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The ECL '26: Spring season is right around the corner, but let's have a final look at our Winter season with our individual player awards of the Elite division! The winners were voted by captains and staff members. Player of The Season The Player of The Season award is awarded to a player who has excelled above the competition in their own position. Winner: @Patzlaf Defender of The Season The Defender of The Season award is awarded to a player who has excelled above the competition in their defenseman position. Winner: @FlyerKungen Goalie of The Season The Goalie of The Season award is awarded to a player who has excelled above the competition in their goaltender position. Winner: @Stammer70 Rookie of The Season The Rookie Of The Season award is awarded to a player in their rookie ECL Pro season, who has excelled above the competition regardless of position. Winner: @dippen04 Two-Way Forward of The Season The Two-Way Forward of the season is awarded to a forward who best excels in the defensive aspects of the game. Winner: @Patzlaf Transfer of The Season The Transfer of the Season award is given to a player who after a mid-season transfer is considered to have been the most impactful player for their new team. Winner: @Jemmuuu Comeback Player of The Season The Comeback Player of the Season award is given to a player who after one or more seasons away from ECL Elite competition makes the most impactful comeback to the highest level. Winner: @Patzlaf

There’s something about a new ECL season that just hits differently, a new chance to make a name for yourself; it is indeed the best time of the season. The Pro division is back, and once again, it’s packed with storylines and familiar teams that we’ve seen before, and others are just starting their journey together. Every team comes in with something to prove. For some, it’s about finally taking that next step towards the Elite division. For others, it’s redemption after falling short. And then there are those just trying to show they belong at this level. In this article, we’re tak a closer look at a few teams ahead of the season, some key roster changes, and the early signs from preseason to get a feel for how things might play out. As always, there will be surprises. The only question is: who’s ready to take their moment? And as always, remember that these are only one person's opinions.   Title Contenders Reality Check  They're back! After many seasons, Reality Check have made a comeback, and through the Pro division qualifiers, they've claimed their spot in the Pro division, and are immediately looking to be the best that the Pro division has to offer. After gathering most of their old squad back, they've found some new blood and will surely be the team to watch this season. It’s the kind of return that instantly grabs attention. There’s history here, there’s chemistry already built in, and now it’s been reinforced with fresh pieces that could elevate them even further. The big question isn’t whether they can compete, it’s whether they can hit top form quickly enough to dominate from the start. If everything clicks, this could be a team that doesn’t just aim for the top but sets the standard for everyone else. Player To Watch: @cTunkeilija   Golden Buffalos  The almighty Golden Buffalos are back in the Pro division after a somewhat "rough" season in Elite. After a lot of soul-searching, their captain has once again managed to lure Elite champions to play in Pro; some pull he has. With these signings, the Buffalos immediately put themself at the top of the power rankings in the Pro division. Now, as the Buffalos look to take their talent back to Elite, we'll wait eagerly for what they have to offer. Even after a down year by their standards, this is still a team that carries serious weight. The ability to bring in proven Elite-level players speaks volumes about both their ambition and reputation. On paper, they might be the most stacked roster in the division, but expectations come with pressure. Anything less than dominance will feel like underachievement. If they find their rhythm early, they could run through the league. If not, things could get surprisingly tense. Player To Watch: @Patzlaf Unique  After coming so close not once, but twice, missing out on the Elite division, Unique is back in the Pro division and hope to accomplish their goal of promotion. After a tough finals loss to POGGERS last season, and then in the Elite qualifiers to Unwanted, they're back, hungrier than ever to show the community that they don't belong in the Pro division anymore. There’s a real sense of unfinished business surrounding this team. Falling short twice in a row like that either breaks you or fuels you, and everything points to Unique coming back more driven than ever. They’ve already shown they can go toe-to-toe with the best, but now it’s about getting over that final hurdle. If they can channel that frustration into consistency, they won’t just be contenders, they’ll be one of the most dangerous teams in the playoffs. Player To Watch: Nordzman ( @LE1PAKONE)   Starstrucked  Starstrucked came to the Pro division through the qualifiers, and they bulldozed themselves to become one of the favourites. Brimming with offensive talent, Starstrucked issues will be similar to those of Greatest last season. Can a team with immense individual talent work together to accomplish a common goal? Only time will tell! They'll make a deep run without