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Hello, all members of the ECL Community! We have had a long ongoing discussion about the X-Factors and Abilities and whether they should be allowed in a competitive environment or not. It has been enlightening to see and hear all the different opinions on this matter on the public forums, party chats, and private messages. We thank you all for taking part in this discussion! Looking closely at the situation, all the abilities have a way to make or break the game - in one way or another - and those effects can go both ways, whether you are or aren't allowed to use them. Abilities allow you to do things that you wouldn't or perhaps even shouldn't be able to do in certain situations, but they also reward you for making good plays, good passes, and timing your actions correctly. Playing without abilities can take away a lot of those rewards and may leave you frustrated because of that. One of the big concerns about banning all the abilities is that it could lead to a much more passive playstyle on defense. Of course, you are still able to score in many different ways, but it is a fact that some things in this game are built around the abilities and the animations they allow you to trigger. Abilities at their best can create these "wow!" moments for both the players and the viewers. It's worth mentioning that the discussion has mostly been around the gameplay experience, but we also want to take the viewers into account, even though currently most of them are you, the players. It is also to be stated that we want to keep the same ruleset for all the ECL divisions. While we see that the opinions are heavily divided between the players from different skill levels, the structure has always aimed to make it possible for teams to climb the division ladder all the way from the bottom to the top. Different rulesets could create a huge barrier between the divisions, which would be against our core values. We don't think either end of the extremes would necessarily result in a bad gameplay experience, but there are a lot of players on each side of the conversation and a compromise between the main two parties feels like the best way to go forward. Based on the community feedback and after an internal discussion we have decided on the following ability restrictions for the ECL '25: Spring season: All Gold X-Factors will be banned for both skaters and goaltenders Activating the Gold X-Factors doesn't require you to spend any XP points for certain traits and it allows you to have the abilities of a superstar even if your actual ability stats e.g. on a shooting skill would say otherwise. This change also brings the number of usable abilities down from 3 to 2. When you need the skill points to use the Superstar abilities, it will require you to carefully think about where to place those scarcely available skill points, and whether you want to focus on offense, defense, or somewhere between. With the removal of the Gold X-Factors, the balance between offense, defense, and goaltending should also stay similar to what we're already used to. The following X-Factors and Superstar abilities will be completely banned The following X-Factors are deemed too powerful even in their silver state and will be banned completely. Big Tipper This ability helps players in front of the net to deflect pucks with ultimate precision. This is the one ability almost everyone seems to agree doesn't belong in a competitive environment, due to the usage requiring little to no skill and being so efficient. Truculence This ability gives you exceptional stability and assists on shoulder checks and greatly increases the chance of knocking over the opponent and sapping their energy. Truculence breaks the game in a few different ways. It slows down the game due to the energy loss and long animations to get back up. It enables you to hit from too far away and from impossible angles, no matter which size player build is being used. You can still hit without truculence but without it, a better understanding of when a hit should be made will be required. Stick 'em up This ability gives you phenomenal defensive stick speed and exceptional accuracy when poke-checking against momentum or at speed while also lowering the chance of a penalty. The game already has a very strong auto-aim built into poke-checking whether you use this ability or not. The ability allows you to spam the stick check without much worry of getting penalized for it. It also allows you to reach the puck from too far away and from impossible angles. Why are the Regional Leagues played without abilities? There was a large group of players who made their voices heard with the so-called "#BanThemAll" messages that were going around after the announcement of the ability bans for the ECL '25: Winter season. As there was no conversation indicating a change in opinion around this subject, we wanted to give the players a chance to try it out in a competitive environment the regional tournaments that were next on the schedule felt like the be the best place to do that. We understand that the timing of this "test period" was far from ideal, especially with the biggest league FCL starting later than we were originally aiming for. We decided to have the same ruleset for all the Regional Leagues, because we wanted all teams and regions to have an equal chance to experience the gameplay without abilities and prepare for the upcoming ECL Season. Our communication of this should have been clearer, but ultimately it was a timing issue with the leagues running at different times. Why was there no community vote? While we understand that there is a big argument to have a vote for this decision, we believe in practice it would not be the best way to go. If we look at some of the unofficial polling results that have been circulating, they show that most people voting were against any kind of change compared to the ECL '25: Winter season. In one specific poll around 130-140 players out of around 650 people on the server voted, even though the server could be considered to consist of some of the most active members in the community. The ongoing public discussions have been very "top-heavy" regarding what division the players play in and this was also reflected in the polling. The higher up you go in divisions, the players tend to be more active and we expect that would also be reflected in a community vote. To actually reach the whole community would be a huge task on its own, and there would still be a big majority of players that the possible vote would not reach, especially given the often narrow time frame. The flip side of the coin is, that even if we would reach all players and have them vote anonymously, we have no way to verify if they have actually looked into all the intricacies of the matter or if they're just casting their vote based on what someone else told them to vote for. This is why we prefer to have an open and constructive dialogue where we collaboratively try to get into the details and thoughts behind the opinions and experiences within our community. What to expect from future decisions? We understand from the feedback that we've been lacking in communication regarding this issue. Communication is our main goal to improve along with reacting quicker to possible changes and make the process smoother overall. Whether it is at the start of the game cycle when something has radically changed, or in the middle of the year when some issue has been raised, we want to react quicker and give the players enough time to adjust for the tournaments. We're very thankful for all the feedback we've received and we warmly welcome any future feedback or suggestions! Best regards, League Administration

Around three weeks ago LA received a report that @Keuschemisch was adding additional points to game reports that were not present in-game. After investigation, here are the findings: In order to carry out the investigation we cross-referenced SportsGamer match results with EA API metadata from seven tournaments stretching across two EA NHL titles. By comparing what we have on record vs. what EA says happened we can see if the stats line up. For instance, in the screenshot below we can see what it looks like when the stats between the two sources line up. All of the players listed have the same number of goals and assists on both the EA API, as well as what has been reported on the SportsGamer site after the games were finished. Generally speaking, people seem to be doing a pretty good job at maintaining the balance between accuracy and speed at which the reports are completed – so to the captains of the SportsGamer community, good work! That said, mistakes do happen and there are times when an extra assist gets added to one player that should have gone to someone else, however as shown in the screenshot below Keuschemisch is a major outlier. No other player across the seven tournaments worth of data is even close. To make matters worse, those 25 points came over the course of only four of those said seven tournaments. For completeness here is the list of players who have had points deducted by accident over those same seven tournaments. Furthermore, as seen in the overview below, a number of Keuschmisch’s additional points come by way of assists being granted when the EA API does not note one being recorded. In order for this to occur when reporting, the individual must edit the EA readout at the bottom of the page before then going back up to the dropdown box to select their name as one of the assisters on a goal. This means that it changes from a potential ‘misclick’ to a two-step process as seen below. Finally, when a game report is completed, it saves the username of the individual who did it, and in these games Keuschemisch was the user who completed the game reports. Therefore, we believe with the evidence listed above that the increase in stats seen on Keuschemisch is not by chance or an error and is in fact a conscious effort to boost their point totals artificially. Keuschemisch claims that the reason for this stats increase is a box score glitch. It is worth noting, that we have also seen video evidence of games where the alleged assists have taken place and been able to confirm that the player in question was nowhere near to getting an assist. Due to the scale of the stats manipulation across multiple tournaments and EA NHL titles, we have decided to suspend Keuschemisch from all SportsGamer tournaments from today’s date (10/01/2025) up to and including 28/02/2026, furthermore, Keuschemisch will receive a captaincy suspension that will run from today’s date (10/01/2025) up to and including 10/01/2030. Finally, for full disclosure, LA received the original report regarding this on the 20th of December 2024. To facilitate this investigation we had to create from scratch a tool to ingest and transform the data from EA’s API into a viewable account of all games from any tournament played on the SportsGamer platform, which we will now be using going forward to proactively scan for players manipulating statistics in a competitive environment. (Update: It should also be noted that from this investigation and the evidence gathered, LA is confident in saying that captains @Toneee9, and @Timasy were not aware of the stats manipulation that was going on, and as such should not face any public (or private) backlash.) League Administration

League Administrative Announcement: Disqualification of Unwanted from ECL Elite SportsGamer has recently become aware of a publicly posted image originating from Unwanted’s team WhatsApp group. The image contained racist content. Following a thorough investigation, we confirmed that the content was authentic (i.e., not altered) and found that several players from Unwanted attempted to deceive and obstruct the League Administration (LA) during this process. Members of the team even went so far as to create fake screenshots, falsely claiming these were the original conversations that had been Photoshopped. Such behavior carries significant penalties. Decision and Implications Given these findings, and after thorough deliberation among LA members, we have decided to disqualify Unwanted from the ongoing ECL Elite season. For the purposes of relegation and standings, the season will proceed as though it was played with 16 teams, with Unwanted finishing in 16th place. Player Suspensions In addition to the team disqualification, individual players from Unwanted have received suspensions. These suspensions, effective immediately, will apply to all SportsGamer tournaments as follows: @Snus97_: Suspended until December 2nd, 2025 @Suth98_: Suspended until June 17th, 2025. Cover Gamer status has been revoked. @bystrom___ & @LaxenHD: Suspended until the April 5th, 2025 @Johansson-37: Suspended until the February 21st, 2025 The remaining roster is allowed to go, join, and play for another team this season (providing the usual transfer rules are satisfied, of course). Resetting Community Standards LA has previously received feedback that our responses to similar incidents were insufficient. Moving forward, we are resetting the standard for player conduct. Any player found engaging in racist behavior will face strict disciplinary action, including severe bans. This decision reflects our intent to provide an opportunity for players to learn and improve. We also discourage witch hunts targeting historical incidents, such as old screenshots or videos, as this detracts from fostering a positive and forward-looking community. Supporting Positive Growth To support this vision, SportsGamer will establish an initiative providing a safe and supportive space where players can seek advice from vetted peers (players). This effort aims to reduce the toxicity currently pervasive in the community. Players should be able to grow both on and off the ice without being subjected to insults or bullying from more established players. While details are still being finalized, we are committed to creating a more inclusive, welcoming environment for all participants.

