Kouvolan KooKoo, coached by Jouko Myrrä and led by Otto Paajanen, emerged as a surprise contender in the SM-liiga by securing the second place in the regular season, showcasing strong offensive and defensive capabilities with the second highest goals scored and third lowest goals allowed. This achievement is significant for a club of KooKoo's stature, marking a commendable performance in domestic ice hockey.

However, the reward for their regular season success comes with a catch; the team is required to participate in the Champions Hockey League (CHL) next season, which many view as more of a punishment than an honor. The CHL’s format allows participation for the top three teams from Finland's regular season, depending on whether the champion belongs to this group. Despite the level of competition, there is a prevailing sentiment that the CHL has become a burden for many teams in recent years, leading to questions about the actual benefits of competing in this league.

KooKoo's situation raises concerns regarding the viability and prestige of the Champions Hockey League; the team’s unwanted inclusion serves as a reflection of broader issues within the CHL structure that many feel detract from the value of participating. As they prepare for this challenge, KooKoo must also consider the implications it may have on their future, particularly if competing in the CHL negatively affects their performance in the domestic league and the expectations of their supporters.