a doubt, and if they can keep the puck out of their own net, they will be a force to be reckoned with. There’s no denying the raw firepower on this roster. On their day, they can outscore anyone and make it look easy. But as we’ve seen time and time again, talent alone doesn’t guarantee success at this level. The real test will be structure, buying into a system, staying disciplined, and trusting each other when games get tight. If they figure that out, they’re not just a fun team to watch; they’re a legitimate threat to win it all. Player To Watch: @vilppijoona Playoff Bound NOSTREESPORTS  Their performance last season was a positive outcome after a short hiatus, and they had a great regular season. After the departure of @1mmu9 & @Borjendahlen their new signings @LeiskaViis7 & @Pensasmies have big shoes to fill if they want to advance past round 1 of the playoffs. With the season already underway, they have a short time to get their ducks in a row for the season opener, but all eyes will be on their captain @Bot_hene to see what he has managed to cook with the little time he has. There’s a bit of uncertainty around this team right now. Losing key players is never easy, especially when they were central to last season’s success. The replacements have potential, but stepping into those roles comes with pressure. Early games could be telling us if they find chemistry quickly or struggle to adjust. If the new pieces click and the leadership holds things together, they could surprise people again. If not, they might find themselves stuck just short of where they want to be. Player To Watch: @LeiskaViis7   Otukset  The mainstay of Pro now for a few seasons, they always seem to be on the cusp of Elite, but last season was a much more difficult one than the past ones. They barely made the playoffs and made it tough on the 1st seed Finnish Roosters, taking them to game 7 before crumbling. Now a new season and the same guys still together, what makes Otukset great is how they can challenge even the best of teams yet fall short when the going gets tough, which Otukset team will we see this season? It almost feels like we say the same thing about Otukset every season, and yet it keeps being true. They have the ability to push top teams to the limit, but closing out those big moments has been the missing piece. The continuity in their roster is a strength, but it also means the pressure is on to finally evolve. Are they the team that nearly pulls off upsets, or the one that actually finishes the job this time? That answer will define their season. Player To Watch: @juhkis96   Carpe Diem  Carpe Diem surprised a lot of teams last season with how they played the game, a lot of skill and great defense, as they finished second in their group a lot of whispers were going around about how that was possible, they seemed to be in over their heads and heading into the playoffs where they were taken down by a lackluster Aspyre team that ultimately were too hard to handle for the Finnish team. Heading into the new season, they want to take that next step in their game; however, all that matters is how good you can perform when the games get tough, so do they have what it takes to raise their level? Last season proved they belong in the conversation, but it also raised expectations. It’s one thing to surprise teams, it’s another to back it up when everyone is ready for you. Their structure and defensive play give them a solid foundation, but playoff hockey demands another level. If they can find that extra edge when it matters most, they could move from “playoff bound” to genuine contender territory. Player To Watch: @Bipes_bip0rus No-Man's Land Brynäs IF E-Sports  For a while, Brynäs seemed to be trending as a team that always makes the playoffs, but after last season, they seemed to be missing that spark. With a few roster changes, Brynäs hope to make a change in their game, and we'll see if that pays off in the mid-season report, but now all eyes are on their core to step up. This season will shape their future, so be on the lookout for major changes if things don't go as they had hoped. This feels like a bit of a crossroads season for Brynäs. The expectations aren’t as clear as before, and that consistency they once relied on is now in question. The changes they’ve made could either refresh the team or create more instability, and early performances will likely set the tone. If their core players step up, they can steady the ship. If not, this could be the start of a bigger rebuild than expected. Player To Watch: @Vibholm_10 Turun Gasellit With the way Turun Gasellit plays, they surprised a lot of teams on offense, scoring an average north of 3 goals per game last season, which paved the way for their playoff debut in Pro, but that was cut short due to unforeseen circumstances and ended just falling short. With the new season brimming, Turun Gasellit have something not a lot of teams seem to have: chemistry. They've played together for a long time, and they play like it too. Everybody is on the same page, and that goes a long way in the ECL. That kind of chemistry is hard to build and even harder to break down. You can see it in how they move the puck, how they read each other’s plays; it gives them an edge that doesn’t always show up on paper. The challenge now is turning that into consistent results against stronger, more prepared opponents. If they can combine that chemistry with a bit more resilience in key moments, they could quietly