After months of waiting and eager anticipation, the ECL season is finally in our lives again. Since we last saw each other in July, a lot around the Elite Division has changed. New teams, rebrands, promotions and so much more. Our defending champion rode off into the sunset, three teams were promoted from the Pro Division to Elite, and some former rivals have joined forces to become teammates. I know, that's a lot, but don't worry! We're here to catch you up and give you the rundown of what to expect from each Elite Division team this upcoming season. Before we start, let me clarify that the teams are listed in alphabetical order. Though I sprinkle in some of my own personal thoughts on the teams, this is not a standings prediction, so keep that in mind as you read! Also, rosters fluctuate like crazy and some players can be listed on rosters that don't intend on playing, so unless I was informed otherwise about a certain player, everyone listed on the roster is viewed as either a returner or an addition. Also, thank you to @Vamoux for providing me with additional facts and background information on each of the teams! Lastly, remember that this is all just opinions and analysis! You are allowed to disagree with them, just do it respectfully. None of this really means anything and it's all about just trying to come up with good content for the league that people can enjoy, so please don't take anything here to heart. It's not that serious! Ok, that's enough rambling. We have a long list of teams so let's get started! EXEN Last Season: Finished 5th in Regular Season standings, lost in Semifinals vs Valokuitunen Esports in 5 games Returning Players: FWD - Santeri @indi969 Pendolin FWD - Aapeli @Lxndstrom Landström (played defense last season) DEF - Aleksi @Mozjayh Kähkönen G - Kasper @Kaz_zu Ramstedt Roster Additions: FWD - Väinö @Pikkarii Pikkarainen (joins from Tunnel Vision) DEF- Veeti @wengerii Paloneva (joins from Tunnel Vision) DEF - Aaro @xDoumi Ruuhinen (joins from Parasite) G - Ben @benuh_ Rinnet (joins from Tunnel Vision) Roster Subtractions: FWD - Aaro @xAaro89x Aarvala (transfered to Mustaa Kultaa) FWD - V-V @cTunkeilija Lampela (transferred to Polski Boys) Another team that brings back much of its core back from the last season, EXEN is looking to take a step forward after falling in the Semifinals to Valokuittinen last season. This team made multiple star additions, adding in a multi-time defender of the year in xDoumi, and former Tunnel Vision staples in wengerii and Pikkari. They also added benuh_ who cemented himself as one of Europe's top goalies last season, as he helped backstop Tunnel Vision to its third championship in their last season as a team. Combine this with the returning core of Lxndstom, Mozjayh, Indi and kaz_zu and you can see why so many people are excited about this team. It's important to note as well that it looks like Lxndstrom will be transitioning to forward after spending the last few seasons at LD for this team, so that will be a move to watch out for this season. This is easily EXEN's most talented roster to date and they should be a championship favorite when considering the talent they have at their disposal. The question for EXEN has always been whether they can beat the other top tier teams in the division, especially come playoff time. If they can, we could see this team make its first final and compete for a trophy in a few months. I feel confident that they'll at least be a Semifinals team again this season; anything less would feel like a bit of a disappointment with this roster quite honestly. Let's see if they get it done. Falun Coal Miners Last Season: Competed in Pro Division, lost in Finals vs Almost Famous in 5 games, lost Elite Relegation Series vs Renascor in 7 games Returning Players: FWD - Philip @STRANDMANNEN11 Strandman FWD - Christoffer @Buffy Mentzer FWD - Ted @Smayk99 Kempe DEF - Hampus @l-Furyan-l Duvefelt DEF - Jonas @Supremski Söderlund G - Elie @eliekamel87 Kamel Roster Additions: G- Johan @McSavid Rundqvist (joins from The Black Jacks) Utility - Pontus @LastMandalorian Duvefelt Roster Subtractions: Utility - Matti @SelanneFIN Makkonen Look who's back! After choosing to drop down to the Pro Division to rebuild the core of its roster, Falun Coal Miners earned their spot back into Elite after a thrilling seven-game series win over TIKI TALK in the Elite Qualifier last week. An interesting fact about that by the way, they were down 3-1 in that series before ultimately winning three straight games to steal the series, and their captain Furyan scored all four game-winning goals, including two in OT... and he did it as a defenseman! Impressive to say the least. Now the Coal Miners will have to set their sights on staying in the Division for good, and it'll take a familiar group of players for them to do it. This team only made one addition, but it was one of the best goalies in the ECL in McSavid, who comes over from The Black Jacks after putting up an 84.5sv% in 20 starts. He continues to prove year after year that he is considered one of the best for a reason, and Falun will need him to carry that form over if they want to surpass what many seem to expect from them. Outside of McSavid and Furyan, there isn't a ton of Elite-level experience to be found on the roster, as their lineup will contain multiple rookies at the forward position. We've seen players such as STRANDMANNEN and Buffy have great seasons and become proven point producers in the lower ranks, but can they carry that production over into the golden tier of the ECL? I don't think that this is a bad roster, it's far from it, but I do think that there will be growing pains for some of the newer players to this division on their roster. They will need to rely on the experience that they have from players like Furyan, McSavid, and Supremski to keep themselves out of the relegation zone, but luckily for them, it happens to be two of the most proven players at their respective positions that we've seen in Elite. Maybe the adjustment period will be minimized, but that's not something that you can bank on without seeing it. GOONS Last Season: Finished 13th in Regular Season standings, lost Elite Relegation series vs Mustaa Kultaa in 4 games Returning Players: FWD - Teemu @tkantola Kantola FWD - @Xkeineri DEF - Luka @Easychasniper2 Rönn DEF - Sisu @sisu33_ Nurminen G - Tim @Tuhmakalastaja91 Grönlund Roster Additions: FWD - Leo @Lekxsa_70 Hämäläinen (joins from ROBE Esports - Pro Division) FWD - @xRori83 (joins from Dark Energy HC - Lite Division) G - Juuso @TheSpeedo Sirkola Roster Subtractions: DEF - Kristian @kriketski17 Veijola DEF - Tuukka @KingOfApes_ Ropelinen (transferred to NOVA - Pro Division) FWD/G - Samu @xKeskitalo Keskitalo (transferred to Finnish Roosters - Pro Division) Oh, how the mighty have fallen. It doesn't feel like all that long ago when GOONS was one of the top teams in this Division and a consistent playoff threat, but the last time they made the playoffs? ECL 22 Spring season. Since then, this team has been on a steady decline, and it hit rock bottom last season when they found themselves finishing 13th in the standings and later being swept in its relegation series against Mustaa Kultaa. Luckily for GOONS, they were thrown a lifeline with the ECL 25 Winter qualifier and swept RYHTIC to earn their way back into the Elite Division. So can GOONS get back on the right track this season? It'll take a refreshed approach for them to do so, and there are some names both old and new to this team that could help them do it. One is Easychasniper, who will be back with GOONS after playing 14 games with the team last season at defense (he was one of the Grand Finalists in the ECL 24 1v1 season). Lekxsa is another addition to the roster as a rookie, putting up 41 points in 30 games with ROBE Esports in his lone Pro Division season during the Spring. Speedo comes over from Mustaa Kultaa and will play his first full season in Elite after playing 10 games in Pro last season. These three will combine with the experience of Tkantola and Keinari who have played together for some time, as well as Sisu who is not only one of the world's best 1v1 players but has also been a play-drive and point producer at defense in this Division for the past few seasons, even despite some of his team's struggles. I don't expect GOONS to turn things around entirely or immediately, but I do think that they've taken a step in the right direction. They'll play with a similar identity as past GOONS teams, so lots of hits and lots of counter-attacking, but I think that it'll be done with a bit of a different flavor. Losing Krike, KingOfApes, and Keskitalo hurts, but things were clearly not working for this team. They needed new blood and they got it. My expectation this season will be for GOONS to show progression rather than regression. Heimo Last Season: Finished 14th in Regular Season standings, won Elite Relegation series vs RYHTIC in 6 games Returning Players: FWD - Eemil @Eeemill_ Törnvall FWD - Jim @SadaPoika Leskinen DEF - Tuomas @Tumpp1A Aaltonen DEF - Saku @Sakkem Saaranluoma G - Jani @Vamoux Jämsäläinen Roster Additions: FWD - Otto @xHatsi Hämäläinen (joins from Mustaa Kultaa) DEF - Aleksi @xSnaipperi Honka (joins from TIKI TALK) Roster Subtractions: DEF - A @Akunkku Kuningas DEF - @N44TTI_16 (transferred to DILAC - Pro Division) G - Jani @TeikDaun Honkasaar (transferred to Mythix) Last season, Heimo struggled to find winning form, with their longest win streak being 2 games and being forced to fight to keep their place in Elite in a relegation series, but they did so successfully and are back in the ECL’s top flight for another season. They bring in a pair of players in xHatsi and xSnaipperi. Hatsi was a key cog in Muusta Kuulta's Pro Division run last season that eventually earned them a spot in the Elite Division (he had 10 points in four relegation series games), so it'll be interesting to see him lining up down the middle with two captains in Eemil and Sadapoika. Snaipperi comes over from TIKI TALK after being one of the best defenders in the Pro Division last season (40pts in 30 games and a +60 plus/minus). The 18-year-old Fin will be playing his first season in Elite, but he could very well be a Rookie of the Season contender by the end of the Winter campaign. Look out for him. The last time we saw this group in the playoffs was in ECL Winter 23 under the JANO branding, and you feel like there is a chance that this could change this season. They have a good mix of youth and experience and considering how much the landscape of the Division has shifted since the Spring, you feel like now is as good of a chance as ever for them to make it back. They'll need to find that consistent form, but if they can, Heimo could catch some eyes this season. Mustaa Kultaa Last Season: Competed in Pro Divison, lost in Semifinals vs Falun Coal Miners in 7 games, won Elite Relegation series vs GOONS in 4 games Returning Players: FWD - Jaro @jaageri_ Matilainen (on the roster, but will not be available to play this season) FWD - Alex @Allupekkaz Buntsel G - Veeti @LatveX Laitinen Roster Additions: FWD - Aaro @xAaro89x Aarvala (joins from EXEN) FWD - Eetu @Launonexx Launonen (joins from Unwanted) FWD - J-J @NuariJamal Raatikainen (joins from TIKI TALK) DEF - Mico @Mise Pulli (joins from Gotham Knights) G - Jere @KASINELONEN Leppikangas Roster Subtractions: FWD - Otto @xHatsi Hämäläinen (transferred to Heimo) FWD - Arttu @Arska Aarnio FWD - Jimi @JJimbo- Laitinen DEF - Jiri @I_Saarinen_I Saarinen (transferred to Kymmenelta Clubille - Pro Division) DEF - Lauri @SirLateksi Seimelä (transferred to Kymmenelta Clubille - Pro Division) G - Miika @sMiiga Koivula (transferred to PANIC ON ICE - Core Division) One of our two new Elite Division teams (not including rebrands)! As an unbiased and neutral party, I have to admit that it's pretty cool to see Mustaa Kultaa make it to the ECL's top flight for the first time. I called this team's ECL 23 Spring Lite Championship victory in what was their first-ever season as a group, and now just three seasons later, here they are in the Elite division. These are the stories that make this league so fun and make the ECL so unique. Now let's get down to business, this team looks drastically different from past seasons. As a matter of fact, no other Elite Division team exchanged more players than Mustaa Kultaa over the offseason, as they made five additions to the roster while seeing five players depart, and that doesn't even include the team's captain jaageri who will be away this season. They brought in two of Elite's best-scoring forwards from last season. Launonex returns to Mustaa Kultaa after spending last season with Unwanted, where he was one of the best rookie skaters in the league with 55 points and had a great case for winning rookie of the year (his teammate at the time, karlssonadam just edged him out). He joins Aaro who comes over from EXEN and had a 55-point season of his own. These two were tied for the fourth-most points in the league last season, so that gives you an idea of how impactful these two transfers are for Mustaa Kultaa. Naurijamal