HC Škoda Plzeň Begins Its Champions Hockey League Playoff Campaign Against HC Davos in Switzerland
HC Škoda Plzeň begins its Champions Hockey League playoff campaign against HC Davos in Switzerland on November 10, 2026, at 19:45, according to Sport.cz.
Key Champions Hockey League Playoff Details:
- Matchup: HC Davos (Switzerland) vs. HC Škoda Plzeň (Czech Republic)
- Location: Davos, Switzerland (altitude approximately 1,560 meters)
- Plzeň Status: Undefeated in the group stage, entering the round of sixteen
The Czech side enters this knockout phase without a single loss in the group stage, a record noted by iSport.cz. The team faces roster challenges and environmental adjustments while traveling to the Swiss Alps.
HC Škoda Plzeň will compete without several key players due to medical and contractual issues. Hokej.cz reports that forward Danny Katic did not travel with the team following a mutual agreement to end his cooperation with the club. Coach Jiří Veber confirmed that defender Aleš Čech and center Christoph Lalancetta cannot play due to health problems.
The Swiss hosts, HC Davos, also face a notable absence. According to Hokej.cz, Czech star Filip Zadina is sidelined for approximately one month after undergoing surgery for an injury in his upper body.
The team traveled to the mountain resort of Davos ahead of schedule to facilitate physiological adaptation to the high altitude, which sits at roughly 1,560 meters. Hokej.cz reports that this early arrival is intended to help players adjust to the thin air and the specific dimensions of the Davos ice rink.
Ondřej Rohlík, the most productive player for Plzeň, expressed a grounded outlook regarding the transition to the knockout format. “I don’t think it will be restrictive. A completely different part of the competition starts now and everything can change,” Rohlík told Hokej.cz.
Coach Jiří Veber emphasized the difficulty of the upcoming matchup despite Davos’s current standing in their domestic league. “I know that nothing simple awaits us. Although the opponent is not moving in the positions they would like this season, it will certainly be a demanding match,” Veber stated, as reported by Hokej.cz.
The round of sixteen features several high-stakes matchups across Europe. The following schedule for the opening games was provided by Hokej.cz:
| Date | Time | Matchup |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, Nov 10 | 17:30 | KooKoo Kouvola (FIN) – Eisbären Berlin (DEL) |
| Tuesday, Nov 10 | 19:00 | Rögle Ängelholm (SWE) – Skellefteå AIK (SWE) |
| Tuesday, Nov 10 | 19:00 | Växjö Lakers (SWE) – Frölunda Gothenburg (SWE) |
| Tuesday, Nov 10 | 19:30 | Adler Mannheim (DEL) – Tappara Tampere (FIN) |
| Tuesday, Nov 10 | 19:45 | HC Davos (SWI) – HC Škoda Plzeň |
| Wednesday, Nov 11 | 17:30 | SaiPa Lappeenranta (FIN) – HC Dynamo Pardubice |
| Wednesday, Nov 11 | 19:30 | Kölner Haie (DEL) – Bílí Tygři Liberec |
| Wednesday, Nov 11 | 19:45 | Genève-Servette (SWI) – Fribourg-Gottéron (SWI) |
The second leg of the series between HC Škoda Plzeň and HC Davos is scheduled to take place in the Czech Republic next week.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and scientific communication purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment plan.