Alps Hockey League (Austria) 2026/27

The Alps Hockey League is a cross-border ice hockey competition involving nations around the Alpine region. It was established in 2016 as a joint venture between the federations of Austria, Italy, and Slovenia to merge their respective second-tier leagues. The league operates below the top domestic tiers, serving as a developmental platform that prioritizes youth growth over direct promotion. Unlike many national structures, there is no formal system of relegation or promotion between the AlpsHL and the premier divisions of the participating countries. Participation relies on agreements between the national bodies and financial sustainability. The competition is defined by its multinational character, bringing together clubs from Austria, Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia. The season structure consists of a regular round-robin phase followed by specialized stages. The top teams enter a Master Round, while others compete in Qualification Rounds, both culminating in Best-of-Seven play-off finals. This format ensures competitive balance across different levels of the league. Notable participants include HC Gherdëina, a top-tier Italian club that competes in this second-tier environment. Reserve sides also feature prominently, such as the Red Bull Hockey Juniors, highlighting the league's focus on player development alongside senior competition. The title race has been closely contested, with Asiago Hockey, HK Olimpija, and Ritten Sport each securing two championships historically. In the most recent campaign, EK Zeller Eisbären claimed the crown after defeating HDD Jesenice in the final series. The inclusion of KHL Sisak from Croatia in the 2024–25 season further expanded the geographical scope of the tournament, reinforcing its identity as a regional sporting entity distinct from purely national championships.