also feels like an under-the-radar addition, as he comes off of a 93-point and 54-assist season with TIKI TALK in the Pro Division last season, both which led the league last season. Considering that Allupekkaz has long been the team's starting RW, I'm interested to see how they rotate three really talented forwards and if one of them could possibly move back to defense, as their roster only has one defenseman officially listed on the roster in Miseee, who comes over from Gotham Knights. The jump to Elite is a tough one. It's a game of sink or swim and we've seen cases of both over the last few seasons. Even last season we saw teams like Gotham Knights and Renascor struggle to make the jump and finish in the Bottom 4 of the division, while other teams such as Björkloven Esport and Purification adapted rather quickly and finished Top 10 in the standings. I personally feel like this team is capable of doing the latter. I think that competing towards a playoff spot is a very reasonable expectation for this team considering the moves that they made in the offseason. They've climbed the ECL ladder about as quickly as any team could do so, and now they'll get the chance to match up against some of the best groups that Europe has to offer. Mythix (formerly Bjorkloven Esport) Last Season: Finished 6th in Regular Season standings, lost in Quarterfinals vs Tunnel Vision in 5 games Returning Players: FWD - Oskar @x-_-BoBi-_-x Hautala FWD - Valtteri @Valee__ Jakola FWD - Miikka @koleslaav_ Kolehmainen DEF - Miika @zMikkeez Kauppila DEF - Veeti @WeDuX_ Misikangas DEF - Arttu @Thewix93 Harju G - Jussi @Ricco Laakso Roster Additions: G - Jani @TeikDaun Honkasaar (joins from Heimo) Roster Subtractions: G - Dennis @Kallmanius Källman (transferred to Bjorkloven Esport - Pro Division) Formerly under the Bjorkloven Esport brand, his group had quite the debut to Elite last season, earning a playoff spot and putting the Elite division on notice in their first season there. Unfortunately for them, they fell short to the eventual champions, but the Spring campaign was nothing short of a success for now-rebranded Mythix. Now the expectations are present for this team, and there’s the feeling that they could ascend into the Top 4 if all goes right this season. They return a majority of the roster, only making one swap in adding TeikDaun to take the place of Kallmanus, who made just two starts for the team in net last season. Considering how good this team was in their own end last season, giving up just 2 goals per game and having a penalty kill of 86.67% ( both ranked at third-best in Elite), I'm sure that they won't complain about maintaining the majority of a roster that was one of the best defensive teams in the division. Koleslaav and Bobbi also proved to be a dynamic duo at the forward spot, with each of them at least having double the amount of points of any of their teammates. I'm sure that Mythix will want This is a team that is hungry and still has a lot to prove, but a playoff appearance should be the minimum expectation in my opinion. They’ve already proven that they can get there and now it’s time for them to build up from that. Was last season just a glimpse of what they’re capable of? We’ll find out soon. Parasite (formerly Valokuitunen Esports) Last Season: Finished 1st in Regular Season standings, lost in Finals vs Tunnel Vision in 4 games Returning Players: FWD - Perttu @Beniittto Kemppainen FWD - Niklas @NikkeDangles Tukiainen DEF - Teemu @Teemuyy Polttila G - Sebastian @FINSeRe Remes Roster Additions: FWD - Valtteri @Vattuyy Virtanen (joins from Tunnel Vision) DEF - Tomi @tomboo-_- Laitinen (joins from Tunnel Vision) G - Niklas @uhNikke Nieminen (joins from Voittamaton *didn't play any games last season*) Roster Subtractions: FWD - Vili @Vilupoika Häkkinen DEF - Aaro @xDoumi Ruuhinen (transferred to EXEN) After being swept in the Finals by Tunnel Vision this past season, Parasite come into ECL '25: Winter under a new name and with a much different look after making some key additions. Long-time staples in Vilupoika and Doumi are out, while rivals turned teammates are now in, as they add three former Tunnel Vision stars in Vattuyy, UhNikke, and the team’s former captain Tomboo. It almost feels similar to what we saw a few years ago when HAVU and Frolunda HC had their cores merge, only I think you could argue that this group is even stronger than that one was (not by a wide margin to be clear, that team had insane talent as well). You could maybe wonder how these different play styles will mesh together, as Tunnel Vision and hREDS/Valokuitunen played very different play styles, but the best players and teams find ways to make it work and this group fits that billing to a tee. I wish that I had a deeper analysis to give about this group, but it's honestly all quite simple. This is a collection of some of the best talent in the world and their most likely starting lineup makes up for each of the last 7 Elite Division championships. It doesn't get much simpler or more truthful than that. Everyone is plenty familiar with what this team is capable of and they will without a doubt be a title favorite again. Similarly to what we said with EXEN earlier, anything less than at least a Semifinals appearance would feel like a disappointment. Polski Boys Last Season: Finished 12th in Regular Season standings Returning Players: FWD - Aleksi @Brockela22 Pokela FWD - Sasu @xSaski_ Korkeamäki DEF - Lauri @vote_10 Voittomäki DEF - Santeri @kungenkirwa Syrjämäki G - Kirill @W1nchester_62 Syuzyumov G - Tomi @Tope0090 Heikkilä Roster Additions: FWD - V-V @cTunkeilija Lampela (joins from EXEN) Roster Subtractions: FWD - Joona @jm98II Muona A team that had a quick rise in ECL '23, Polski Boys are still looking for their breakthrough moment in the Elite Division, finishing in no man’s land in each of their foes two seasons here. They kept most of the core from last season in fact, only making one move in adding cTunekelija who comes over from EXEN. He’ll take the place of jm who had been a staple in this lineup during the team’s ascent. Though JM is a quality player in his own right, Tunekelija has been a proven commodity as a point-producer, hitting 40+ points in each of his past three Elite seasons. For a team that finished Bottom 5 in the division in goals for per game during their first two Elite seasons, including the second-lowest goals for per game last season (2.07), this will be a helpful addition. This is a team that many believe is on the cusp of that breakout year, and I've been in that same boat for a while now. Is the third time the charm for Polski Boys? A playoff appearance would suggest yes, but they’ll need to finally take that much-needed stride offensively to get there. Renascor Last Season: Finished 15th in Regular Season standings, won Elite relegation series vs Falun Coal Miners in 7 games Returning Players: FWD - Evgeny @Virusact1ve Popov DEF - Sergei @NyambI4 Filippov DEF - Igor @Motov Motov Roster Additions: FWD - André @Foppatofflan Liljegren (joins from The Black Jacks + Northern Ascendancy) FWD - Connor @MartindalexC Martindale (joins from Falun Coal Miners + Northern Ascendancy) G - @jg697000 (joins from Supernatural - Pro Division) Roster Subtractions: FWD - Maksim @maximkrinitsyn88 Krinitsyn FWD - Erik @riegel29 Riegel G - @Hullued (transferred to HC Pustertal eSports - Lite Division) Making some of the most roster moves of any team in the Division, Renascor is back for its second Elite Division campaign. Now they look to progress after what was a tough season for the group last season, finishing in 15th and having to win a Game 7 in a relegation series vs Falun Coal Miners to maintain their place in Elite. The majority of changes that this team made were at the forward spot, as they brought in a pair of linemates with ample Elite experience in Foppatofflan and Martindale. Though these two are experienced, they were just brought into the team last week, so we'll have to see how quickly these two can gel with the rest of Renascor's lineup and how quickly it will take for the group to adjust to one another. They also added a rookie goaltender in Gresu__, who was stellar in the Pro Division last season with Supernatural, posting an 86 sv% in 14 games. The key to Renascor improving this season will be finding its offensive stride. This team had the lowest goals for per game of any team in the Elite Division last season at 1.67. They also had the fourth-lowest shots per game in the division at 12.1. Will the veteran additions help? Or will they still not have enough firepower to match up with the division's playoff contenders? I think they've taken a step in the right direction, but we won't be able to know until we see it for ourselves. Roots Gaming Last Season: Finished 10th in Regular Season standings Returning Players: FWD - Santeri @xleksa35 Levänen FWD - Linus @Limu95 Christiansson FWD - Eemil @Sokkelo__ Soikkeli FWD - Samuli @ssampee37 Mäntylä DEF - Niko @vVoDee Vottonen DEF - Joonas @LE1PAKONE Nordman G - Joona @xJontteZ Moilanen Roster Additions: NONE Roster Subtractions: NONE One of two teams to make zero changes to its roster, Roots Gaming is looking to make it back to the playoffs after just falling short in the Spring '23 season. Despite falling short of the Top 8 however, last season had to be considered a success for Roots, as they made an 18-point improvement in the standings and went from finishing 15th in the Winter season to 10th in the Spring (technically they tied for 9th with Purification, but lost the tiebreaker). This team probably has to most chemistry of anyone in the league, as this is also the same exact roster from that Winter 24 season that we had mentioned earlier. You can argue that this could be a good thing or a bad thing. Two seasons together as a unit is invaluable, and could arguably be this team's biggest strength. They also have one of the league's more underrated goalies in xJonttezz, who comes off a season where he posted an 82.75 SV% (he was also above an 80 SV% during the Winter season with this team). However on the flip side of that argument, this team has been stuck in the middle or worse for a while now, and considering that they made zero changes to the roster, there isn't much evidence that suggests that this Roots team will all of a sudden become more than what they've already shown that they are. If they are going to do so, they will need to find their offense a bit more in this game cycle, as they averaged just 1.47 (Winter) and 2.07 (Spring) goals per game in NHL 24. They will also need to find a way to punch a bit higher to compete with some of the league's top groups, as last season they had a record of just 3-13 against playoff teams, with 11 of those losses coming in regulation. I don't mean to be harsh with Roots, they're a capable group, but after a while, you are what your performances say you are, and when nothing has changed from the past two seasons it's hard to give any reason to believe that this group will suddenly ascend into that next tier of Elite Division teams unless their game has elevated over the past few months, which though possible, is not something that can be safely predicted. The Black Jacks Last Season: Finished 8th in Regular Season standings, lost in Quarterfinals vs Valokuitunen Esports in 7 games Returning Players: FWD - Kevin @Keuschemisch Berg FWD - Chris @GERxVillain Ungeheuer FWD - Tim @Timasy Hess DEF - Max @Toneee9 Tonitz DEF - Antti @Anhel_Kuru Kuru Roster Additions: DEF - Niklas @xXPsykoSkillsXx Schmitz (joins from Deadly Phantoms - Pro Division) G - Santeri @kkostiiii Kostiainen (joins from Vesa Pompa) G - Sandro @I-THE_EAGLE-I Wüller Roster Subtractions: FWD - André @Foppatofflan Liljegren (transferred to Renascor) G - Johan @McSavid Rundqvist (transferred to Falun Coal Miners) G - Simeon @Simbanho Vorselman (transferred to Blackbirds - Pro Division *will return to TBJ next season*) After nearly pulling off one of the biggest upsets in Elite history in last season’s Quarterfinals, TBJ is back and hoping to take that long-awaited next step forward. It feels like this group has been stuck in the middle for a while, consistently finishing in the 8-12 range in the standings. With experience aplenty and higher ambitions, this will need to change this season. Their biggest change will be at what was arguably their biggest strength last season, goaltending, as Kkosti comes in to replace to goaltending duo of McSavid and Simbahno. Kkosti joined the team over the summer, so you can expect him to be ready to go for his new team. While McSavid has moved on to Falun Coal Miners, it has been said that Simbanho will rejoin the team next season but will be playing in the Pro Division with Blackbirds for this season (so essentially he's on loan). They also replace Fopptofflan who was a steady presence at center for them, as GERxVillan will move from defense to Center spot to fill his absence. I’m not sure if we’ve seen this group hit their peak yet, but this season will go a long way toward finding out. The key will be having a strong regular season that shows that they can win consistently. Slow