EC VSV
EC VSV, officially known as EC iDM Wärmepumpen VSV, is an ice hockey
team based in Villach, Austria. Founded in 1923, they are one of the
oldest clubs in the country. The team plays its home games at the
Villacher Stadthalle, which has a capacity of approximately 4,800
spectators. The club's colors are blue and white, and their mascot
is an eagle, reflecting Villach's coat of arms.
After winning the second division title in the 1976–77 season, EC
VSV was promoted to Austria's highest league, where they have
remained since. The club has secured the Austrian championship six
times: in 1981, 1992, 1993, 1999, 2002, and 2006. Their 2005–06
championship was notable, with standout performances from players
like Dany Bousquet, who led the league in scoring, and goaltender
Gert Prohaska, who achieved a save percentage of 92.85%.
EC VSV has a longstanding rivalry with EC KAC, known as the
Carinthian Hockey Derby. This rivalry has produced memorable
matches, including a period between 2005 and 2007 when EC VSV
achieved 17 consecutive victories over their rivals. The club
continues to be a significant presence in Austrian ice hockey,
contributing to the sport's development and maintaining a dedicated
fan base.
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HC Litvínov
HC Litvínov, officially known as HC VERVA Litvínov due to
sponsorship, is a professional ice hockey team based in Litvínov,
Czech Republic. Established on November 8, 1945, the team has a rich
history in Czech ice hockey. They play their home games at the Ivan
Hlinka Stadion, named in honor of the legendary Czech player and
coach, with a seating capacity of approximately 6,011 spectators.
The team's colors are black and yellow.
Throughout its history, HC Litvínov has undergone several name
changes, reflecting various sponsorships and organizational shifts.
Notably, the club has been a consistent presence in the top tiers of
Czech and Czechoslovak ice hockey. They achieved significant success
by winning the Czech Extraliga championship in the 2014–15 season,
marking a pinnacle in the club's achievements. Prior to this, they
were runners-up in the 1995–96 season and secured second place in
the Czechoslovak Extraliga in the 1977–78, 1983–84, and 1990–91
seasons.
HC Litvínov is renowned for developing talented players who have
made substantial contributions both domestically and
internationally. The club continues to be a vital part of Czech ice
hockey, maintaining a dedicated fan base and a commitment to
excellence on the ice.
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Pionniers de Chamonix Mont-Blanc
The Pionniers de Chamonix Mont-Blanc are a French ice hockey team
based in Chamonix, Haute-Savoie. Established in 2016 through the
merger of two historic clubs, the Chamois de Chamonix and the
Pingouins de Morzine-Avoriaz, the team competes in France's top-tier
league, Ligue Magnus. The merger aimed to strengthen the clubs'
competitive edge following the league's restructuring, which reduced
the number of teams from 14 to 12. In their inaugural 2016–17
season, the Pionniers split home games between Chamonix and
Morzine-Avoriaz, but after the first season, the partnership with
Morzine-Avoriaz ended, and the team has since been based solely in
Chamonix. They play their home games at the Richard Bozon Ice Rink,
which has a seating capacity of approximately 1,800 spectators. The
team's colors are burgundy, white, and black. Despite being a
relatively new entity, the Pionniers carry forward the rich hockey
heritage of Chamonix, a city with deep roots in French ice hockey
history dating back to 1910. The club continues to develop local
talent and maintains a dedicated fan base, contributing to the
vibrant sports culture of the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc region.
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Starbulls Rosenheim
Starbulls Rosenheim, based in Rosenheim, Bavaria, is one of
Germany’s most historic ice hockey teams, founded in 1928. The team
plays its home games at the ROFA-Stadion, which accommodates around
4,927 spectators. Known for their green, white, red, and black
colors, the Starbulls have a rich legacy in German ice hockey,
particularly during the 1980s when they clinched three German
championships in 1982, 1985, and 1989. These victories solidified
their reputation as a powerhouse during that era.
In 2000, the club faced financial difficulties, leading to the sale
of their Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL) license to the Iserlohn
Roosters. This setback forced Starbulls Rosenheim to restart in the
lower tiers of German ice hockey. Despite the challenges, the team
demonstrated resilience and gradually worked their way back up. They
currently compete in DEL2, the second-highest professional ice
hockey league in Germany.
Starbulls Rosenheim has also played a significant role in fostering
local talent, contributing players to both domestic and
international competitions. Their strong community presence and
loyal fan base have kept the club as a central figure in Bavarian
ice hockey. Today, the team continues to strive for excellence while
honoring its storied legacy.
