win2day AWHL Final-4 to be played in Graz over the Easter weekend

On Friday, 3 April, and Saturday, 4 April, the Merkur Eisstadion in Graz will host the crowning of the second champion of the win2day Austrian Women’s Hockey League. As in the previous year, defending champions Sabres St. Pölten, the KSV Highlanders and Lakers Kärnten will compete for the title. The VSV Lady Hawks will also be making their first appearance in the field. In addition to top-class ice hockey, visitors can look forward to a varied programme off the ice: among other things, Virginia Ernst will perform her new single “Love Is the Only Thing” live.

05 March 20262 min read

The win2day Austrian Women’s Hockey League was launched in 2024 to give women’s ice hockey in Austria a bigger stage. At the Final-4 premiere in Linz in 2025, numerous fans watched top-class ice hockey, both live in the arena and on TV on ORF SPORT +. This year, all four games will once again be broadcast live on ORF.

This visibility is particularly important because, unfortunately, 18 March marks the point at which women’s sport in Austria becomes statistically invisible once again. With the “Equal Play Day”, ÖEHV partner win2day and Österreichische Lotterien have been drawing attention to this structural imbalance since 2024 and demonstrating through a strong campaign what greater visibility can achieve in concrete terms: more fans, greater media coverage, more sponsors, more role models – and ultimately more opportunities for all of Austria.

Women’s ice hockey will therefore take centre stage after 18 March – specifically on Good Friday, 3 April, and Holy Saturday, 4 April, at the Final-4 in Graz. Although hosts Graz99ers Huskies did not qualify, Styria will still be represented by the KSV Highlanders. Last season, the Kapfenberg side were beaten by Sabres St. Pölten in the final. The Lower Austrians will once again enter the tournament as favourites and top seeds.

In the semi-final on Friday, 3 April, the Sabres will face Lakers Kärnten, who qualified for the Final-4 via the Qualification Round. The KSV Highlanders and VSV Lady Hawks will meet in the second semi-final. The Villach side qualified for the final tournament in their debut season. The semi-final winners will play for the title on Saturday, 4 April. Before that, the two losing teams will contest third place.

An event for the whole family

Fans will not only be treated to spectacular action on the ice. The Final-4 weekend will be accompanied by an extensive supporting programme. Alongside numerous interactive stations for visitors young and old, a live performance by Virginia Ernst will provide entertainment. On Saturday, 4 April, she will perform her new single “Love Is the Only Thing” live.