Women’s Ice Hockey Bundesliga gets under way with two block­buster fixtures

Fittingly, last season’s two finalists, Villach Lady Hawks and Women Capitals, will open the new DEBL campaign. In March, the Vienna side secured the title against the blue-and-white team from the Drau city with a 5:2 victory at the Steffl Arena. Villach are eager for revenge.

Also on Saturday, Sportunion DHC IceCats Linz AG begin their league campaign against Slovenian side HDK Maribor. Two Hungarian derbies follow on Sunday, with MAC Marilyn Budapest taking on Hokiklub Budapest II and Rampage Veszprem facing Ferencvarosi Torna Club.

Wednesday then brings the next major highlight: EC KAC Damen host Villach Lady Hawks in the first Carinthian derby, in prime time at 20:30.

Format

The format consists of a home-and-away round, meaning each club plays 18 games in the regular season. This is followed by a quarter-final in the Champions Hockey League format, with home and away legs and progression based on aggregate score. The four teams advancing then contest a Final Four for the DEBL title.

The opening fixtures at a glance:

Sat, 21 September 2024, 18:30: Villach Lady Hawks vs. EAC Women Capitals

Sat, 21 September 2024, 20:25: Sportunion DHC IceCats Linz AG vs. HDK Maribor

Sun, 22 September 2024, 14:15: MAC Marilyn Budapest vs. Hokiklub Budapest II

Sun, 22 September 2024, 15:00: Rampage Veszprem vs. Ferencvarosi Torna Club

Wed, 25 September 2024, 20:30: EC KAC Damen vs. Villach Lady Hawks

For the full fixture list of the Women’s Ice Hockey Bundesliga (DEBL) in the Gamecenter

The Women’s Ice Hockey Bundesliga (DEBL) on the RED+ livestream