starts to seasons are something that has held this team back a bit in past years. That issue will need to be remedied if they want to continue progressing. TIKI TALK Last Season: Competed in Pro Division, lost in Quarterfinals vs Mustaa Kultaa in 7 games Returning Players: FWD - @itspardytime FWD - Teemu @Teme Sainio FWD - Kari @VaLLe- Valle (transferred midseason to TIKI TALK last season, was on roster so counted as a returning player) G - Kevin @I-Bysse-I Byström Roster Additions: DEF - @Saviinainen (joins from Zenegeim - Lite Division) DEF - @Pensasmies (joins from BushWackers - Lite Division) G - @I-Nisse-I Roster Subtractions: FWD - J-J @NuariJamal Raatikainen (transferred to Mustaa Kultaa) DEF - Aleksi @xSnaipperi Honka (transferred to Heimo) DEF - Timo @Velttola Hokkanen G - @SemiSeco A few days ago, TIKI TALK thought it had fumbled away its chance at the Elite Division, losing a 3-1 series lead and falling to Falun Coal Miners in Game 7 in the qualifier. It looked like the group would be back in the Pro Division for another season. Then, everything changed, as Almost Famous, last season's Pro Division champions, disbanded, leaving one more spot to be filled in the Elite Division. TIKI TALK was given a second chance, and they took advantage of it, defeating RYHTIC in six games to punch their ticket back into Elite for the first time since ECL 9. An awesome story for one of the ECL's original teams (TIKI TALK is one of the few active team brands that played in ECL 1). Though TIKI TALK lost its leading point producer and Pro Division points leader from last season in nuarijamal, they do bring back two high-quality forwards in ItsPardyTime and TeMeX. These two have an undeniable chemistry that goes all the way back to ECL 1, so if they can adjust to the Elite game again, they could be an impactful duo this season. Slotting with them at forward will be VaLLe-9, a relatively unknown rookie who has just 8 games of ECL experience from his time with Valco in the Pro Division in ECL Winter 24 before transferring to TIKI TALK midseason. He put up 13 points in 14 games during the Elite Qualifier playoffs last week. Both defensemen will also be transfers, as they added Pensamies, who will be playing in his first Elite season and is making the considerable jump from the Lite division, and Saviinainen, who played with TIKI TALK in its last Elite season in ECL 9 and has been a consistently reliable defenseman at the Pro and Lite ranks. I-Bysse-I comes back with TIKI TALK to command the pipes after he was arguably the best goalie in the Pro Division last season, posting an 87.41 SV% in 22 regular season starts and an 86.55 SV% in 14 playoff stats. He'll be a rookie in Elite this season, but look out for him to potentially steal this team a few games. It's hard to say where this team could end up because a few days ago they weren't even going to be in the Elite Division. I feel like many will place them in the relegation zone because of that, and it's honestly understandable, but TIKI TALK has a roster mixed with experience and youth, and they have a few impact players that could very well take over a game here and there. I'm not saying they're a playoff team, I'm not even going to say that they'll be safe from playing a relegation series in March, but what I will say is to not just write them off because of the way that they got here. This is a team that is capable of winning games and we've seen some crazy things happen before in this Division. Could TIKI TALK add to that list of craziness? We'll see. Tohtorit Last Season: Finished 4th in Regular Season standings, lost in Quarterfinals vs EXEN in 4 games Returning Players: FWD - Jere @profiilipakki Kangasniemi FWD - Jere @Harlowi- Paloranta FWD - Tuomas @Ojala16 Ojala FWD - Mikko @Ristimaki12 Ristimäki DEF - Verne @seegasormi Maijanen DEF - Timi @Kkarkass Kärkäs DEF - Tomi @tominointi Mäkelä G - Stan @Stammer70 Adamus Roster Additions: NONE Roster Subtractions: NONE This team shouldn’t catch anyone by surprise anymore. Tohtorit is here and they are a serious playoff team. They return their entire roster from last season’s campaign and they were a serious threat to finish top of the league for some time before falling off a bit late in the season and having to settle for a 4-seed, which is still impressive. This led to a tough Quarterfinal matchup with EXEN and an early playoff exit. I'm especially interested to see how this forward group does this season, as the trio of Harlowi, Ojala16, and profillipakki were stellar for this team last season, with each of them ranking Top 10 in the Division in either points or goals. Stammer70 has also proven to be a wall in net for this team, posting back-to-back seasons with a save percentage of 82% or higher. Being one of the teams to return its entire roster could be a benefit, but we’ll have to see if their performance last season is what this team truly is, as well as if their playstyle will mesh with the new game. They aren't going to catch anyone by surprise anymore, so we will have to see whether or not the Spring campaign was this group's peak or if they can take another step forward together. Unwanted Last Season: Finished in 7th in Regular Season standings, lost in Quarterfinals vs Straikers in 7 games Returning Players: FWD - Steffen @Suth98_ Sutherland FWD - Anton @Henka0009 Henriksson DEF - Alex @Snus97_ Arvidsson G - Adam @karlssonadam_ Karlsson Roster Additions: FWD - Max @LaxenHD Söderström (joins from Purification) DEF - Elvis @bystrom___ Byström (joins from Purification) G - @Sundstroom (joins from Gotham Knights) Roster Subtractions: FWD - Eetu @Launonexx Launonen (transferred to Mustaa Kultaa) FWD - Leevi @xLeikku Kauppila FWD - Hannes @Johansson__224 Johansson DEF - Samu @keisari Ahonen After falling one game short of a semifinal appearance last season, Unwanted is back and with a new look roster. At one point, this team looked like it could’ve been taking a break, but they eventfully merged with Purification and look to remain a fixture in the Elite division. With a good mix of experience and youth, this season feels like the opportunity for ascension for this team. There will be some questions to answer with the merger, but Purification was one of the division’s up-and-coming teams before stepping away, so there shouldn’t be much of a drop-off. This provided them with a pair of quality additions in Laxen and Bystrom who will hope to take a step forward with their new team this season. Unwanted also returns last season's Rookie of the Season in karlssonadam, who was also a Goalie of the Season candidate after posting an 85.37 SV% in 26 regular season starts during the Spring. The challenge for this team will be improving in the regular season, as Unwanted found themselves 7th in the league in both ECL 24 seasons. This could help their chances at a deeper playoff run if they could avoid playing one of the league’s Top 3 teams (or better yet, be one of the league’s Top 3 teams). I think that we will have to wait and see how the new additions work out for this group and what their lineup ends up looking like, as Launonexx and pkeisari are not light losses to the roster, but overall this still looks like a team that should be in the playoffs again. The question now is whether or not they can elevate into that top tier of teams in the Elite division. Vesa Pompa Last Season: Finished 11th in Regular Season standings Returning Players: FWD - Henrik @Eken45jr Eklund FWD - Anton @antoniomannen004 Svensander FWD - Anton @AntonLxnd Lund DEF - Oliver @pappeen- Papmehl Roster Additions: DEF - Sebastian @SebbeLarsen86 Larsen DEF - @iSvamp (joins from The Worn Out Wisemen - Neo Division) G - Sebastian @Sebastian Lahdo Låhdö (joins from Schrute Farmerz - Lite Division) Roster Subtractions: FWD - Adam @dzouvi Mensik G - Santeri @kkostiiii Kostiainen (transferred to The Black Jacks) Can this team get back into contenders status? That is the question that surrounds a Vesa Pompa team that missed the playoffs last season at 11th. It was a disappointing drop-off for this group after making it all the way to the Semifinals in the Winter season prior and now we'll need to see if they can get back to that place of contention. They lost a pair of key pieces in Dzouvi and Kkostti, but did add one of the league's most reliable defensemen in SebbeLarsen, who will give the team a boost on the back end. Another key addition will be SeboLHD, a rookie goaltender who will look to add to the list of high-end netminders in the Elite division. Keep in mind that last season’s rookie of the year was a goalie, so we’ve seen players in their first season make a significant impact at this position before. Antoniomannen (51pts) and AntonLxnd (40pts) were this team's two leading point producers, so the bulk of this team's scoring production will at least return this season. Eken will also move back up to forward after spending last season at defense; lining up as the Center between Antonio and Anton. Consistency will be key for Vesa Pompa this season. They have a playoff-caliber roster, but they’ll need to put together games in order to accrue points to make the Top 8, something that they struggled to do in the Spring. Voittamaton (formerly Straikers) Last Season: Finished 2nd in Regular Season standings, lost in Semifinals vs Tunnel Vision in 7 games Returning Players: FWD - Joonas @Patzlaf Paatiala FWD - Erik @Eki Tammenpää FWD - Teemu @temppanen Karvonen DEF - Tuukka @FlyerKungen Kuha G - Hannes @Hansulinho Kettunen G - Oskari @Zande95 Grönroos Roster Additions: FWD - Paul @PleeMaker Arontie DEF - Jimi @J-_-Jamaltheman Rönkkönen Roster Subtractions: DEF - Kristian-Mikael @Nassustelija Katajisto G - Niklas @uhNikke Nieminen (transferred to Parasite - didn't play in any games last season) Another team that fell victim to Tunnel Vision last season, Voittamaton are still looking to get back to the top of ECL. They’ve come close many times, making it to the Semifinals and Finals on multiple occasions in the last few years, but it’s been since ECL 11 that this group has hoisted the trophy. Most of this team remains unchanged in terms of its core group. They added in Jamaltheman who will provide some offense from the backend after being a high-quality forward with JYP Jyvaskyla in the past season (he went down to Lite last season). He replaces Nassustelija who had been with this team since HAVU Gaming merged with Frolunda HC, so it'll be interesting to see how that one change alters this team's look. They also did lose UhNikke to Parasite, though he didn't suit up for the team last season and Hansulinho is still one of the best goalies in the world, so nothing lost, nothing gained. This team will also appreciate having its long-time captain in Patzlaf back after being away from the team for most of last season. He's undoubtedly one of the best centers in Europe, and though this team looked good in his absence, no one will ever complain about having one of the best two-way players in the ECL back in their lineup. Combine him with other proven top players in Eki and Temppanen and it's a pretty safe bet that they'll be a top offense once again this season. I also find it interesting to see Pleemaker on the roster this season. He hasn't played since the ECL 22 Spring season, but he led the league in points (69), goals (33), and assists (36) that season and he has undeniable chemistry with Patzlaf and Eki. Two years is a long time away from the competitive atmosphere and the ECL and the game as a whole have changed drastically since he last played, but if he is going to come back this season, it'll be a fun story to watch develop for this group that has so much history together. For now, we'll just wait and see what happens there. This team is again a championship contender, but it feels like this year has to be the year before wholesale changes could be considered for the roster (pure speculation to be clear). Does this core have another championship in them? Or have we seen them at their peak? We know where their ambitions are set, now they have to execute in seeing them out. Tune in to the Season Opening Broadcast Tonight! Tune in to the ECL '25: Winter - Elite season opener tonight at twitch.tv/SportsGamerGG! The broadcast starts exceptionally early at 18:45 CET as the first Episode of the SportsGamer Wraparound with Cody @Tougie24 Tougas will introduce us to the new season! We want your clips! Did you make an incredible play or have a funny blooper? Share your best moments on social media using the hashtag #ECL25Clips and get a chance to be featured in our broadcasts. Social media Please tag @SportsGamerGG and use the hashtag #ECL25Winter when posting on social media. You can also use the hashtags #KouvolanLakritsi #eHockey. Also note that when editing your team info, you can add your social media accounts to your team information. The same goes for your player card. Season schedule Regular Season duration: 18.11-19.12.2024 ECL '25: Winter Elite Finals date: ECL Elite LAN Finals @ Assembly Winter 2025 on Thursday 20.2.2025 Good luck to all the teams as they hit the virtual ice. Have fun and let the games begin!

