta, while Liberec matches up against Cologne. The return legs are scheduled for the following week, sending Plzeň back to their home arena known for brewing beer on November 17.