climb higher than many expect. Player To Watch: @pohjarzinho   Grim Reapers HC  The Central European team can't seem to string together wins. After last season, the Grim Reapers' disappointing season, finishing in 9th place, the primarily French team has changed names and rebranded, and hoped for a spark. The truth will still be the same; the talent isn't there. If they can break the stigma of being a rollercoaster team and put up a few win streaks, they might just be on the right side of the playoff line come playoffs. Right now, it’s hard to ignore the pattern. There are flashes of competitiveness, but they’ve struggled to turn that into anything sustained. The rebrand might bring a fresh mindset, but ultimately, it comes down to performances on the ice. If they can find even a bit of consistency, they could stay in the playoff conversation longer than expected. But if the same issues persist, it’s likely to be another frustrating season hovering just below the cutoff. Player To Watch: @Berty     Relegation Fallen Rangers  There’s no easy way to put it, this looks like it could be a long, difficult season for Fallen Rangers. The Czech/Slovak side comes into the Spring season without much momentum, and on paper, they’re up against teams that simply look more polished, more experienced, and more consistent across the board. That said, the one thing working in their favor might be unpredictability. Teams at this level tend to prepare for structured, familiar playstyles, and Fallen Rangers could catch a few opponents off guard if they lean into their own identity and play without hesitation. Early in the season, especially, that kind of wildcard factor can steal points where you wouldn’t expect it. Still, over the course of a full season, it’s hard to rely on surprise alone. Consistency, discipline, and depth usually decide who stays up, and right now, those are big question marks. Unless something clicks quickly or they find a way to grind out results, the fight to avoid relegation could turn into an uphill battle. They don’t need to be perfect, but they will need to find something solid to build on, and fast, if they want to avoid a return to the Lite division. Player To Watch: @Kiso69   HC Malvi Same story for the Finns, it's going to be tough to beat veterans in Pro and get those crucial points needed to stay alive, but never underestimate a team that has no expectations. If they want to stay in the Pro division, it will require resilience and a lot of luck; we'll see where that gets them. There’s a certain freedom that comes with being overlooked. With no real pressure on their shoulders, the Finns can play their own game and potentially catch more established teams off guard, especially early in the season. That said, experience usually wins out in the long run, and the Pro division is unforgiving when it comes to small mistakes. Player To Watch: @gettera4   REMINDER: We are looking for writers. If you're interested - read more here.  

Spring has arrived, and with it comes the return of the ECL Elite Division for another competitive season. Teams are stepping into a fresh campaign with new rosters, new dynamics, and plenty to prove as the action has already started this week. While all 16 teams are gearing up for the challenge ahead, this first article will focus on eight of them. With that, let’s dive into the Elite Division preview. *This article is written as of April 10th     Incoach It’s been a steady uphill climb for Incoach since their FCL championship run, with the team struggling to recapture that same level of dominance in the seasons that followed. Their last ECL campaign ended in disappointment, falling in the quarterfinals to the Swedes vNexs in a gripping seven-game series that could have gone either way. Despite flashes of their potential, they ultimately came up short when it mattered most, something that has clearly fueled their motivation heading into this season. Recognizing the need for change, Incoach made some notable moves during the offseason. Parting ways with @Sokkelo__ marked the end of one chapter, while the hiatus of @WeDuX_ left another gap to fill. In response, the team brought in @Mozjayh and @Puantsotwo additions that not only strengthen the roster on paper but also bring valuable experience and a proven winning mentality within the ECL environment. These signings suggest a clear intent: this team isn’t looking to rebuild, they’re looking to contend. At the heart of it all is the coach, captain, and center @zMikkeez, who has been carefully shaping this roster over time. The core has had time to develop chemistry, and with the latest additions, the pieces finally seem to be falling into place. There’s a sense that this could be the moment where everything clicks. With a strong preseason behind them and a balanced lineup capable of competing with anyone, the expectations are rising. Now, it comes down to execution. The tools are there, the structure is in place, and the belief is growing. If @zMikkeez can guide this group the way he’s envisioned, Incoach has every opportunity to turn potential into results, and perhaps make a long-awaited return to the finals. Prediction: Tough loss in the semis to a clearly better Parasite team F0cus Fresh off their promotion from the Pro division, F0cus has opted for continuity rather than overhaul. The core that earned them a step up remains intact, with only a few backup additions brought in to round out the roster. There’s a strong sense within the team