🏒 Introduction The ECL Pro Division Playoffs are here, and with them comes a thrilling slate of first-round matchups that promise everything from offensive fireworks to tactical chess matches. Whether it's star-studded rosters chasing glory, underdog stories aiming to shock the league, or old rivalries reigniting on the virtual ice — this playoff round has it all. In this preview, we break down every series, highlight key players, expose tactical edges, and offer bold predictions from some of the community’s sharpest analysts. Buckle up — the road to ECL greatness begins now. PLAYOFFS SCHEDULE Playoffs (BO7) Round of 16: Monday 26.5 Tuesday 27.5 Thursday 29.5 Quarterfinals: Monday 2.6 Tuesday 3.6 Thursday 5.6 Semifinals: Monday 9.6 Tuesday 10.6 Thursday 12.6 Finals: 16.6- 17.6* Promotion & Relegation games are to be played shortly after the season, however, dates are flexible. * Dates are subject to change as broadcast productions are confirmed. Afterlife vs. Setelikerho : A Playoff Showdown to Watch After a rollercoaster regular season, the underdog Setelikerho has earned a first-round playoff matchup against the powerhouse Afterlife, one of the top-performing teams in the regular season. Setelikerho’s knack for upsetting giants while occasionally stumbling against lower-ranked teams has made them a wildcard in this series. Their gritty, opportunistic style contrasts sharply with Afterlife’s polished, high-octane game, setting the stage for a clash of philosophies. This series promises fast-paced action, tactical battles, and a test of whether experience or momentum will prevail. Setelikerho: The Giant Slayers Setelikerho’s journey to the playoffs has been anything but conventional. The Finnish squad, known for their relentless work ethic and cohesive team play, managed to steal crucial points from top-tier teams during the regular season. However, inconsistency against bottom-feeders exposed vulnerabilities that Afterlife will undoubtedly target. What makes Setelikerho dangerous is their veteran core, bringing elite playoff experience to the Pro divison. Players like forward @tbnantti, a clutch performer with a knack for game-changing goals, and defenseman @Tanski87, a shutdown blueliner with a booming shot, give Setelikerho the tools to disrupt Afterlife’s rhythm. The Finns thrive in high-pressure environments, often elevating their game when the stakes are highest. Their trap system is aggressive, aiming to force turnovers and capitalize on quick transitions. If Setelikerho can find their groove and maintain discipline while exploiting Afterlife’s occasional overconfidence, they could pull off a stunning upset and advance to the second round. The key will be their goaltender, @Jugi9, whose acrobatic saves and cool-headedness under pressure have bailed out the team in tight games. A hot goalie can steal a series, and Jugu has the pedigree to do just that. Afterlife: The Favorites Under Scrutiny Afterlife, hailing from Sweden (mostly), dominated the regular season with a blend of skill, speed, and depth that overwhelmed opponents. Finishing among the league’s elite, they enter the playoffs with sky-high expectations to not only win this series but to make a deep run. Their roster boasts a formidable forward group, with all players amassing 70+ points in the regular season. The addition of @SebbeLarsen86 , a dynamic playmaker with a knack for unpredictable passes has elevated their offense to another level. His ability to thread the needle in tight spaces makes Afterlife’s power play a lethal weapon. However, Afterlife’s relative lack of playoff experience could be their Achilles’ heel. While their regular-season dominance showcased their talent, the postseason is a different beast, where physicality, mental toughness, and adaptability often trump raw skill. The Swedes’ flashy style, coupled with a bold social media presence (by @Azzez_88) that’s both entertaining and polarizing, has painted a target on their backs. Setelikerho will look to exploit any signs of overconfidence if Afterlife’s young stars struggle to handle the playoff grind. Afterlife’s depth scoring is a major asset. Unlike many teams that rely on one or two stars, their balanced attack means anyone can erupt on a given night. This versatility makes them hard to game-plan against, as Setelikerho’s penalty kill will need to be airtight to neutralize Afterlife’s multi-faceted offense. If Afterlife can maintain their regular-season form and avoid early mistakes, they could overwhelm Setelikerho and fulfill expectations of a sweep or a gentleman’s sweep (4-1 series win). Tactical Breakdown Power Play: Afterlife’s power play is a well-oiled machine, converting at 28,3% during the regular season. @SebbeLarsen86’s vision and pinpoint passing create chaos in the offensive zone, while sniper @Bobban-21- buries one-timers from the slot. Setelikerho’s power play, while less prolific at 22.5%, relies on quick puck movement and deflections, with @Tehhola6837 often tipping shots from the crease. Penalty Kill: Setelikerho’s penalty kill is achilles heel, operating at an 74,47% success rate. With Afterlife's prowess on the powerplay, they will see some success. Goaltending: This could be the series’ deciding factor. @Monnig (juge9) (77,62%) save percentage and ability to steal games give Setelikerho an edge in net. Afterlife’s goaltender, @Bystrom_33 posted a 77% save percentage but has yet to face the intensity of playoff hockey. His composure will be tested early. Pace and Style: Both teams play fast, puck-moving hockey, but their approaches differ. Setelikerho’s game is built on capitalizing on mistakes, while Afterlife prefers controlled zone entries and cycling to create high-danger chances. The team that imposes its tempo will likely control the series. Key Players to Watch Setelikerho: @tbnantti – The veteran forward’s ability to score timely goals and lead by example will be crucial. His goal-scoring touch on the powerplay could tilt special teams in Setelikerho’s favor. Afterlife: @SebbeLarsen86 – The newcomer’s playmaking sets the tone for Afterlife’s offense. If he can unlock Setelikerho’s defensive structure, Afterlife will be tough to stop. Prediction This series has all the makings of a classic. Setelikerho’s experience and goaltending give them a fighting chance, but Afterlife’s depth and offensive firepower are hard to overcome. Expect a tightly contested battle, with Setelikerho pushing the pace early to test Afterlife’s resolve. If @Monnig (juge9) stands on his head, the Finns could extend the series to six or seven games. However, Afterlife’s ability to score in bunches and exploit special teams should ultimately prove decisive. Series Prediction: @hifk_FANI : Afterlife in 5 (4-1). @Pekedipeks : Afterlife in 6 (4-2). @jm98II : Setelikerho in 6 (4-2). @Pensasmies : Afterlife in 5 (4-1). For the Fans If you’re tuning in, expect end-to-end action, highlight-reel goals, and momentum swings that keep you on the edge of your seat. This series is a must-watch for anyone who loves teamwork, speed, and the raw emotion of playoff hockey. Whether you’re rooting for the underdog Finns or the favored Swedes, one thing is certain: Afterlife vs. Setelikerho will deliver a spectacle worth watching. Pirates vs. Carnages : A Playoff Showdown of Offense vs Defense This is the time for an electrifying playoff matchup in the Pro Division as the high-octane offense of Pirates eSports clashes with the suffocating defense of Carnages. This series promises to be a classic battle of contrasting styles, with Pirates looking to overwhelm their opponents with firepower and Carnages aiming to grind out victories through resilience and structure. Fans are in for a treat as these two teams battle for supremacy in a series that could define their seasons. Pirates: The Offensive Juggernaut Pirates eSports made waves in the offseason with a bold roster overhaul, and the gamble has paid dividends. Boasting the most potent offense in the Pro Division, they’ve steamrolled opponents throughout the regular season, averaging over four goals per game. Their dynamic attack, led by superstar center/winger @AdriF_23, has propelled them into the playoffs as a team no one saw coming. With a revamped lineup and a hunger to prove themselves, Pirates are poised to make a deep postseason run. The French phenom @AdriF_23 is the heartbeat of this team. Topping the division with an astonishing 116 points (46 goals, 70 assists), he showcased his versatility by dominating at center while also controlling the playmaking. His linemate, Central European star @Winci-_o, assists him perfectly on the wing. With 95 points (50 goals, 45 assists), ranking third in the division, @Winci-_o has been a lethal scoring threat. Together, they form one of the most dangerous duos in the league, capable of dismantling any defense with their speed, chemistry, and finishing. Rounding out the top line is @Jullee99, a gritty winger who adds physicality and defensive responsibility to the mix. His 72 points (33 goals, 39 assists) don’t tell the full story of his impact, as his ability to win puck battles and create space for his linemates has been crucial to Pirates’ success. With a deep supporting cast, including playmaking defenseman @Tromi13 (46 points), Pirates have the firepower to overwhelm even the stingiest defenses. Carnages: The Defensive Wall On the other side, Carnages enter the series as underdogs but with a chip on their shoulder. Known for their ability to wear down opponents, Carnages thrive in low-scoring, physical games. Their defensive structure, anchored by goaltender @Fin_S1su , has been their calling card, allowing one of the fewest goals per game in the regular season (2.38). This Finnish squad is built for the postseason, where every goal is magnified, and their disciplined approach could spell trouble for Pirates’ high-flying attack. Carnages’ regular season was not without its challenges. Scoring only 79 goals (15th among playoff teams), they struggled to generate consistent offense. However, the midseason acquisition of @Aarons _ has given them a much-needed spark. The versatile forward contributed 14 points (5 goals, 9 assists) in six games, providing a secondary scoring threat alongside veteran @Kansan-edustaja (49 points). If Carnages can capitalize on their chances and keep Pirates’ offense in check, they have the potential to pull off an upset. At the back, @Kansan-edustaja is the player to watch. His .930 save percentage and calm demeanor under pressure make him a brick wall in net. Supported by shutdown defenseman @Nagneigel and @Saukkis923 (JAMJAM923), Carnages have the tools to frustrate Pirates’ stars. Their game plan will likely focus on clogging the neutral zone, forcing turnovers, and limiting high-danger chances, a strategy that worked against top offenses all season. The Matchup: Fire vs Ice This series is a textbook clash of styles. Pirates will look to push the pace, using their speed and skill to create odd-man rushes and capitalize on power plays. Their red-hot power play (32.65%) could be a game-changer since Carnages take penalties quite a lot (113, 4th among all playoff teams in regular season). Conversely, Carnages will aim to slow the