Last year, Austria’s national team wrote to the
IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship History and sensationally made it to the quarter-finals. The euphoria was huge, the team surprised the whole of Hockey Austria. But a year later the conditions are completely different.
For the 2026 World Cup, the ÖEHV team travels to Zurich with numerous cancellations – and suddenly instead of the quarter-finals, it’s all about one question: Is it enough to stay in the league?
The NHL stars are missing
The failures of the biggest Austrian hopes are particularly painful.
Marco Rossi and
Marco Kasper are not available to the team. This means that Austria is not only missing two NHL players, but also the most important offensive forces.
Also
David Reinbacher
missing. The young defender was considered a hope for the defense and the power play. Without him, the team lacks a modern two-way defenseman with NHL potential.
In addition, there are further cancellations and injuries that further weaken the squad.
The offensive becomes a major construction site
Austria lacks depth this year, especially in attack. Many players suddenly have to take on larger roles than originally planned.
The responsibility now falls on experienced players like
Dominic Zwerger,
Peter Schneider or
Vincent Rohrer. Rohrer in particular could become a key player with his speed and energy.
At the same time, several young players are getting their big chance on the World Cup stage. However, talent alone is rarely enough there – especially against physically strong nations.
The goalies could become the trump card
One of the greatest hopes lies in the goal. With
Atte Tolvanen and
David Kickert Austria has two strong goalies.
Strong goalkeepers could make the difference, especially in close games against direct competitors. If Austria wants to stay in the tournament, the team needs several outstanding performances between the posts.
Move into the knockout round
20 (35.09%)
Preliminary round exit
28 (49.12%)
descent
9 (15.79%)
Staying in the league becomes a real challenge
Compared to last year, the squad seems significantly thinner. While almost everything went perfectly in 2025, many things have to fall into place this year.
Austria will have to be defensively compact, avoid penalty times and use every scoring opportunity efficiently. In particular, the games against direct competitors in the bottom of the table could decide whether the team stays in the league.
The quality for surprises is still there – but without the top stars the starting position is much more difficult than it was a year ago.
Opportunity for the future?
Despite all the problems, the tournament could be important in the long term. Numerous young players are now given responsibility and international experience earlier.
Maybe this is exactly what the next generation of Austrian ice hockey will emerge from. In the short term, however, one thing counts above all: remaining in the A group.
Pic: ÖEHV/Joe Dorner
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