Release from 18.08.2026

Graz defenceman Paul Stapelfeldt: “Everyone wants to beat the defending champions”

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The Moser Medical Graz99ers stormed through the 2026 playoffs unbeaten and were crowned the seventh champions since the league was newly founded. Defenceman Paul Stapelfeldt, the first player in win2day ICE Hockey League history to win five consecutive titles, talks about the ongoing preseason, participation in the Champions Hockey League, and the aim to defend their title.

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For the first time in league history, the Moser Medical Graz99ers enter the new season as defending champions. “It’s definitely a special feeling because you’re constantly reminded of what you achieved last season. That naturally creates a certain amount of pressure, because you know: everyone wants to beat the defending champions. The games will probably be even tougher. We want to show in every game why we achieved this and that we’re pursuing the same goal again this season. We have another very strong squad with the potential to be right at the top. Of course, we want to bring that onto the ice – and that starts with good summer preparation,” says Paul Stapelfeldt, the first player in league history to win five consecutive championships.

Training camp in Kitzbühel and test games against Mannheim
Most recently, the Styrians spent five days at a training camp in Kitzbühel, during which they played two test games against Adler Mannheim. After losing the first matchup, the win2day ICE Hockey League champions celebrated a 4–3 victory against the DEL runners-up on Sunday. “The training camp was very valuable. It’s important for us as a team to get to know the new players even better and grow closer together again. It definitely has been and still is a major success factor for us that we have a very tight-knit, united squad where everyone can trust each other,” explains Stapelfeldt. He also attaches significance to the win against Mannheim: “Even though it’s only preseason – a team like Mannheim, which has a very strong squad, is not easy to beat. And that gives you confidence. Last year we lost both test games quite clearly. You could see that we improved significantly from the first to the second game.”

Preparing for the Champions Hockey League
For Graz, the three additional test games against high-calibre opponents are also ideal preparation for the Champions Hockey League. The Styrians return to Europe’s top ice hockey stage in early September with two home games – against Fribourg and Bordeaux. “It’s great to be able to compete against the best teams in Europe. We know there are some very big names waiting for us. Especially the home game against the current Swiss champions will probably be a real highlight for us. We also want to show there why we became champions and win games,” says Stapelfeldt.