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Hockey Club Bolzano Foxes (HCB Südtirol Alperia)
Hockey Club Bolzano Foxes, known in Italian as HCB Alto Adige
Alperia and in German as HCB Südtirol Alperia, is a professional ice
hockey team based in Bolzano, South Tyrol, Italy. Established in
1933, the club has become the most successful in Italian ice hockey
history, securing 19 Serie A championships, with titles spanning
from 1963 to 2012. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
The team plays its home games at the Sparkasse Arena, which has a
seating capacity of approximately 7,200 spectators. In 2013, seeking
greater competition, HC Bolzano joined the Austrian-based ICE Hockey
League (formerly known as the Erste Bank Eishockey Liga).
Remarkably, they clinched the league championship in their debut
season (2013–14), becoming the first non-Austrian team to do so.
They replicated this success by winning another title in the 2017–18
season. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Throughout its history, HC Bolzano has been a pivotal force in
European ice hockey, participating in various international
competitions and contributing significantly to the sport's
development in Italy. The club continues to maintain a strong
presence in the ICE Hockey League, upholding its legacy of
excellence and fostering a dedicated fan base both locally and
internationally. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
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JKH GKS Jastrzębie
JKH GKS Jastrzębie is a professional ice hockey team based in
Jastrzębie-Zdrój, Poland. Founded in 1963, the team has become a key
player in the Polska Hokej Liga (PHL), Poland's highest ice hockey
league. The team’s home games are played at the Jastor arena, which
can host approximately 1,986 spectators. Their official colors are
green, yellow, and black, and they are well-known for their
passionate fan base and commitment to the sport’s development in the
region.
The club's journey has been marked by determination and resilience.
After spending years in lower divisions, they earned promotion to
the PHL in 2007. Since then, JKH GKS Jastrzębie has achieved
significant success, including four Polish Cup victories in 2013,
2019, 2020, and 2021. Their crowning achievement came in the 2020–21
season when they secured their first-ever Polish Championship title.
This milestone also qualified them for the Champions Hockey League,
where they competed on the international stage for the first time,
further solidifying their reputation.
JKH GKS Jastrzębie continues to play a vital role in Polish ice
hockey, focusing on competitive excellence and youth development.
The team’s consistent performance has established them as one of
Poland's premier ice hockey clubs.
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HDD Jesenice
Hokejsko drsalno društvo Jesenice (HDD Jesenice) is a professional
ice hockey team based in Jesenice, Slovenia. The club was
established in 2014 as a successor to Team Jesenice, which had
temporarily replaced HK Acroni Jesenice following its dissolution in
2012 due to financial difficulties. HDD Jesenice plays its home
games at the Podmežakla Hall, a venue with a capacity of
approximately 4,500 spectators. The team’s colors are red, white,
and black, continuing the iconic identity of Jesenice hockey.
HDD Jesenice competes in the Alps Hockey League (AHL), a
cross-border competition involving teams from Austria, Italy, and
Slovenia, as well as the Slovenian Ice Hockey League. The team
quickly found success after its formation, securing its first
Slovenian Championship title in the 2014–15 season and winning
several additional national titles in subsequent years. In 2023, HDD
Jesenice achieved a significant milestone by claiming the Alps
Hockey League championship, further solidifying its reputation as a
dominant force in regional hockey.
Jesenice is known as a hockey town with a rich tradition in the
sport, and HDD Jesenice continues to carry that legacy. The team is
dedicated to developing local talent and fostering a strong
connection with its passionate fan base, while competing at a high
level both nationally and internationally.
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HC Lugano
Hockey Club Lugano, or HC Lugano, is a professional ice hockey team
based in Lugano, Switzerland. Founded on February 11, 1941, the club
is one of the most successful in Swiss ice hockey history. HC Lugano
has won seven National League championships, with titles in 1986,
1987, 1988, 1990, 1999, 2003, and 2006. These victories cemented
their reputation as a powerhouse in Swiss ice hockey, particularly
during the 1980s and early 2000s. The team plays its home games at
the Cornèr Arena, a state-of-the-art venue with a capacity of
approximately 7,200 spectators.
The club's colors are black and white, and they are affectionately
referred to as the "Bianconeri." HC Lugano has a fierce rivalry with
HC Ambrì-Piotta, known as the "Derby Ticinese," which is one of the
most intense and celebrated rivalries in Swiss hockey. This rivalry
draws large crowds and showcases the passion for the sport in the
Ticino region.
HC Lugano has been home to many exceptional players over the years
and has played a pivotal role in developing Swiss ice hockey talent.
With a dedicated fan base and a history of success, HC Lugano
continues to be a cornerstone of Swiss ice hockey culture.
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