game down, relying on their penalty kill (85.2%, third in the league) and physical play to disrupt Pirates’ rhythm. The key battle will be in the trenches. Can Carnages’ defense, led by @Nagneigel , neutralize Pirates’ top line? Will @AdriF_23and @Winci-_o find ways to exploit gaps in Carnages’ system? Goaltending will also play a pivotal role. While @Fin_S1su has been a rock for Carnages, Pirates’ @Horys20 (2.28 GAA) will need to step up against a team that thrives on counterattacks. Key Players to Watch Carnages: @Fin_S1su The goaltender’s ability to stand tall against Pirates’ barrage of shots will be critical. His clutch saves could swing the series in Carnages’ favor. Pirates eSports: @AdriF_23 The division’s leading scorer is a game-breaker. If he finds his rhythm, Carnages’ defense will have their hands full. Predictions This series will be a tough one for the Finns. The French side will be difficult to stop and @Fin_S1su needs a miracle to make the upset. @hifk_FANI : Pirates in 5 (4-1) @Pekedipeks : Pirates in 6 (4-2) @jm98II : Pirates in 4 (4-0) @Pensasmies : Pirates in 6 (4-2) For The Fans This series is a must-watch for esports fans. Pirates’ dazzling offense will light up the scoreboard, but Carnages’ stubborn defense and playoff mentality make them a dangerous foe. Whether you’re rooting for goals galore or a masterclass in defensive hockey, this matchup has it all. Tune in to see if Pirates’ stars shine brightest or if Carnages prove that defense truly wins championships. Vizio vs. Sawolanche : A Playoff Showdown Packed with Potential This particular matchup might not scream blockbuster at first glance, but don’t let the stat sheets fool you, this clash between Vizio and Sawolanche promises to be one of the most gripping battles of the ECL Pro Division first round in ECL Pro! Unlike other series where one team might hold a clear edge, this one is a true toss-up, with both squads bringing unique strengths and compelling narratives to the virtual ice. Expect tight, low-scoring games, clutch plays, and a series that could hinge on a single turnover or a moment of brilliance. Sawolanche: The Upstart Underdogs Sawolanche embodies the classic underdog story in the SportsGamer ecosystem. Starting their journey in the Neo division back in ECL 11, they’ve climbed the ladder with grit and determination. After cutting their teeth in the Lite division for several seasons, they’ve now earned a playoff berth in just their second season in the Pro division, a remarkable feat that signals their potential to break into the Elite tier soon. Their regular season was defined by defensive discipline and low-scoring affairs, with a league-low 75 goals scored among playoff teams. This defensive identity is Sawolanche’s calling card. Their ability to stifle opponents and keep games close has been their recipe for success, often dragging higher-octane teams into their preferred grind-it-out style. To advance past Vizio, Sawolanche will need to lean heavily on this strength, forcing low-scoring games where every chance is precious. Their captain and leading scorer, @I_LaiTi_I , is the linchpin of their offense. Known for his hockey IQ and knack for exploiting turnovers, @I_LaiTi_I will need to be at his absolute best, capitalizing on any mistakes Vizio makes in their own end. Sawolanche’s defensive structure is anchored by a disciplined team game and a goaltender who’s been a revelation this season. While their netminder’s stats may not jump off the page, their ability to make timely saves in clutch moments has kept Sawolanche competitive in tight games. If they can maintain their composure and force Vizio into frustrating, low-event hockey, Sawolanche has a real shot at pulling off the upset. Vizio: The Favored Contenders Vizio enters the series as the small favorite, and for good reason. Having already navigated the journey from Lite to Pro in prior seasons, they know what it takes to succeed in high-stakes playoff hockey. Their regular season was marked by offensive firepower and puck possession, with a style that emphasizes controlling the tempo and peppering opponents with shots. However, against a defensively sound team like Sawolanche, Vizio will need to be clinical with their chances, as opportunities to score will be few and far between. A key factor in Vizio’s favor is their mid-season acquisition of @Nieppii , a seasoned forward whose experience in high-level ECL play adds a new dimension to their attack. @Nieppii’s ability to create plays and finish in tight spaces makes him a perfect fit for the playoff grind, where every goal feels like a small victory. His presence not only bolsters Vizio’s forward core but also provides leadership and poise in critical moments. Expect @Nieppii to be a focal point of Vizio’s game plan, whether he’s setting up plays or taking on the responsibility of breaking through Sawolanche’s defensive shell. All eyes, however, will be on @Jetsu28 , Vizio’s 50-goal scorer and offensive dynamo. A nightmare for opposing defenses all season, @Jetsu28 has a flair for the dramatic, combining speed, skill, and a lethal shot to dominate games. His 50 goals in the regular season are a testament to his scoring prowess, but the playoffs are a different beast. Sawolanche’s defense will likely key in on him, using physical play and tight checking to limit his time and space. How @Jetsu28 handles this pressure will be a defining storyline of the series. If he can find ways to break free and light the lamp, Vizio could overwhelm Sawolanche’s defense. Vizio’s defense is their weakness, with one of the highest goals against in the regular season, they need to be sound in their own zone and cut down on turnovers in which Sawolanche thrive. Their netminder has posted solid numbers throughout the season, with a save percentage that ranks among the division’s best in high-danger situations. Their defensemen, while not as flashy as their forwards, are adept at moving the puck and shutting down opponents in their own zone. Vizio’s ability to maintain puck possession and limit Sawolanche’s counterattacks will be key to their success. Tactical Breakdown: A Clash of Styles This series is a classic battle of contrasting styles. Sawolanche’s low-scoring, defensive approach relies on patience, discipline, and capitalizing on opponents’ mistakes. They excel at clogging the neutral zone, forcing turnovers, and turning those errors into quick-strike offense led by @I_LaiTi_I. Their penalty kill, one of the best in the Pro division, will need to be sharp against Vizio’s potent power play, which has been a weapon all season. Vizio, on the other hand, thrives on puck possession and offensive creativity. Their game plan will likely focus on cycling the puck in the offensive zone, wearing down Sawolanche’s defenders, and creating high-quality chances for @Jetsu28 and @Nieppii. However, they’ll need to avoid overcommitting, as Sawolanche is lethal on the counterattack. Vizio’s power play, driven by @Nieppii’s playmaking and @Jetsu28 ’s finishing, could be a game-changer if they can draw penalties. Goaltending will be a critical factor. Both teams have reliable netminders, but Sawolanche’s keeper has a slight edge in low-scoring games, with a knack for making game-saving stops. Vizio’s goaltender, meanwhile, faces more shots on average and has proven capable of handling high-pressure situations. The team that gets the better goaltending performance is likely to come out on top. Historical Context and Stakes For Sawolanche, this playoff appearance is a milestone in their rapid ascent through the SportsGamer ranks. A series win would not only cement their status as a rising force but also send a message that they’re ready to compete with the big dogs in Pro and potentially Elite. Vizio, meanwhile, is looking to solidify their reputation as a playoff team in Pro. Having been in Sawolanche’s position a few seasons ago, they understand the hunger of an upstart team but also the importance of seizing opportunities. A deep playoff run could propel Vizio into the Elite conversation, especially with their bolstered roster and star power. The pressure is on them to perform as favorites, but their experience gives them an edge in handling the spotlight. Players to Watch Vizio: @Artuzio With talent around him, Artuzio has the ability to raise his own game as well, with Nieppi and Jetsu taking some of the offensive load off of him, he might just be the guy to keep an eye on. Sawolanche: @Kussan82 The Swedish netminder came in the offseason from Gotham Knights where he played on a contending team that crashed out in the playoffs, now boasting similar stats he is looking to take a round 1 victory. Series Prediction This series is too close to call with certainty, and our analysts are split on the outcome, reflecting the razor-thin margins that will decide it: @hifk_FANI : Vizio in 5 (4-1) @Pekedipeks : Sawolanche in 7 (4-3) @jm98II : Vizio in 7 (4-3) @Pensasmies : Sawolanche in 6 (4-2) For The Fans Vizio vs. Sawolanche is the epitome of playoff hockey: a battle of wills, styles, and execution under pressure. Will Vizio’s offensive firepower and veteran presence prove too much, or can Sawolanche’s defensive tenacity and opportunistic play spring the upset? One thing is certain, this series will be a showcase of everything that makes ECL playoffs so compelling: heart, hustle, and high-stakes drama. Tune in, because every goal, save, and turnover could be the moment that swings this series. ROBE Esports vs. Aspyre : A High-Octane Playoff Clash in ECL Pro The ECL Pro Division first-round matchup between ROBE Esports and Aspyre is shaping up to be a thrilling battle that could go down to the wire. Both teams have the firepower, grit, and star power to make a deep playoff run, making this one of the most anticipated series of the opening round. Expect a clash of offensive juggernauts, with special teams and goaltending likely to play a pivotal role in deciding who advances. ROBE Esports: The Resurgent Offensive Machine ROBE Esports has made a triumphant return to the Pro Division after a brief hiatus, storming back into the playoffs with a statement. Their regular season was a masterclass in offensive dominance, averaging an impressive 4 goals per game, a figure that puts them among the elite scoring teams in the division. Leading the charge is their star forward, @punt1la98 , a seasoned acquisition from the now-defunct Dilac. With 38 goals in the regular season, @punt1la98 has proven he’s a clutch performer who thrives in high-pressure situations. His ability to find the back of the net, combined with his veteran presence, makes him the engine of ROBE’s attack. ROBE’s offensive prowess stems from their relentless forecheck and ability to create chaos in the offensive zone. Their cycling game is among the best in the division, with crisp passing and dynamic movement that overwhelms opposing defenses. However, their success in this series will hinge on their power play, which has been a weapon all season. Aspyre’s poor penalty kill (a league-worst 66.67%) is a glaring weakness, and ROBE’s special teams, led by @punt1la98 ’s lethal shot, could exploit it to devastating effect. If ROBE can stay disciplined and