that the same chemistry, structure, and drive that powered their promotion can carry over into the Elite level, a belief that early results seem to support. They’ve hit the ground running to start the season, posting an impressive 3-0-0-1 record and showing that they’re not here just to participate. Instead, F0cus looks like a team eager to prove they belong among the best. If they can maintain this level of performance, a playoff spot is well within reach, though the intensity and quality of Elite postseason hockey will be a completely different challenge. While several players on the roster have prior experience at this level, a handful of newcomers are still getting their first real taste of what Elite competition demands. Those newcomers, however, haven’t looked out of place so far. @tuskanparahdusta and @rakkauspakkaus- have both made strong early impressions, with the former leading the team in scoring with 8 points (3 goals, 5 assists). He’s not just contributing, he’s setting the pace, even alongside more experienced forwards like @jm98II and @Anhel_Kuru. That trio has quickly developed into a dangerous offensive unit capable of producing against high-level opposition. We spoke with @tuskanparahdustaahead of the season: "Well, obviously I'm excited, the idea is to always improve my game, and to play against the best so hopefully i'll learn something useful this season." Despite the strong start and offensive upside, questions remain, particularly on the defensive side of the puck. Consistency in their own end will likely determine just how far this team can go. Players like @Anhel_Kuru bring a calming presence and strong hockey IQ, often seeming to be in the right place at the right time, helping stabilize the team and elevate those around him. But over the course of a long season, the collective defensive effort will need to match the firepower up front. All things considered, F0cus is shaping up to be one of the more intriguing teams to watch. They’ve already shown they can compete, but whether they can sustain it, adapt, and grow will define just how successful their first season back in the Elite Division truly becomes. Prediction: Will miss out on the playoffs by a thin margin Unwanted Another team fighting their way into the Elite Division through the qualifiers, adding to an already strong Swedish presence alongside vNexs, SSK, and Afterlife. This predominantly Swedish lineup returns to the top level after a lengthy absence that stirred plenty of discussion within the community. Time away from competition can either slow a team down or sharpen their hunger, and early signs suggest it’s been the latter. Unwanted wasted no time making an impression, kicking off their campaign with authority by taking 5 out of a possible 6 points from a seasoned Umpikuja side that has struggled to find its footing so far. It’s the kind of statement start that immediately puts the rest of the division on notice. Leading the charge has been @Suth98_, who has come out flying with 9 points (3 goals, 6 assists) in just two games. If there were any doubts about rust from time away, he’s quickly put them to rest. Offensively, this team has never really been a concern. With players like @Henka0009 and @Snus97_, there’s a proven track record of production at the Elite level. They have the skill, creativity, and finishing ability to challenge any defense in the league, and when they get going, they’re difficult to contain. That firepower alone makes them a dangerous opponent on any given night. The real question, as it has been in the past, lies on the defensive side. Consistency at the back will ultimately determine whether Unwanted can sustain their strong start or fall into familiar patterns. A lot of that responsibility now falls on the Elite rookie @Fin_S1su, who steps in as the last line of defense against some of the league’s most dangerous offenses. It’s a big role, especially at this level, and how he handles that pressure could define the team’s ceiling. There’s no doubt the talent is there. The start has been promising. Now it’s about balance and consistency. If Unwanted can tighten things up defensively to match their offensive strength, they have every chance to turn heads and establish themselves as a serious contender this season. Prediction: Their defense won't hold, and they'll play in the qualifiers come June.   Tiki Talk A team that hardly needs any buildup, Tiki Talk returns to the Elite Division with the same identity they’ve carried for seasons, quietly grinding, always present, and never easy to deal with. No matter the circumstances, they find a way to stick around. Once again, they enter a new campaign surrounded by speculation, roster talk, and the usual unpredictability that seems to follow them every offseason. At the center of it all is @itspardytime, continuing to lead the team as he has since the very beginning, setting the tone for yet another run in the ECL. Last season was, in many ways, a steady one. Tiki Talk managed to secure its place in Elite without ever truly threatening the top teams or falling into real danger. Finishing 9 points behind the final playoff spot showed there’s still a gap to close, but at the same time, a 7-point cushion above the qualifiers proved they were comfortably competitive. It’s that middle-ground consistency that has surprised a lot of teams, but also what they’ll be looking to improve on. Roster-wise, there are still some unanswered questions. The departure of @Pensasmies