Austria’s para team prepares for World Cham­pi­onship in Czechia

The most important phase of the year is gradually getting under way for Austria’s para ice hockey national team. The ÖEHV team will compete at the 2026 Olomouc Cup from 28–30 August. The tournament will be an important part of Austria’s preparations for the World Para Ice Hockey C-Pool World Championship in Metepec, Mexico, from 8–13 December.

The ÖEHV team faces a very interesting and demanding tournament in Olomouc, featuring a mixture of Czech clubs and strong national teams. Austria will face the South Tyrol Eagles in its opening group game. Its other opponents are the Finnish national team, the reigning C-Pool world champions, and host club Para hokej Olomouc. A placement game will follow on Sunday.

The team will be led by Team Manager Libor Fischer, Head Coach Lucas Herrnegger and Assistant Coach Sandro Kalegaris. There is particular excitement within the squad about two new additions: Klaus Steinbauer and Lukas Schuh, both of KAC Para Eishockey, will make their national-team debuts in Czechia.

The squad at a glance:

• Michael Ossimitz (G – KAC Para Eishockey)
• Werner Pouzar (G – Graz99ers Para Eishockey)
• Stefan Eberdorfer (D – KAC Para Eishockey)
• Thomas Schilcher (D – KAC Para Eishockey)
• Lukas Schuh (D – KAC Para Eishockey)
• Klaus Steinbauer (D – KAC Para Eishockey)
• Fabian Butscher (D – HC Tigers)
• Kai Habeler (F – KAC Para Eishockey)
• Timo Ropp (F – KAC Para Eishockey)
• Kevin Siess (F – HC Tigers)
• Raphael Jung (F – Graz99ers Para Eishockey)

Libor Fischer (Team Manager of the Austrian para ice hockey national team): ‘We are expecting several very interesting games in Olomouc, in which we will have to work hard and, above all, function well as a team. Those are exactly the kinds of games we need to continue developing and prepare for the challenges ahead. Four games in such a short space of time will certainly test us both physically and mentally. At the same time, the tournament is excellent preparation and will give us valuable game practice ahead of the World Championship. I am especially pleased that Klaus Steinbauer and Lukas Schuh will be making their international debuts. It is something very special for both players, and I hope they enjoy the experience and quickly settle into the team. Our main objectives in Olomouc are to gain plenty of game experience, continue growing together as a team and take something from every game. The tournament gives us an excellent opportunity to do exactly that.’