CHH Txuri Urdin: A Pillar of Spanish Ice Hockey
Founded in 1972, Club Hockey Hielo Txuri Urdin Izotz Hockey Taldea (CHH Txuri Urdin) is an esteemed ice hockey club based in Donostia–San Sebastián, in Spain's Basque Country. The team's name, "Txuri Urdin," translates to "white and blue" in Basque, reflecting the club's official colors. Since its inception, CHH Txuri Urdin has been a significant force in Spanish ice hockey, contributing to the sport's development and popularity in the region.
Origins and Early Development
CHH Txuri Urdin was initially established as the reserve team for Real Sociedad HH, one of the six founding clubs of the Superliga Española de Hockey Hielo, the predecessor to the current Liga Nacional de Hockey Hielo (LNHH). The reserve team made its debut in the Superliga during the 1974–75 season. Following the dissolution of Real Sociedad HH in 1976, CHH Txuri Urdin emerged as an independent entity, stepping into the spotlight of Spanish ice hockey.
Men's Team Achievements
The men's team of CHH Txuri Urdin has a distinguished record in the LNHH. They have secured the Spanish Championship title 12 times, with victories in the years 1976, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1992, 1993, 1995, 1999, 2000, 2017, 2018, and 2019. This accomplishment places them as the second most successful team in the league's history, following CH Jaca. Additionally, the team has been runners-up on seven occasions: 1978, 1979, 1991, 1994, 2005, 2016, and 2020. Their success extends to the Copa del Rey de Hockey Hielo, where they have claimed the title eight times, in 1979, 1980, 1990, 1991, 1994, 2000, 2016, and 2018. In 1993, they also won the Euskal Herriko Kopa, further cementing their dominance in regional competitions.
Women's Team Formation and Success
In the 2014–15 season, CHH Txuri Urdin expanded by establishing a women's team to compete in the Liga Nacional de Hockey Hielo Femenino (LNHHF), also known as the Liga Iberdrola de Hockey Hielo due to sponsorship agreements. The women's team has demonstrated remarkable progress, achieving their first Spanish Championship title in 2022. That same year, they also secured their inaugural Copa de la Reina de Hockey Hielo Femenino. Prior to these victories, the team had been runners-up in the Spanish Championship in 2019 and 2021. Their 2022 triumphs earned them a spot in the 2023 tournament of the EWHL Super Cup, marking a significant milestone in their competitive journey.
Home Arena and Community Engagement
Both the men's and women's teams play their home games at the Txuri Urdin Izotz Jauregia, an ice rink located in Donostia–San Sebastián. The arena serves as a central hub for the local ice hockey community, hosting numerous games and events that foster the sport's growth in the region. CHH Txuri Urdin's commitment to nurturing local talent and promoting ice hockey has been instrumental in developing the sport within the Basque Country and across Spain.
Recent Developments and Future Prospects
In recent years, CHH Txuri Urdin has continued to build on its legacy. The men's team secured consecutive Spanish Championship titles in 2017, 2018, and 2019, reaffirming their position at the pinnacle of Spanish ice hockey. The women's team's rapid ascent, culminating in their 2022 championship victory, highlights the club's successful efforts in promoting women's participation in the sport. As of 2025, both teams remain competitive in their respective leagues, with aspirations to add more titles to their storied history.
CHH Txuri Urdin's enduring success and dedication to the sport have solidified its status as a cornerstone of Spanish ice hockey. The club's rich history, marked by numerous championships and a commitment to community engagement, continues to inspire future generations of players and fans alike.