Ovation Sports concludes Champions Hockey League campaign

Kriens, Switzerland - November 25, 2009

Since April 2009, when the Champions Hockey League was officially postponed due to the world's economic crisis, Ovation Sports has had one sole objective: to bring the League back for the 2010/2011 season. For months, we have put all our efforts into bringing in new investors and a fresh commercial concept towards the goal of an enduring CHL.

Today, it is with sadness we announce we will be discontinuing our campaign. Despite our best efforts, and many close calls, we have not been successful.

We want to thank everyone at the IIHF and the National Federations, as well as the participating leagues and clubs, our sponsors, broadcast partners and service providers and especially our highly dedicated staff. Without their overwhelming belief in the CHL and the talents and determination they devoted to it, the inaugural season would never have been.

Since the CHL's inception in 2007, Ovation has been exclusively dedicated to its' development, launch and triumph. We are extremely proud of the first CHL season. The wonderful reception from fans across Europe, the support and dedication of the clubs and players and the positive comments from media around the globe prove its success and the desire for Europe to have a league of its own.

Our belief was that European hockey deserved such a league and that history would be made on CHL ice. The presentation of the league, the professionalism and the quality of the games was proof. Who will ever forget the unbelievable 5-0 win by the ZSC Lions over Russian powerhouse Metallurg Magnitogorsk in the first CHL Final? Not to mention their unexpected and legendary victory, a few months later over the NHL's Chicago Blackhawks at the 2009 Victoria Cup. Certainly, we won't.

The memories of all the extraordinary games played in the CHL's inaugural season, leave us determined to continue our on-going commitment to the growth and development of Ice Hockey in Europe.

All the best for this hockey season,

Ovation Sports AG