European club ice hockey is set for a distinctly Nordic climax. On 3 March 2026, the Champions Hockey League Final will be played in Gothenburg, where Frölunda Gothenburg and Luleå Hockey will battle for the European Trophy in a winner-takes-all showdown. The Final will take place at the iconic Scandinavium, one of Scandinavia’s most storied indoor arenas and a landmark of Swedish ice hockey culture. Gothenburg earned hosting rights after Frölunda finished the 2025/26 Champions Hockey League season with the best overall points tally, collecting 26 points, just ahead of Luleå’s 25. The exact face-off time is expected to be confirmed in the coming days.
A Rivalry Written into CHL History
This Final carries a strong sense of déjà vu. It is only the second time in Champions Hockey League history that Frölunda and Luleå meet in the title decider, and the eighth encounter between the two clubs in the competition overall. Their first Final clash dates back to the league’s inaugural 2014/15 season, when Luleå defeated Frölunda 4–2 to lift the very first CHL trophy. More than a decade later, the same two teams return to the biggest stage in European club hockey, but with the balance subtly shifted. This time, Frölunda will enjoy home-ice advantage in front of a passionate Gothenburg crowd, while Luleå arrive with the memory—and confidence—of having prevailed in their previous Final meeting.
Swedish Hockey at the Center of Europe
An all-Swedish Final is a powerful statement about the depth and consistency of Sweden’s domestic hockey system. Both clubs are among the most stable and internationally experienced in Europe, blending strong youth development with tactical discipline and elite-level intensity. Their presence in the Final also underlines the continued influence of the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) within the broader European landscape. For neutral fans, the matchup promises a high-tempo, technically refined contest; for Swedish supporters, it is a prestige duel that extends far beyond a single night.
About the Champions Hockey League
The Champions Hockey League is fully owned and operated by Champions Hockey League AG/Ltd. Its shareholders include 26 European clubs, six national leagues (Austria, Czechia, Finland, Germany, Sweden and Switzerland), and the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF). The 2025/26 season features 24 teams, 101 games, and a single goal: crowning the champions of European club ice hockey. Official highlights and match clips are made available through the league’s YouTube channel and can be embedded freely for online media use with proper credit.
As March approaches, anticipation will continue to build. One city, one arena, two rivals—and only one European champion. Gothenburg is ready.
Read more on CHL.hockey
