IceCats Linz are DEBL 2026 cham­pions

Two coaches of fans accompanied the IceCats to Ferlach. And the journey more than paid off. Despite the defeat, the Upper Austrians were able to celebrate at length. Their 6:3 advantage from the first leg was enough to allow them to lose in Carinthia. The visitors also showed nerves of steel.

The Lady Hawks applied the pressure, while the IceCats proved clinical in the first period. After the opening 20 minutes, the scoreboard showed 12:4 shots on goal but only a 1:1 scoreline from the Carinthians' perspective. They continued to push the pace, made it 3:1 in the middle period and reached towards the championship trophy.

But as mentioned, the IceCats did not fall apart; instead, they pulled even closer together, scored the equaliser and claimed the title despite the 3:4 defeat. This came despite once again being clearly outshot. 36:12 shots on goal tell a clear story in favour of the Lady Hawks, although three goals from those twelve shots also speak to the IceCats' efficiency.

DEBL final

First leg
Sportunion DHC IceCats Linz AG vs. Villach Lady Hawks II 6:3 (2:1, 3:1, 1:1)
Game Sheet

Return leg
Villach Lady Hawks II vs. Sportunion DHC IceCats LINZ AG 4:3 (1:1, 2:0, 1:2)
Game Sheet