In previous attempts (Barcelona – SPA 2003 and Székesfehérvár - HUN 1997), Barcelona didn't win its group but this time could be the right chances to advance in European campaign for Spanish champion and with this goal team will play in Ankara, according to new coach Ramon Baron words: “Our main goal is to win group, the main problem is lack of informations about our rivals. I guess our main opponent will be Turkish team but it depends how crisis and funds cuts will reflects on imports signs. Without informations we can't prepare a specific tactic for each opponent, so we will try to play our style in best way possible”

Spanish hockey fans remember the last game versus a Turkish team, a 5-4 defeat of Piugcerdà opposited at Kocaeli BK in 2007-08 Continental Cup, but Turkish team was strenghtened by imports, well different from current Polis Akademisi situation.

For readers not familiar with Spanish hockey, bear in mind that FC Barcelona hockey is completely different from strong and full of superstars football section: roster is mainly composed by national amateur players and 4 or 5 professional imports. More: from last victorious campaign in domestic league, Barcelona roster suffered notable losses: Pablo Muñoz and Swedish Jonas Norberg (league top scorers), Swedish defender Johnnie Bjorklund and captain Ivan Codina aren't more in the roster. Won't be easy for new contracted – French David Gaydon, Swedish Mikael Boberg and Serbian veteran Aleksandr Kosic - replace them, but Continental Cup will be an important test for them, even if objectively roster seems weaker then 2008-09 season.

In spanish hockey small world, Continental Cup partecipation is just an “award” for have won league and an opportunity to gain experience at international level, but without any dream of glory