General Meeting sets important course for the further development of the win2day ICE Hockey League

The two-day General Meeting in Villach was marked by constructive and solution-oriented discussions. In addition to current organizational matters, a major focus was on medium- and long-term strategic issues and on the sustainable development of the league.

There was a clear shared understanding regarding the league’s international orientation: all 14 league teams unanimously reaffirmed their intention to continue on the chosen international path. The cross-border structure is a key element of the win2day ICE Hockey League’s identity and positioning for the clubs and forms the common basis for further strategic considerations.

Another central topic concerned possible future roster regulations. To examine different models and their potential impacts in detail and to develop well-founded bases for decisions, the establishment of a dedicated working group was agreed. This group will include representatives from all four league nations – Austria, Italy, Slovenia, and Hungary. The working group is tasked with evaluating various approaches and developing possible models for the league’s future direction.

Statement by Erich Falkensteiner, Vice President of the win2day ICE Hockey League: “The General Meeting has shown that our 14 clubs present a united front on the essential questions of future direction. We discussed various strategic topics in a very constructive manner. With the working group on possible future roster regulations, we are deliberately opting for a structured process in which all four league nations are represented and can contribute their perspectives.”

“At the same time, as a league we are closely monitoring developments within the Austrian federation and are viewing the handling of key sporting and structural issues with a critical eye. Here we would like to see more clarity, transparency, and above all a recognizable vision for the future.”

‘No Return’ rule introduced for overtime
The win2day ICE Hockey League has approved a new rule designed to promote more active and attacking play during sudden-death overtime. Starting with the 2026/27 regular season, the so-called “No Return Rule” will apply to three-on-three overtime, following its successful implementation in the Champions Hockey League. The rule applies during sudden-death overtime when both teams are at equal numerical strength of three skaters and one goaltender on the ice, including situations in which a goaltender has been replaced by an additional skater.

Under the new rule, a team that has possession and control of the puck in the Attacking Zone may not carry, pass, or otherwise play the puck back into the Neutral Zone or its own Defending Zone. If a team violates the rule, play will be stopped and a face-off will be conducted in the offending team’s Defending Zone. No line change will be permitted following the stoppage. The introduction of the No Return Rule is intended to encourage teams to maintain offensive pressure and create scoring opportunities during overtime, while preventing teams from repeatedly and deliberately retreating into their own half of the ice to reset and build a new attack.

The rule change was among the strategic decisions discussed and approved at the General Meeting in Villach, reflecting the league’s continued focus on developing the game and enhancing the on-ice product for players and fans.

Overall, the General Meeting underlined the shared commitment of all 14 clubs to the continuous development of the win2day ICE Hockey League, both on and off the ice. The strategic topics discussed will be further developed and specified within the relevant league bodies over the coming months.