The 2025/26 ICEHL season is over and has found its worthy champion in the Graz99ers. However, it is still unclear what the field of participants and the mode of the next season will look like.
Above all, the still unclear field of participants makes it impossible to provide clarity regarding the mode. Two factors are currently preventing this. On the one hand, the more than shaky future of the Pioneers Vorarlberg, and on the other hand, the open application of the Milan club that has not yet been founded.
Division division with 14 teams is an issue
And so a lot of things are possible at the moment, including a league with 14 participating clubs. And according to the “Kleine Zeitung” there are supposed to be considerations about dividing the league into two divisions based on the NHL model. The background is clear: one of the clubs’ biggest concerns is the long journeys to Milan. Therefore, this divisional division is intended to provide relief. What this might look like in concrete terms is still unclear.
In general, a lot would have to come together for it to even get to this point. The Milanese’s application is concrete, as Lyle Seitz, “Director of Hockey Operations” confirmed to the “Kleine Zeitung”: “The Milanese’s plan is long-term. They will have their own youth department and already fulfill many points on our list of obligations.”
Milan would be an added value for the league
And Seitz also explains why a Milan team could also have added value for the league: “In order for us as a league to be able to take the next step economically, we need clubs from big cities. They definitely have to bring financial added value for our league.” But at least eight teams have to vote at the general assembly for the Italians to join. It is not yet possible to predict whether this majority will be achieved.
Decision about the future of the Pioneers is approaching
The future of the Pioneers Vorarlberg is much shakier. A lack of financial resources could mean the end of Vorarlberger, although this has not yet been confirmed. An official decision is expected soon. And with 12 or 13 teams, the idea of dividing divisions would become obsolete again.
Pic: ICEHL
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