Ice hockey leagues prepare for 2026/27 season starts

The 2026/27 ice hockey season is commencing across various European leagues. In Austria, the Carinthian Ice Hockey Association (KEHV) is implementing several structural changes. President Michael Herzog-Löschnig noted that the league structure has been adapted to meet club needs. The AHC Division 2 will feature a new format with regional groups followed by an interregional playoff to determine the champion. Additionally, a pilot project in Division 2 East will test new scoring regulations and include the Bosnian U20 national team.

In Germany, the 33rd season of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL) runs from September 17, 2026, to April 30, 2027. The season features 14 teams, including defending champions Eisbären Berlin and promoted side Krefeld Pinguine. The league schedule includes a break in November for the Deutschland Cup in Düsseldorf, which serves as a test run for the 2027 World Championship. The regular season follows a round-robin format, leading into playoffs to determine the German champion.