League President Alexander Gruber has in courier-InterView about the current situation and future of the ICE Hockey League. It is about new markets, TV presence, economic concerns and the delicate foreigner regulation.
Budapest as a profit for the league
With the start of the Hungarian capital club, Gruber expects positive effects: “We hope for a push in terms of marketing and visibility. Budapest is a sporting and infrastructure of a heavyweight.” Although the additional costs, “but overall I see it positively to have won another capital as an ice hockey location.”
More visibility through ORF and streaming
The media presence remains a central factor. Gruber is pleased with the new partnership with the ORF: “It is very positive that the ORF has given a real commitment. Eight games on ORF 1 are planned.” It is also important that ice hockey is now easier to do in other programs – “that brings us further in public perception.”
Gruber also sees progress in streaming: “We already have more streaming tickets compared to the same time last season.” However, income will not simply be distributed evenly: “If a team achieves much better results, this will not be distributed with the watering can.”
Financial challenges in clubs
Some clubs are concerned about the economic framework. “There have been question marks at Feldkirch for a long time, which has now been clarified,” says Gruber. “A lot depends on the audience revenue in Villach – the sporting development will be crucial.”
Close toothing with the association
When asked about the recently negative headlines at the ÖEHV, Gruber emphasizes the need for close cooperation: “Nobody differentiates between the national team, association and league in public. If a part is bad, it affects everyone.”
Dispute of foreigners regulation
The use of legionnaires remains a permanent topic. Ten per game can currently be used, but Gruber thinks about new models: “A vision would be that players from all nations involved are considered ‘at home’ – a Slovenian in Vienna or an Austrian in Ljubljana. That would strengthen the league as a whole, but is a sensitive topic.”