left a noticeable hole on the blue line, and finding the right partner alongside @Saviinainen remains a key issue heading into the season. Whether they’ve already found that solution internally or are still experimenting will become clear early on, but it’s an area that could heavily impact their overall stability. Offensively, the team has long leaned on the creativity and playmaking of its captain. While that has worked to an extent, taking the next step will require a more balanced attack. Getting consistent contributions from the rest of the lineup, spreading the responsibility, and creating more options in the offensive zone will be crucial if they want to push closer to playoff contention. As always, defense remains the biggest question mark. It’s been a recurring theme for Tiki Talk, and this season it feels even more uncertain. If they can find structure and reliability at the back to complement their established style of play, they could find themselves with a few more points. But if those issues persist, they may find themselves stuck in that same middle ground yet again, or worse. Prediction: They'll be fighting for their Elite spot; qualifiers are looming for the veteran team. Tunnel Vision   The former Elite champions are back, re-entering the division through captain @kungenkirwa after taking over the spot from Polski Boys. With that name comes immediate expectations, and they’ve wasted no time making bold moves. Swapping out their winger duo for proven goal scorers in @Vattuyy and @Laiitinen signals clear intent; this is a team built to win, always. Both players bring elite-level finishing ability and experience, instantly elevating the offensive ceiling and reinforcing Tunnel Vision’s place among the top contenders heading into the season. On paper, this roster stacks up with the very best. Alongside teams like Parasite, Tohtorit, and Incoach, they sit firmly in the conversation at the top of the power rankings. The talent is undeniable, and with the season already underway, all eyes are on how this group translates that into results when it matters most. That said, there are still some question marks, primarily around chemistry. Bringing in high-caliber players doesn’t always guarantee instant cohesion, and how quickly this lineup gels could define their trajectory. Even so, with this level of individual quality, it’s hard to see them falling short of a deep playoff run. A semifinal spot feels like the baseline expectation, and beyond that, it becomes a matter of execution in the tightest, most competitive matchups. Their start to the season has reflected both their strength and their vulnerability. Sitting near the top of the standings with a 3-2-0-1 record, they’ve shown they can win games consistently, but they’ve also proven they’re not untouchable. A regulation loss to MSK Esports, last season’s 8th-place finisher, served as an early reminder that even the favorites can be challenged. For the rest of the league, that result offers a glimpse of opportunity. Tunnel Vision has all the tools to go the distance. The question now is whether they can bring it all together when the pressure rises, or if those small cracks will widen as the competition intensifies. Prediction: Will see a finals appearance but fall short by the tiniest margin.   Oxdog Esports Oxdog Esports, xBots, Blackbirds eSports, whatever the name may be, the story remains the same: a team that has had to fight for everything they’ve earned. After grinding their way back through the Pro division, they’ve secured another shot at the Elite level. That experience alone should serve them well, especially considering how difficult their last stint in Elite proved to be, where defensive struggles often held them back against stronger competition. This time around, they’ve made a conscious effort to address those weaknesses. The departure of @Hassegamer_480 marks a notable change, with @Hansulinho stepping in at right winger, after standing between the pipes for many years. Bringing in a forward without that level of pedigree could be a crucial move, however, as ha forward he has already offered more stability and consistency in high-pressure situations than his predecessor. On top of that, the return of @patee___ adds familiarity to the defensive core, a player who already understands the team’s structure and should slot back in without much adjustment. There’s a clear intention behind these moves: this team isn’t just looking to survive, they’re trying to build something more stable at this level. Still, the biggest question remains whether these changes are enough. Competing in Elite requires consistency night in and night out, and small weaknesses tend to get exposed quickly. Ultimately, their season will come down to execution. The pieces are there, and the lessons from their previous run should still be fresh. Now it’s about proving they can adapt, tighten up defensively, and turn those adjustments into results. Whether they can establish themselves this time or find themselves in another battle to stay up will be one of the more interesting storylines to follow as the season unfolds. Prediction: Consistency will be an issue, and they will fight for a no-man's land spot.   