HC Tigers granted admis­sion to Germany’s Oberliga Süd

HC Tigers’ admission was confirmed as part of the DEB’s official licensing process. The Oberliga Süd will therefore feature 14 teams in the 2026/27 season.

Jonas Schwarzfischer, Head of League Operations at the German Ice Hockey Federation

‘We are delighted to be able to grant all 26 registered clubs admission for the 2026/27 season. We warmly welcome our three new teams to the DEB Oberliga. The composition of the two divisions promises numerous exciting, high-quality matchups in the coming season. We are confident that fans can look forward to attractive ice hockey.’

ÖEHV approves move

Last summer, HC Tigers had already asked the ÖEHV for permission to explore a move to the Oberliga Süd. Following intensive talks and a comprehensive review, the application was ultimately approved.

The agreement includes sporting and financial conditions designed to safeguard the sustainable development of Austrian ice hockey. These include a strong focus on young Austrian players and regular financial assessments of the club.

Nicolas Stockhammer, Vice-President of the Austrian Ice Hockey Association

‘First of all, we would like to thank HC Tigers for the constructive discussions. We are pleased that we were able to reach an agreement in the interests of all parties. Everyone involved shares the goal of preserving professional ice hockey in Vorarlberg over the long term. By reviewing the special dispensation annually, we aim to ensure the positive sporting and financial development of both the club and Vorarlberg as an ice hockey location. We wish HC Tigers every success in the coming season.’

HC Tigers have expressly stated that they are not turning their back on Austrian ice hockey. The Vorarlberg club will remain an Austrian member of the association’s structure, and its established cooperation with Pioneers Vorarlberg and Dornbirn Bulldogs will continue. Young talents will therefore continue to benefit from excellent development opportunities within Vorarlberg ice hockey.

Guntram Schedler, Chairman of HC Tigers

‘For us, this step is about far more than changing leagues. It secures the future of elite ice hockey in Austria’s far west. My special thanks go to both associations for the open, constructive and at times intensive discussions over the past few months. For many years, we have made an important contribution to developing young Austrian players. That will remain at the heart of our club, and we look forward to continuing along this path in the Oberliga Süd.’

The Austrian Ice Hockey Association wishes HC Tigers all the best and a successful debut season in the Oberliga Süd.