Mexico mission: Para ice hockey team aims to build on bronze

Mexico and ice hockey? What may appear at first glance to be two very contrasting terms will become reality at the Para Ice Hockey World Championships Division C in December. From 8 to 13 December 2026, the ÖEHV team will compete for one of the coveted medals in Mexico City at an altitude of 2.300 metres. "The entire team is extremely excited about the World Championships, which are being held in Latin America for the first time," says team manager Libor Fischer, who is confident ahead of the upcoming competition. He will travel to Mexico with eleven players and the staff.

After winning bronze in Bangkok in 2024, the team coached by head coach Lucas Herrnegger is once again aiming for a medal. But the competition is not standing still: hosts Mexico, France, Russia and the World Team, a side made up of players from nations that do not yet have their own team, await the ÖEHV team as tough opponents. "We know our opponents’ strengths. But we are not flying to Mexico to return home empty-handed," Fischer says defiantly.

Fine-tuning in the Ländle

To ensure that happens, the team will put the finishing touches to its preparations in Vorarlberg from 13 to 15 November – including two friendly matches against Germany on Saturday evening and Sunday morning in Dornbirn. "For us, it is about completing optimum preparation under competitive conditions in order to be able to deliver our maximum performance in Mexico," Fischer explains.

But it is not only the national team taking to the ice. As early as 14 November, interested people with or without disabilities will have the opportunity to try Para sport under the guidance of players and support staff at the official "Try Out". "We want to show people that Para ice hockey is about community and the joy of playing sport together. We are delighted by every person who comes along and catches the ice hockey bug," says Fischer, who is looking forward to welcoming many enthusiastic participants. And who knows? Perhaps one of them will soon travel halfway around the world to represent their country.

You can find this and many more exciting articles in the current edition of POWERPLAY – the official magazine of the ÖEHV. Available now at newsagents, from the respective club or online at www.awg-verlag.at/abo .