Tohtorit Defending champions, it’s a title that carries weight, and with it comes a whole new level of expectation. For Tohtorit, anything short of another deep playoff run will likely be seen as a step back after reaching the top last season. While parts of that championship core remain, this is not the exact same team that lifted the trophy, and that makes this campaign all the more intriguing. The biggest changes come in the form of key departures. Losing players like @Patzlaf and @FlyerKungen leaves noticeable gaps, especially considering how important they were to last season’s success. Their move to the Pro division raises some eyebrows, but regardless of the reasoning, it forces Tohtorit to adapt. In response, they’ve brought in @Lxndstrom from relegated EXEN, a player expected to help offset some of that lost production and bring added offensive presence from the back end. Even with those changes, the expectations haven’t gone anywhere. If anything, they’ve only intensified. However, the competition at the top has grown stronger, and teams like Parasite and Tunnel Vision have quickly positioned themselves as major threats. Early results haven’t helped Tohtorit’s case either, with a slow start that included a loss and limited offensive output. It’s a reminder that staying at the top is often harder than getting there in the first place. If they want to avoid slipping further, rediscovering last season’s rhythm will be key, and quickly. Building momentum early, tightening up their play, and finding consistent scoring will all be crucial in keeping pace with the top contenders. At the same time, with several new teams stepping up from the Pro division, there may be opportunities to collect important points if they can take care of business in those matchups. Tohtorit still has the foundation of a top team, but the margin for error is smaller now. How they respond to early setbacks and adjust to their new lineup will ultimately determine whether they remain a dominant force or find themselves chasing the standard they set not long ago. Prediction: Tough semifinal loss after cruising through the quarterfinals.   Goons Coming off a strong season, Goons have opted to keep things exactly as they are, sticking with the same roster that brought them success. Early results this season have been solid on paper; wins against a struggling Vizio side and newly promoted Oxdog Esports have helped them secure 8 out of a possible 12 points. Still, those results haven’t fully answered the bigger question: are they truly a top-four team again, or has the competition around them taken a step ahead? Last season, much of their rise was fueled by the arrival of the Almost Famous trio: @Ikavalko, @xrikardo55, and @kkostiiii. Their impact was immediate and undeniable, transforming Goons into a legitimate playoff team. A fourth-place regular season finish followed, along with a convincing playoff series win against Umpikuja to reach the semifinals. There, they pushed eventual champions Tohtorit further than many expected, proving they weren’t just a one-season surprise. It’s fair to say that the trio played a massive role in elevating the team to that level. Now, with no roster changes, the expectations remain clear: anything less than playoffs would be a disappointment. Continuity can be a strength, especially for a team that already knows it can compete, but it also means there are no new pieces to push them further if others improve around them. Goons’ identity hasn’t changed; they’re still a highly offensive team capable of going toe-to-toe with anyone on their day. That playstyle makes them dangerous, particularly in a playoff setting where momentum can shift quickly and unpredictably. The real question is whether that alone is enough. If they can match their offensive firepower with consistency and composure, they’ll once again be a tough out. If not, they risk being overtaken by teams that have evolved while they’ve stood still. Prediction: Playoffs, but that will be it for last year's semi-finalists.

We’re back with another Pro Division mid-season report. It might be a little late, but this is always one of the most interesting points in the season. By now, early surprises start to feel more real, trends begin to take shape, and you get a much clearer sense of which teams are actually building something and which ones are starting to slip. In this report, we’ll take a closer look at a few teams that are really finding their rhythm right now and putting together strong runs, as well as those that just cannot seem to get things going. Some sides are starting to look like genuine contenders, while others are still trying to figure things out and live up to what was expected of them. We’ll also take a look at some individual performances. A few players have really stepped up this season and gone beyond what anyone expected, becoming key pieces for their teams. At the same time, there are players who have not quite delivered so far and are still looking to hit their stride. Group 1 HC Lugano eSports Lugano started their season a bit slowly, even taking a short break from ECL in the opening weeks. At the time, it looked like a risky approach, but it has clearly worked in their favour. Since settling into their rhythm, they’ve posted an impressive 2.65 points per game, putting them at the very top of the Pro division standings, just ahead of NOSTREETSPORTS over in group 2 on 2.6. So far, the team has been heavily driven by a strong duo, with @Aigeu and @jasomnajlepsi standing out as the main difference-makers. Both have been consistently involved in scoring and playmaking, and their chemistry has been a key reason for Lugano’s strong form. Defensively, they’ve also been outstanding. Their 1.76 goals against