The Belfast Giants now know exactly what stands between them and Continental Cup glory. Adam Keefe’s side will face GKS Katowice of Poland and Rouen Dragons of France in the second round of the EIHL‘s premier European competition, with the group scheduled for 13–15 November. The Giants are chasing one better than their 2019 run — when they fell at the final hurdle — and this draw gives them a real shot at doing it.
Belfast Giants Continental Cup Group Takes Shape
The November group has a familiar feel to it. GKS Katowice are no strangers to the Giants — the two sides clashed twice during Belfast’s last Continental Cup campaign, including in the final held at the SSE Arena. Rouen Dragons bring French flair to what should be a fiercely contested group, with Rouen currently listed as the candidate hosts for the event.
However, the group is not yet complete. A fourth side will emerge from Group A, which takes place over the weekend of 16–18 October. The candidates for that qualifying spot are HK Mogo of Latvia, Sokil Kyiv of Ukraine, Jaca of Spain, and Elektrenai Energija of Lithuania — listed as the potential hosts. Notably, Mogo made it through the first round last season to reach the final in Nottingham, so they know what this stage demands.
The Road to the Continental Cup Final
On the other side of the draw, Corona Brasov, Budapest JKA, Zagreb, and Sputnik compete in October for a place in the second-round group alongside Nomad Astana, Herlev Eagles, and HC Asiago. Meanwhile, the top three teams from each November group will advance to the Final, set to take place from 14–17 January.
The stakes couldn’t be higher for British ice hockey. Only two EIHL clubs have ever lifted the IIHF Continental Cup — Nottingham Panthers and Cardiff Devils. Furthermore, by winning the competition in 2026, the Panthers became the first UK team to claim the trophy twice. Belfast will be desperate to add their name to that list. Keefe’s squad know the route. Now they need to walk it.