Release from 05.06.2020

Alps Hockey League 2020/21: 16 teams | 3 scenarios

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For the 2020/21 season in the Alps Hockey League, 16 teams have basic permission to play in the competition. The EK Die Zeller Eisbären did not receive a federation approval and the Vienna Capitals Silver withdrew their nomination for participation. Due to the current corona situation, three framework scenarios were considered in coordination with all partners.

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With the start of the off-ice training the first teams of the Alps Hockey League have taken a step back to a regulated preparation for the season. The league and the clubs are aiming for a league start at the end of September or beginning of October with 16 teams from Italy, Austria and Slovenia. Not participating in the 2020/21 season will be the EK Zeller Eisbären, which were not approved by the association due to the resignation of the entire board in March. The team from Salzburg has been part of the international league since the Alps Hockey League 2016 began. Due to the corona situation, the other clubs were granted the right to withdraw their entries by 12.00 noon on 5 June. Vienna Capitals Silver made use of this right in due time.

"It is a great pity that we lose two strong partners with the EK Zeller Eisbären and the Vienna Capitals Silver. Those responsible did not make this decision easy. This step is of course to be respected", explains BOG chairman Matjaž Rakovec.

Three scenarios for the 2020/21 season
Due to the current situation and limited planning possibilities, two additional alternative scenarios were integrated into the 2020/21 tender. In the case of possible national requirements in Italy, Austria or Slovenia, the competition could be sub-regional or even regional.

In order to be able to assess and classify all influencing factors up to the start of the league in the best possible way, the Board of Governors and the league organisation is in constant communication with the clubs and also with the responsible authorities.

"We have a major responsibility here and take all challenges very seriously. Thanks to the constant exchange and mergers at various levels, we are optimistic that we will be able to present good results in compliance with all regulations. In order to be prepared for all eventualities and to be able to react quickly, regional and sub-regional alternative scenarios have been developed," emphasizes President Matjaž Rakovec.