Kouvolan KooKoo and Lappeenrannan SaiPa, two Finnish ice hockey teams, have positioned themselves to enter the Champions Hockey League (CHL) next season, contingent on their performance in the regular season. The CHL is a prestigious competition comprising 24 European club teams, selected based on their success in their respective leagues during the prior season. According to Jussi Markkanen, the league's sports director, the top three teams in the league will qualify for the CHL, with specific criteria based on whether the league champion is among these top teams.

As of now, with one regular-season game left, KooKoo is ranked second, while SaiPa holds the third position, both tied on points. The final standings among these teams will be determined following their clash on Tuesday night. This match is crucial, as it can secure a place for one of these teams in the upcoming international tournament, thus elevating the profile of Finnish ice hockey on a broader stage.

However, participation in the CHL has drawn criticism from clubs due to the financial burdens associated with playing in an international league, which some teams describe as a "money pit." They face substantial costs to compete at a European level, including travel expenses for international matches. While the potential for prize money exists, the logistics and financial implications raise concerns among Finnish clubs about the long-term sustainability of their involvement in the CHL.