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

Mexico and ice hockey? What may initially seem like two highly contrasting terms will become reality at the Division C Para Ice Hockey World Championships 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, 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 led by head coach Lucas Herrnegger is targeting another medal this time around. But the competition does not stand 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 – will provide tough opposition for the ÖEHV team. “We know the strengths of our opponents. But we are not flying to Mexico to return home empty-handed,” says a determined Fischer.

Final preparations 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 in Dornbirn, on Saturday at 18.30 and Sunday at 12.00. “Our aim is to complete optimal preparations under competitive conditions, so that we can deliver our best performance in Mexico,” says Fischer.

But it will not only be the national team taking to the ice. On 14 November (14.00-15.00), anyone interested, with or without a disability, 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 welcome everyone who comes along and catches the ice hockey bug,” says Fischer, who is looking forward to seeing plenty of enthusiasts. 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 .