avoid taking penalties themselves, their offensive depth could make this a short series. Offensively one of the key aspects of ROBE’s game is @lycki10 , who broke the ECL Pro defensemen point record with 74 (14+60), if Aspyre can’t contain him it’ll be a short series. Defensively, ROBE is no slouch, with a balanced blueline that supports their high-octane attack. Their goaltender, while not the flashiest, has posted respectable numbers and excels at making key saves in tight games. ROBE’s ability to transition quickly from defense to offense will be crucial against Aspyre’s aggressive forwards. Adding a layer of intrigue to this matchup is @Tihizu , ROBE’s rising star who played for Aspyre last season, now facing his former teammates. @Tihizu brings insider knowledge and a potential revenge narrative. His 90 points (41+49) isn’t easily replaced, and now ROBE has that insider knowledge of Aspyre’s playbook. Aspyre: The Late-Blooming Contenders Aspyre’s journey to the playoffs was a rollercoaster, marked by inconsistency until a pivotal roster change sparked their turnaround. The arrival of @LeiskaViis7 , initially as a backup, proved to be a game-changer. Quickly seizing the left-wing position, @LeiskaViis7 led the team in scoring with an impressive 63 points, showcasing his playmaking flair and finishing touch. Now, in his first Pro Division playoff appearance, he’s poised to make a splash and cement his status as one of the division’s rising stars. Aspyre’s strength lies in their offensive versatility and ability to generate scoring chances in bunches. Their forwards, anchored by @LeiskaViis7 & @hifk_FANI , combine speed, creativity, and a knack for finding open ice. However, their Achilles’ heel is their penalty kill, which struggled mightily during the regular season. Against a team like ROBE, with a lethal power play, Aspyre will need to tighten up their special teams and stay out of the penalty box to have a chance. They have most likely spent the short break before the playoffs drilling penalty-kill strategies, but it remains a significant concern. In net, Aspyre relies on @Cash18 , a goaltender with the X-factor to steal games. When he’s dialed in, @Cash18 can be a brick wall, capable of making highlight-reel saves that shift momentum. His performance in the regular season showed flashes of brilliance, and the playoffs are his opportunity to prove he’s among the elite netminders in Pro. Aspyre’s defense, spearheaded by @letsgoat67, while not as structured as ROBE’s, is aggressive and excels at pinching to create offensive opportunities, though this can leave them vulnerable to counterattacks. Tactical Breakdown: Offense vs. Discipline This series is a clash of offensive titans, with both teams capable of lighting up the scoreboard. ROBE’s game plan will likely focus on sustaining pressure in the offensive zone, using their cycling and puck possession to wear down Aspyre’s defense. Their power play will be a key weapon, especially given Aspyre’s penalty-kill struggles. ROBE’s challenge will be maintaining defensive discipline to avoid giving Aspyre’s speedy forwards breakaway chances. Aspyre, meanwhile, will aim to turn the series into a track meet, leveraging their speed and transition game to exploit ROBE’s aggressive pinching. @LeiskaViis7’s ability to create plays in open ice will be critical, as will @Cash18 ’s performance in net. Aspyre’s biggest priority is improving their penalty kill, whether through better positioning or more aggressive shorthanded pressure to neutralize ROBE’s power play. Discipline will be paramount, as taking penalties could spell disaster. ROBE has also struggled mightily in the faceoff circle at 45.36%, with a lot of plays off the faceoff, Aspyre has the advantage here. Goaltending could be the X-factor. While both netminders are capable of stealing games, @Cash18’s flair for the dramatic gives Aspyre a slight edge in high-stakes moments. However, ROBE’s goaltender is more consistent, which could prove decisive in a long series. Players to Watch ROBE:@Tihizu A breakout star who played for Aspyre last season, @Tihizu has skyrocketed to prominence in the Pro Division. His 76 points (30 goals, 46 assists) showcase his elite skill set, making him a player every Elite team should monitor. Facing his former club, @Tihizu ’s knowledge of Aspyre’s strategies and his ability to create offense in clutch moments could be the difference. The playoffs are his stage to prove he’s ready for the next level. Aspyre:@Cash18 @Cash18 is the heartbeat of Aspyre’s playoff hopes. With an uncanny ability to make game-changing saves, he has the X-factor to swing a series in his team’s favor. His regular season was marked by moments of brilliance, and now, in the postseason spotlight, he has a chance to establish himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the Pro Division. If @Cash18 is on his game, Aspyre could ride his heroics to an upset. Adaptation and Expectations ROBE Esports’ return to the Pro Division mirrors the resurgence of teams like Be a Bro or Golden Nights in past ECL seasons, who leveraged veteran leadership and offensive depth to make noise in the playoffs. A series win would validate their comeback and position them as serious contenders for an Elite Division promotion. For @punt1la98 and @Tihizu , this is a chance to prove they can carry a team in the crucible of playoff hockey. Aspyre’s story is one of adaptation and growth, reminiscent of teams like Herlev Eagles, who found success after key roster tweaks. @LeiskaViis7’s emergence as a star has given Aspyre a new identity, but their penalty-kill woes could be their undoing unless addressed. A deep playoff run would mark Aspyre as a team on the rise, with @Cash18’s goaltending potentially becoming the stuff of an ECL Pro legend. Series Prediction This series is a coin flip, with both teams boasting explosive offense and game-breaking talent. The team that finishes its chances and avoids costly penalties will likely emerge victorious. Our analysts are leaning toward Aspyre, but it’s far from unanimous: @hifk_FANI : Plays for Aspyre. @Pekedipeks : Plays for Aspyre. @jm98II : Aspyre in 7 (4-3). @Pensasmies : Aspyre in 5 (4-1) For The Fans ROBE Esports vs. Aspyre is a playoff matchup that has it all: star power, contrasting styles, and sky-high stakes. Will ROBE’s offensive juggernaut and power-play dominance prove too much, or can Aspyre’s speed, goaltending, and newfound chemistry pull off the upset? One thing is certain, this series will deliver edge-of-your-seat action, with every goal, save, and penalty potentially tipping the scales. Buckle up for a classic ECL Pro showdown! Golden Buffalos vs. Realistic : A Clash of Titans and Underdogs in ECL Pro The ECL Pro Division first-round matchup between Golden Buffalos and Realistic is one of the most intriguing storylines of the Spring 2025 playoffs. For many, the spotlight is on the Golden Buffalos, a newly formed team stacked with ECL Elite veterans who dropped down to Pro for a fresh challenge. As regular season champions, they face a scrappy, upstart Realistic squad eager to prove they belong among the division’s elite. This series promises high-stakes drama, tactical battles, and a showcase of why ECL playoffs are a breeding ground for unforgettable moments. Golden Buffalos: The Star-Studded Favorites The Golden Buffalos entered the Pro Division as the team to beat, and they’ve lived up to the hype. Assembled in the offseason with a jaw-dropping roster, they signed multi-ECL Elite champion @Patzlaf , alongside Elite veterans @Eken45jr and @FlyerKungen (among others), who left their established teams for reasons that remain a topic of speculation. Their regular season was a masterclass, clinching the top seed and home-ice advantage throughout the playoffs. Led by center @Patzlaf ’s 84 points (36 goals, 48 assists), the Buffalos boasted the division’s best defense, allowing the fewest goals in Pro. The Buffalos’ strength lies in their blend of offensive firepower and defensive solidity. @Patzlaf , a cerebral playmaker with a knack for clutch performances, dictates the pace from the center position, setting up linemates with surgical precision. @FlyerKungen, a two-way force, anchors the blueline with physicality and puck-moving savvy, while @Eken45jr’s scoring touch adds dynamism to the forward group. The late-season addition of ECL legend @itspardytime , who played two games, hints at a potential wildcard in the lineup. His playoff pedigree could be a game-changer if he suits up, keeping Realistic’s roster guessing. Defensively, the Buffalos are a fortress, with a goaltender who posted a league-leading save goals-against average 1.67. Their structured system stifles opponents, forcing low-percentage shots and capitalizing on turnovers. To dominate Realistic, the Buffalos will rely on their depth, experience, and ability to control the tempo, turning games into a masterclass of execution. Realistic: The Hungry Underdogs Realistic, a newly founded team, is the new underdog story. After battling through qualifiers to earn a Pro Division spot, they scraped into the playoffs by a single point, edging out HC Lugano in a nail-biting finish. This young squad, lacking the star power of their opponents, faces a difficult task: toppling the regular season champions in a best-of-seven series. Their regular season was marked by resilience and low-scoring games, with a focus on defensive discipline to compensate for their lack of offensive depth. Leading the charge is @Ratamursu69, Realistic’s top scorer with 60 points (36 + 24). His respectable numbers highlight his ability to create offense in limited opportunities, but he’ll need to elevate his game to penetrate the Buffalos’ stingy defense. Realistic’s game plan will center on keeping games tight, relying on their young goaltender to make big saves and their forwards to capitalize on counterattacks. Their penalty kill, a middle-of-the-pack unit, must be airtight against the Buffalos’ potent power play. Realistic’s defense is gritty but untested against a team of the Buffalos’ caliber. Their blueliners excel at shot-blocking and neutral-zone traps, but they’ll face relentless pressure from the Buffalos’ talent. If Realistic can frustrate their opponents and force mistakes, they have a chance to steal games, but it will require near-perfect execution. Tactical Breakdown: Experience vs. Grit This series is a classic David vs. Goliath matchup. The Golden Buffalos will aim to impose their will through puck possession, using their cycling game and defensive structure to suffocate Realistic. Their powerplay, driven by @Patzlaf and @FlyerKungen, is a lethal weapon that could be tested by Realistic’s stellar penalty kill. Buffalos’ depth allows them to rotate players, mixing up the opponents over a long series. Their challenge is to avoid going in assuming an easy win against a hungry underdog. Realistic’s strategy will focus on low-scoring, defensive hockey. They’ll look to clog the blueline, disrupt Buffalos’ rhythm, and capitalize on turnovers with quick-strike offense led by @Ratamursu69. Goaltending will be critical, as Realistic’s netminders must match @McSavid save for save. Staying out of the