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With the new year and christmas behind us, now is the time to lock in! Important games still left to play in the regular season, so shake off that winter frost and get back to it. In this article we'll take a short look into a few teams that are performing well, and a few teams that are pushing to make it to the playoffs. *this article is written as of January 6th 00:00 EST   Group 1 Top Seeds   Puck Over Glass The top team in Group 1 for quite a while has taken their group by storm, now in 1st place and a lock for the playoffs they can cement their spot as the top seed in their group. @Hydeee_24 has a emerged as their go-to guy this season, and most of the plays in the offensive zone is going through him, he has the knowledge when to go 1v1 with the defender and when not to. Important games coming up: VS Reiviluola Greatest A team with a slow start to the season have slowly creeped up the standing, sitting at 4th now with games in hand on those above them in the standings is not a bad spot to be in. @Wpaanane has taken a step in the right direction this season, he's stepped up for his team in a big way and leads the team in points with 50 (26+24). Now with important games coming up, they're looking to take the top spot in the division heading into the playoffs. Important games coming up: VS Poggers   Pushing In   Poggers A team that a lot of fans expected to be higher up in the standings in the group at this point of the season, with a bit of an offseason going on for them, they're still on pace to make the playoffs, in previous season the playoff line has been at about 1.55-1.6 ppg, so they're matching that pace for now. With massive games coming up for Poggers, veteran @JaKurrii needs to look to his deep bag of tricks and trinkets for something magical. Important games coming up: VS Golden Sticks   SSK Prospects SSK has surprised quite a lot of teams this season, they've been close to relegation for a season or two and are now pushing towards the playoffs. SSK has tough matchups coming up, and they need important points from these games to make the playoffs. If this is the season they make it, now they need their forward group to step up and clutch it up. Important games coming up: VS MoDo Hockey   Tough Goings   Reiviluola Reiviluola who was one of the favourites to win the entire Pro division now has an uphill climb, facing possible relegation if they don't step up now, sitting at 12th for now, but if they can't rack up some wins they might just see themselves as one of the biggest chokes of a cup favourite in a while. They've been all-around quite average season, but their goalie @ItzPoro has been their lone star so far, he's been playing well with an above average save percentage of 82,08%, if he can keep up the stellar work, they might push for playoffs. Important games coming up: VS Puck Over Glass   Group 2 Top Seeds   NOSTREETSPORTS After a hiatus season NOSTREETSPORTS have picked up right where they left off a few seasons ago, they're pushing for the top seed in group 2, but with a few teams pushing for that coveted group win. Captain @Bot_hene now needs to gather his troops and find their groove from the start of the season. Important games coming up: VS Deadly Phantoms   F0CUS  A few games left on the regular season and F0CUS now sits 4th in the group, with a really tight top of the group with no team breaking out, this could turn out well for them. @Gresu__ between the pipe has been goood, with backup @jubex0r also playing well when called upon. Now is the right time for them to turn the 6th gear in their engine, with a few six point matchups they can clinch that 1st seed for the playoffs. Important games coming up: VS NOVA   xBots xBots leading the way (for now) in group 2 has all the cards in their hands, if they win the rest of their games they'll win the group. After a shaky season in the Elite division they fumbled hard and crashed out in the qualifiers after, now they're looking for a way back in and @sopulii_ wants back with his fellow teammates. Important games coming up: HC Lugano   Pushing In   Turun Gasellit A team that has been together for quite a while now sits at the line, if they can pull together these last weeks they might just pull off the incredible and make the playoffs. @tj_tomaz has been one to watch for Turun Gasellit, with a good season going on he's racked up 43 points (20+23), and might push Gasellit on the right side of the playoff line. Important games coming up: vNexs ll   Tough Goings DEG eSports At the beginning of the season, the German side had hopes of making the playoffs and now the tables have turned and they are on the verge of being relegated to the Lite division, with a cou weeks left they can still turn their ship around with a few clutch wins. If their veterans @Krinke & @DaMan (akin_penta) can find their golden years, they might just stay in the Pro division. Important games coming up: 6 MAN AVALANCHE

As the ECL Lite and Core regular seasons approach their conclusion, the focus naturally turns to the playoffs. While the top teams continue their journey toward the championship, we also want to make sure that the season doesn’t simply end for those who fall just short of playoff qualification. For that reason, we’re introducing a new post-season competition for ECL Lite and ECL Core: The Post-Season Cooldown Tournament The Post-Season Cooldown Tournament is designed specifically for teams that do not qualify for the playoffs, giving them the opportunity to continue playing meaningful, competitive matches while the main playoffs are being played. Rather than the season ending abruptly, the Cooldown Tournament offers a structured and level-appropriate way to close out the season. How it works The Cooldown Tournament will be held separately for Lite and Core - one for each division Eligible teams are those that do not qualify for the playoffs Teams are allowed to opt out, with the default expectation that teams will participate. The tournament will run parallel to the playoff phase All Cooldown Tournaments will be played in a group stage format Group stage format – more games, better matchups The Cooldown Tournament will be played in a group stage format, ensuring that all participating teams get multiple games against opponents of a similar level. This format was chosen intentionally to: Guarantee more games for every team Avoid one-and-done eliminations Create closer, more balanced matchups Give teams a chance to build momentum and confidence toward the end of the season For teams that may have struggled during parts of the regular season, this structure provides the opportunity to play several competitive series against teams with comparable results — often leading to tighter games and a more enjoyable experience.   What’s next? Further details — including group sizes, match counts, and scheduling — will be shared closer to the playoff phase once final standings are confirmed. We’re excited to introduce the Post-Season Cooldown Tournament as a new part of the ECL Lite and Core season structure and look forward to seeing more great games played right through to the end of the season.