More than ten games have been played in the new ICE Hockey League season – making it the ideal time to take stock. The first few weeks have already offered everything that ice hockey fans love: plenty of goals, surprises, crises and sensations. Some teams significantly exceed expectations, others fall far short of their own expectations.
In order to better classify the achievements, we have created a small grading system:
Grade 1 stands for outstanding performances and positive surprises, Grade 2 for strong teams with an upward trend, Grade 3 for solid but not yet convincing teams, Grade 4 for disappointments and Grade 5 for teams in crisis. In the first part we start with grades 3, 4 and 5.
Grade 3 – Between expectations and reality
EC VSV – The surprise bag from Villach
At VSV you never really know what you’re going to get. The Villachers regularly deliver spectacles, whether positive or negative. An example: In the home game against Ferencvaros Budapest they led 3-0, gave up the game, but won in extra time.
VSV is currently in sixth place, tied with the teams in third to fifth place. What is particularly noticeable is the increase in performance of Nikita Scherbak, who, alongside Kevin Hancock and Elias Wallenta, is finally showing his great potential and leading the internal scorers list. The first line around John Hughes and Adam Helewka has so far remained below expectations, even though Helewka recently scored a game winner.
Goalkeeper Joe Cannata and Rene Swette – the oldest goalie duo in the league – present themselves as reliable and solid. The VSV remains a dangerous opponent for everyone, but needs to become more stable in order to establish itself at the top permanently.
EC Red Bull Salzburg – The champions are looking for their form
The series champion from Salzburg is having an unusually difficult time this year. Currently only in fifth place, they lack the usual sovereignty. Whether the double burden with the CHL continues to be a factor will become clear in the coming weeks.
The former parade line Schneider – Nissner – Raffl had to be separated early on because it could hardly set any accents. The new additions Travis St. Denis and Connor Corcoran are convincing, as they integrated quickly and provided important impetus. Despite the current weak phase, the champions should not be written off – Salzburg is known for getting up to speed in time for the crucial phase of the season.
Grade 4 – Disappointing and below expectations
Fehérvár AV19 – The Hungarians are in trouble
After a strong last season in which Fehérvár led the league for a long time, hardly anything is going according to plan this year. After eleven games, the Hungarians have 15 points and are only in ninth place. Although there were notable successes such as the last-minute win against Salzburg or an away win against VSV, overall that is not enough.
Since moving to the new arena the energy seems to have been lost a bit. The squad is quite strong with players like Janos Hari, Tim Campbell and ex-Salzburg player Drake Rymsha. But the consistency is missing and the self-confidence is visibly broken. Fehérvár urgently needs to improve in order to get back into the circle of the top teams.
Vienna Capitals – Things should look up after the coach was fired
The Vienna Capitals are the first team of the season to draw personnel conclusions. After a disappointing start with just four wins from eleven games and tenth place in the table, head coach Gerry Fleming was placed on leave on Monday.
They had upgraded properly over the summer. With Linden Vey, the Caps signed one of the most well-known players in the entire league. The Hults brothers, Simon Bourque and the Austrians Raphael Wolf and Marco Richter should also provide new energy. But so far there has been no big breakthrough.
The potential is undoubtedly there in the squad, but a lot of things are not going well in terms of play. Now it’s up to the new coaching team to find the right mix and get the team back on track. The next few weeks will be crucial as to whether Vienna can move back towards the top half of the table or remain mediocre.
Grade 5 – Crisis clubs and problem children
HC Innsbruck – The weakest defense in the league
The season didn’t start well for HC Innsbruck: Coach Smotherman withdrew shortly before the start of the season for personal reasons, and Ryan Kinasewich took over at short notice. The starting phase was catastrophic: in the first six games there were five defeats, including one 1:8 and one 3:9.
But there are bright spots. The Haie surprisingly defeated the Graz99ers and defeated league leaders Laibach in a 6:7 spectacle after extra time. Steven Owre and new signing Sebastian Benker are convincing offensively, while goalie Matt Vernon has gained stability after initial problems. Nevertheless: With the most vulnerable defense in the league (49 goals conceded) and only one win after 60 minutes, the fight for the pre-playoffs will be extremely difficult.
Pioneers Vorarlberg – The weakest offense in the league
Like Innsbruck, the Pioneers Vorarlberg got off to a miserable start. Just one win from the first eight games and a total of 21 goals in 12 games – that’s simply not enough. The team plays aggressively, but the quality in finishing is lacking.
The Pioneers also conceded 49 goals, the second-highest number in the league. If the offense doesn’t ignite soon, the dream of the playoffs could be dashed early.
Black Wings Linz – From semi-finalists to bottom
What’s going on in Linz? The semi-finalist from the previous season, who forced the KAC into the seventh game, is not getting going at all this year. After ten games there are only two wins and eight defeats – that means the end of the table. There is no lack of individual class: players like Graham Knott, Brian Lebler, Travis Barron and Shawn St-Amant regularly score points. The biggest construction site, however, is the goalkeeper duo: Tirronen (86.8%) and Höneckl (85.5%) deliver underground catch rates, which is also reflected in the 41 goals conceded. Now it’s up to head coach Philipp Lukas to turn things around. The fans in Linz continue to loyally support the team – but they urgently need results, otherwise there is a risk of a long, difficult season.
Conclusion
After just over ten match days, the 2025/26 season of the ICE Hockey League is more exciting than ever before. Ljubljana, Pustertal and Bolzano surprise and delight with strong ice hockey, while heavyweights like Salzburg, Fehérvár, Vienna and Linz are still looking for their form.
The KAC is on the upswing, Budapest is causing enthusiasm as a newcomer, and Innsbruck and Vorarlberg are fighting the crisis in the bottom of the table.
Image: Black Wings Linz/Eisenbauer
