Last Friday, the win2day ICE Hockey League 2025/26 season of the Steinbach Black Wings Linz ended with a 1:5 home defeat against EC iDM Heat Pumps VSV. Now we look ahead.
While the process of coming to terms with a disappointing season is underway, attention is already turning to the coming season, which starts on September 18th. There could then be an even number of participants in the league: Milan, venue for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, would like to enter the league with a financially strong investor. However, the long journey and the relaxed naturalization rules in Italy are viewed critically, which is why no clear yes is currently expected from Linz.
The foreigner regulations in the league are also being discussed further. The existing model with a maximum of ten legionnaires per team, which was agreed upon with the association, is to be retained until 2026/27.
New players should already be under contract
The Black Wings themselves are currently conducting season analyzes and exit discussions with the players. Some new additions are said to have already been confirmed, but will only be officially announced later. The season-ending party is planned for the coming weekend in the VIP rooms of the Linz-AG ice arena.
Despite the disappointment after the playoff exit against Villach, they are eager to show everyone that they have more quality. Defense attorney Gerd Kragl told the “Upper Austrian news“: The exit against Villach is bitter, we weren’t finished yet. Something like that lights a fire in us. We’re grumpy – and we’ll take that with us into the new season.”
Image: Black Wings Linz/Eisenbauer
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