According to the “ORF”, ice hockey in St. Pölten is facing an uncertain future. With the termination of the Okanagan Hockey Academy from summer 2026, there is no clear concept for further talent training.
The Okanagan Hockey Academy has been training young ice hockey players in St. Pölten since 2009, mostly from abroad and for high fees. Only a sixth of the athletes come from Austria – one reason why the education directorate is ending the partnership. In 15 years, only three Lower Austrians made the leap into professional hockey, which state vice president Udo Landbauer criticized as being too low. After leaving the academy, training ends at the lower level, although the location and infrastructure are unique in Austria.
Ex-professional Patrick Harand therefore presented a concept to enable talent from the “LA Stars” to continue in high school. The St. Pölten School Performance Center is also calling for a solution. However, the regional association is initially rejecting a high school model and is focusing on investing in younger age groups. Politics, sport and education should make a decision by 2026. The opportunity to restart domestic talent promotion is considered historic.