average shows just how hard they are to break down. On top of that, they are still among the top teams in goals for, ranking third in their group. That combination of elite defence and high-end offensive production is exactly why they sit at the top right now. Important games coming up: Mrazix Västerås IK Last year's underdog MoDo changes colors and switches over to Västerås. The squad stays mainly the same; their first-round exit last year vs xBots had a lot of teams raising their eyebrows on how well they played, and they keep on grinding this season. Placing them 4th in group 1 in points per game sets them up in a similar situation as last season, now with the hope to advance to the quarterfinals. The heart and soul of this team remains the same, @Mathiasgamer_07 & @MrXbox79 keeps this team going strong this season. They've made some acquisitions in the offseason that shows they want to go further than the quarterfinals. Their starting five is still unclear, but the name that stands out most is former Djurgården forward @amadee21, he brings much-needed experience to this mostly Swedish team and might just be what this team needs to make it far this postseason. Important games coming up: Starstrucked Starstrucked Through the qualifiers, Starstrucked took a comfortable route to the Pro division, and rightfully so. Captained by a long-time ECL player, @Wpaananethey have established themselves as favourites in group 1, with an average of 4.85 goals per game and leading group 1 in that category, they've shown everyone that they're here to win. Their calling card is their offense, as mentioned, but their Achilles heel is clearly the central server. As the season is almost over, they need to find a fix for their struggles on the away server, a central server opponent from group 2 in the playoffs could be costly for the Finns. This is their season; now is the time to show up. Last season, most of these players did not make it far with their respective teams, but the duo of @Hassegamer_480 and their captain could be what they need to make a deep run; their center @vilppijoona also possesses all the tools to be the best in the Pro division. Important games coming up: Västerås IK Puck Over Glass What more can you say? The team that won the regular season last year now finds itself staring at the very real possibility of relegation games. It’s a dramatic fall, and it highlights just how quickly things can change from one season to the next. Losing a top scorer and a starting goaltender was always going to hurt, and so far their replacements haven’t been able to match the impact or consistency that was lost. Captain @knuzon deserves credit for putting this roster together, but this is where leadership really gets tested. Guiding a team through adversity is a different challenge altogether, and they’ll need a strong response in these final games. @Lotiseva has stepped up and leads the team in points, but the burden on him is too heavy right now. Without more support across the lineup, it’s hard to see them turning things around. There’s still a small window left to change their fate. With only a few games remaining, every point matters, and they’ll need to find another level quickly. If they can build even a bit of momentum and get contributions from more players, they might still avoid the relegation games. If not, it will be a tough ending to what once looked like a very promising run. Important games coming up: Aspyre Conexion A team that not many had on their bingo cards to make the playoffs ahead of the season, and they’ve turned into one of the more pleasant surprises so far. It’s been refreshing to watch a group that clearly plays for each other, with strong chemistry and a real team-first mentality. They play for the badge on their chest, not the name on their back, and that’s been a big part of why they’ve been able to stay competitive. One player that really stands out is @Flo_goes_grazy (Flgr93). He’s been piling up goals, currently sitting on 33, which puts him 8th in the league. If he can push that total closer to 50, it would go a long way in cementing his status as one of the top forwards at the pro level and a key piece for this team moving forward. With their playoff hopes still very much alive, they find themselves right on the edge in 8th place. There’s no room for error now, though. Their next eight games will define their season, and whether they can handle that pressure will ultimately decide if this story continues into the playoffs or falls just short. Important games coming up: Fallen Rangers Group 2 NOSTREETSPORTS A team that has had its ups and downs over the years, from winning the regular season a few seasons ago to stepping away for a period, and now returning to the top, it’s a great turnaround to see. A big part of that resurgence comes down to their captain @Bot_hene, who has put together a roster that knows how to win and compete at a high level. One of the standout additions to the team came from Aspyre, with last season’s top-scoring defenseman @LeiskaViis7 making the switch to forward. That move has paid off, as he’s adapted well to his new role and added another dimension to their offense. His ability to produce in a more creative position has clearly given the team an extra boost heading into the playoffs. If NOSTREETSPORTS can maintain their strong form, currently 8-1-1 in their last 10, they’ll be right at the top of Group 2 by the time the regular season wraps up. What makes them especially dangerous