Giants in Europe: Your Guide to the 2027 IIHF Continental Cup

Following last season’s Motorpoint Elite League triumph, the Giants will travel to Rouen, France, from Friday 13 to Sunday 15 November, where they will compete in three games across three days for a place in the Continental Cup final in January 2027.

With the Giants preparing to represent Belfast on the European stage once again, here’s everything you need to know about the competition, the opposition, and how to follow the action from home.

About the Continental Cup

Organised by the IIHF, the Continental Cup is Europe’s second-tier competition, bringing together domestic champions and leading teams from across the continent for international silverware. The tournament provides an opportunity for clubs to test themselves against opposition from different European leagues, with teams progressing through a series of qualifying stages before reaching the final.

The Giants will enter this season’s competition at the second-round stage, joining seven other clubs across two groups of four. The top three teams from each group will progress to the six-team Continental Cup final, scheduled for 14 to 17 January 2027.

The competition also holds a special place in Giants history, with the club previously enjoying a memorable run to the 2019 final in the 2018/19 season. After progressing through the qualifying stages, the Giants earned the opportunity to host the final at home in January 2019, competing against some of Europe’s leading clubs and finishing as runners-up.

Eight years on, Keefe’s side will look to build on that success and take another step towards securing the Giants’ first European title.

Our Opposition

The Giants have been drawn into Group C alongside hosts Dragons de Rouen, Polish champions GKS Katowice, and Latvian side HK Mogo, with all three games taking place at the Patinoire Nathalie Péchalat in Rouen.

Dragons de Rouen (France)

One of the most successful clubs in French ice hockey, the Dragons de Rouen have enjoyed considerable domestic success and have previously lifted the Continental Cup.

With extensive experience in European competition, home ice advantage, and the backing of their supporters, the French side will provide a significant challenge for the Giants.

GKS Katowice (Poland)

GKS Katowice will be familiar opponents for Giants fans who followed the club’s Continental Cup run during the 2018/19 season. The two sides met twice during that campaign, including at the final tournament hosted in Belfast.

The Polish champions have established themselves as one of their country’s leading clubs and will aim to continue their European journey when they arrive in Rouen.

HK Mogo (Latvia)

Completing the group are HK Mogo, who secured their place in November’s tournament following a dramatic qualification campaign. The Latvian side overturned a 3-1 deficit to defeat Ukraine’s Sokil Kyiv 4-3 in overtime during their decisive qualifying fixture, finishing top of their group to book their place in France.

Mogo also reached the Continental Cup final in Nottingham last season, bringing valuable experience of the competition into November’s fixtures.

Fixtures and How to Watch

The Giants will play three games across the weekend of Friday 13 to Sunday 15 November, with all fixtures taking place at the Patinoire Nathalie Péchalat in Rouen.

The opening game against hosts Dragons de Rouen is scheduled for Friday 13 November, with face-off at 7pm UK time (8pm local time).

• Friday 13 November – Belfast Giants vs Dragons de Rouen (7pm GMT)
• Saturday 14 November – Belfast Giants vs HK Mogo (2pm GMT)
• Sunday 15 November – Belfast Giants vs GKS Katowice (12pm GMT)

The Giants will need to finish among the top three teams in Group C to secure progression to January’s Continental Cup final.

They will be joined by three qualifying teams from Group D, which will take place simultaneously in Asiago, Italy and feature hosts HC Asiago, Kazakhstan’s Nomad Astana, Denmark’s Herlev Eagles, and Romania’s Corona Brașov.

Not travelling to Rouen? The Teal Army will still be able to follow the Giants’ European campaign from home, with Continental Cup games available to stream via IIHF.TV. Fans can visit IIHF.TV for further information on accessing coverage, including any applicable subscription or viewing requirements.