is their balance. They’re solid defensively while still being able to generate plenty of offense, and that combination makes them a serious threat. If they keep this level up, they’re a team everyone else will have to keep a close eye on. Important games coming up: Reality Check Grim Reapers HC If there is one thing these articles does, is prove that these are all opinions and shouldn't be taken too seriously, in the Pro season preview Grim Reapers HC were projected (wrongly so) to miss the playoffs, and they showed everyone that won't be the case, they managed to exactly the opposite of the article, and string together wins, now they sit on the right side of the playoff line. Their strong suit this season has been closing out games, with 6 wins with a one-goal lead has shown their toughness and resiliency to win games that could go either way. That's the sign of a strong team, and with a few games to go, if they can turn a few more overtime games their way, they'll be in a good spot for the playoffs. Important games coming up: Otukset Sunne IK Esport Sunne IK came into the season with fairly low expectations, but even with that in mind, their campaign has been more disappointing than most could have predicted. The losses have continued to stack up, and they now find themselves stuck in the relegation zone. Time is starting to run out, and unless they can turn things around quickly, they’re heading toward a long stint in Lite next season. Right now, nothing seems to be going their way. When it rains, it pours, and Sunne IK haven’t been able to stop the slide. One of the biggest issues has been their defensive struggles, with a goals against average hovering close to four. That kind of number makes it incredibly difficult to stay competitive, no matter how much effort is put in elsewhere. While the roster still has some experienced players, that hasn’t translated into results on the ice, and they’ll need a major shift in performance if they want to avoid relegation. Important games coming up: SSK Prospects Renegade HC Renegade HC have quietly put together a solid season so far, sitting in a respectable position with a 1.82 points average. They might not be grabbing all the headlines, but they’ve been consistent enough to stay firmly in the mix, and that’s often what matters most at this stage of the season. Their recent form of 6-4-0 shows a team that can win games, even if they haven’t quite found that extra gear to go on a bigger run. Looking at their numbers, they’re a fairly balanced side. Averaging just under three goals per game while conceding slightly less suggests they’re usually competitive in most matchups. They’re not blowing teams out, but they’re also not getting blown out, which keeps them in games and gives them chances to pick up points regularly. One area that stands out is their power play, sitting at an impressive 36.36%. That’s a real weapon and something they can lean on, especially in tighter games where special teams can make the difference. Combined with a strong penalty kill at 87.5%, it shows that their special teams are doing a lot of the heavy lifting. Overall, Renegade HC feel like a team that’s just missing that final push. If they can tighten things up defensively and turn a few of those closer games into wins, they have a good chance of climbing higher and becoming a more serious threat as the playoffs are soon here. Important games coming up: NOSTREETSPORTS Three Stars Three Stars came into the season with higher expectations than what they’ve shown so far, and sitting in 11th place, at this stage, is not where they would have hoped to be. With 25 points so far, they’ve struggled to find consistency, and their 4-4-2 record in the last ten games sums that up pretty well. It’s been a season of ups and downs, without any real momentum to push them forward. Offensively, they’ve been decent, averaging just over three goals per game, but a bright spot on their roster has been @Lxnards, the veteran defenseman, who has been solid all-around, and even putting up 30 points this season so far. Special teams haven’t done them many favours either. A 10% power play leaves a lot to be desired, and while their penalty kill is serviceable, it hasn’t been enough to offset their struggles at even strength. Add in a sub-50 faceoff percentage, and they’ve often found themselves chasing games instead of controlling them. The good news is that there’s still time. With 12 games left, their playoff hopes aren’t gone, but the margin for error is basically gone now. They’ll need to find consistency quickly, tighten things up defensively, and start turning close games into wins if they want to climb back into the playoff picture. Important games coming up: eHockey Switzerland

A reminder to all teams that the ECL ’26: Spring regular season should be completed in approximately one week. Please make sure to schedule and play your remaining games in time according to your division’s deadline. Regular season end dates: Elite: May 11 Pro: May 11 Lite: May 10 Core: May 10 Neo: May 6 Please be proactive with scheduling and avoid leaving games until the final days. If there are any issues with getting games played, make sure to communicate with the opposing team and staff as early as possible. eHockey World Cup Break: May 12–24, 2026 Read more about the eHockey World Cup here: the eHockey World Cup Playoffs duration: May 25 – June 28, 2026 For a more detailed breakdown, please see: ECL '26: Spring - Information & Key Dates