penalty box is non-negotiable, as the Buffalos’ special teams could turn a single infraction into a multi-goal deficit. The goaltending matchup favors the Buffalos, whose netminder is a proven playoff performer. Realistic’s goaltenders ( @Sportage14 & @Torvelajr__), while talented, both are untested in high-stakes games, and their ability to handle the Buffalos’ relentless attack will be a defining factor. It’ll be seen who gets the starting nod, as both goaltenders have had a split of games in the regular season. Playoff Significance and Stakes The Golden Buffalos’ bold move to the Pro Division and call upon their Elite stars has made them the talk of the ECL Pro division. Their regular season dominance set a high bar, and a deep playoff run would validate their decision to begin their unusual ECL story, potentially earning them a call to Elite. For @Patzlaf , this is a chance to add another championship to his storied career, while the addition of @itspardytime could further cement his legacy in ECL history. For Realistic, this playoff berth is a milestone for a young team still finding its identity. Facing the division’s top seed is a chance to make a statement, with @Ratamursu69 poised to emerge as a breakout star. An upset would redefine their trajectory, establishing them as a force in Pro. Even pushing the Buffalos to a competitive series would boost their confidence and reputation, proving they can hang with the best. Players to Watch Golden Buffalos:@FlyerKungen The highly touted defenseman can play on both sides of the puck. With an unclear roster ahead of the playoffs, it’s highly unlikely they start the series without their puck-moving blueliner. Realistic: @Datsyykki13 A player unheard of for many, this young blueliner has the potential to be a force in the Pro division. Still learning, he amassed a solid 28 points (2+26) in his first season. Prediction The analysts are heavily favoring the Golden Buffalos. Realistic has an uphill battle but will give it all they’ve got. @hifk_FANI : Golden Buffalos in 4 (4-0) @Pekedipeks : Golden Buffalos in 4 (4-0) @jm98II : Golden Buffalos in 5 (4-1) @Pensasmies : Golden Buffalos in 6 (4-2) For The Fans This matchup is a treat for ECL fans, offering a front-row seat to see how Elite veterans like @Eken45jr & @FlyerKungen adapt to the Pro Division’s lower intensity. Meanwhile, Realistic’s underdog story, led by the promising @Ratamursu 69, adds a layer of intrigue. Can the young upstarts challenge the juggernaut, or will the Buffalos’ star power prove too much? Every game will be a test of skill, strategy, and grit. Almost Famous vs. POGGERS : A High-Octane Showdown in ECL Pro The ECL Pro Division first-round matchup between Almost Famous and Poggers is shaping up to be a fireworks-filled spectacle, pitting two offensively gifted teams against each other. With experienced playmakers, questionable defenses, and a mutual expectation to advance, this series promises high-scoring games and thrilling moments. Both squads are led by dynamic center @JaKurrii for Poggers and @Ikavalko for Almost Famous, who will drive their teams’ game plans. Buckle up for a clash that could light up the virtual ice. Almost Famous: The Offensive Juggernaut Almost Famous has been a force in the Pro Division since their triumphant ECL 24 Spring title run. After opting not to claim an Elite Division spot last season, they’ve returned with a vengeance, dominating the regular season with a group-leading 130 goals (4.33 goals per game). Their offensive prowess is unmatched, with a knack for dismantling defenses and even hitting double digits in one game. Leading the charge is former Elite standout @keranee , a forward whose playmaking and scoring ability make him a nightmare for opponents, even on his off days. Almost Famous thrives on fluid puck movement in the offensive zone. @Ikavalko ’s ability to control the puck and set up high-danger chances is the engine of their attack, often creating space for @keranee to unleash his lethal shot. However, their defense is a weak point, conceding 2.9 goals per game, which could be exposed by Poggers’ potent offense. Their goaltender @kkostiiii , while capable, relies on the team’s scoring to outpace defensive lapses. To dominate this series, Almost Famous will need to maintain their offensive tempo while tightening up in their own end. The powerplay is a key weapon for Almost Famous, with @Ikavalko and @keranee orchestrating plays that capitalize on penalties. If Poggers’ discipline falters, Almost Famous could run away with games. Their challenge is to avoid getting into a track meet, as their defensive vulnerabilities could give Poggers a chance to keep pace. POGGERS: The Playoff Perennials Poggers have been a fixture in the Pro Division playoffs since their demotion from Elite, maintaining a consistent core with minor roster tweaks. Their regular season was solid but not spectacular, earning them a playoff berth despite an average defense that allowed 2.78 goals per game. Now, they face a formidable challenge in Almost Famous, whose offensive firepower could exploit Poggers’ defensive inconsistencies. To advance, Poggers will rely on their playoff experience and a goaltender who thrives under pressure. The heartbeat of Poggers’ offense is center @JaKurrii , a veteran playmaker whose ability to drive the puck and create scoring chances is central to their strategy. His vision and puck-handling will be critical against Almost Famous’ aggressive forecheck. In net, @Hullued is the X-factor. Known for elevating his game in high-stakes situations, @Hullued’s clutch saves have kept Poggers competitive in tight games. His regular season save percentage was respectable (81.86%), but his ability to steal games in the playoffs could be the difference in this series. Poggers’ power play, led by @keranee , is dangerous and a bit more consistent than Almost Famous’. Their penalty kill, however, is a weakness, which could be dangerous against Almost Famous’ powerplay. If Poggers can keep games low-scoring and rely on @Hullued’s heroics, they have a shot at an upset. Tactical Breakdown: Offense vs. Goaltending This series is a clash of offensive titans with defensive question marks. Almost Famous will aim to dictate the pace, using their offensive prowess to overwhelm Poggers’ blueliners. Their power play, driven by @keranee’s scoring ability, and Almost Famous will target Poggers’ average penalty kill (77.55%). However, their leaky defense could allow Poggers to counterattack, especially if @Ghettomasi exploits open ice. Poggers’ strategy will focus on slowing the game down, using their experience to disrupt Almost Famous’ rhythm and capitalizing on defensive mistakes. @Hullued’s goaltending will be pivotal, as he’ll face a barrage of high-quality shots. Poggers’ penalty kill must be disciplined to limit Almost Famous’ special teams, and their power play needs to convert to match their opponents’ scoring. Discipline is key, as penalties could hand Almost Famous easy goals. Goaltending could decide the series. @Hullued’s playoff pedigree gives Poggers an edge in clutch moments, but Almost Famous’ netminder @kkostiiii i will rely on his team’s offense to outscore mistakes. The team that gets the better performance between the pipes, or exploits the other’s defensive lapses will likely advance. Playoff Significance and Stakes For Almost Famous, this series is a chance to reaffirm their status as Pro Division elites after their ECL 24 Spring title. A deep playoff run would solidify @keranee and @Ikavalko as top-tier talents and potentially earn them another shot at Elite promotion. Their high-octane style has set expectations sky-high, and anything less than a strong showing would be a disappointment. Poggers, meanwhile, are driven to prove they can return to Elite contention. Their consistent playoff appearances reflect their resilience, but a series win would mark a breakthrough, with @JaKurrii and @Hullued poised to become playoff heroes. For a team accustomed to scrapping for respect, upsetting Almost Famous would be a defining moment, boosting their confidence and reputation. Players To Watch Poggers: @LaurinHaavi Question will be if he will play offense or defense, Almost Famous will see once the series starts. He can bring it on both sides of the puck. Almost Famous:@kkostiiii Can the seasoned goalie step up when he needs to? Is the pressure of title contenders too much? Watch to find out! Prediction This matchup will feature a lot of close-call games. Unfortunately for Poggers, it won’t be enough — Almost Famous’ offense is too much and they advance. @hifk_FANI : Almost Famous in 5 (4-1) @Pekedipeks : Almost Famous in 5 (4-1) @jm98II : Almost Famous in 6 (4-2) @Pensasmies : Almost Famous in 5 (4-1) For The Fans This matchup is a treat for ECL fans, showcasing offensive fireworks from @keranee and @Ikavalko against the clutch goaltending of @Hullued and @JaKurrii ’s playmaking. Will Almost Famous’ scoring barrage overwhelm Poggers, or can the underdogs pull off a stunner? Every goal, save, and power play will be critical in this high-scoring thriller. Fury vs. Otukset : A High-Scoring Showdown in ECL Pro The ECL Pro Division first-round matchup between Fury and Otukset is poised to be a thrilling, goal-filled spectacle, echoing the offensive fireworks of the Poggers vs. Almost Famous series. Both teams boast Elite-level experience and rosters stacked with offensive talent, but their success hinges on which squad’s defensemen can balance their attacking instincts with defensive responsibility. With dynamic forwards and shaky bluelines, this series will test who can find the extra gear to advance to the second round. Expect a fast-paced, high-scoring battle where every mistake could be costly. Fury: The Ambitious Newcomers Fury entered the ECL Pro Division as a newly formed team with sky-high expectations, bolstered by a roster of proven veterans. Finishing fourth in their group fell short of their lofty goals, but their offensive output was undeniable, driven by the dynamic duo of @rakkauspakkaus- and @Konsuk05 , @rakkauspakkaus-, a Pro Division veteran, elevated his game to new heights, amassing 102 points (45 goals, 57 assists) to lead the team. His partner, @Konsuk05, lit the lamp 50 times, forming a lethal forward pairing that can dismantle defenses with speed and precision. Don’t underestimate the trickery and experience of @LE1PAKONE (nordzman) — once defenseman turned center — he will be the wildcard for Fury. Fury’s strength lies in their offensive zone dominance, where their forwards excel at cycling, creating space, and finishing high-danger chances. @rakkauspakkaus-’s playmaking and @Konsuk05’s sniping make them a nightmare for opposing goalkeepers. New signing @localhefe (pinpinkeisari), an offensive-minded defenseman, whose lack of defensive capabilities are a glaring weakness for Fury. His 53 points (4 goals, 49 assists) are impressive, but his 304 turnovers highlight a reckless streak that opponents exploit. If Fury can rein in @localhefe ’s risky plays and bolster their defensive structure, they could overwhelm Otukset with their scoring. Fury’s power play, led by @rakkauspakkaus-’s setups, is a potent weapon, but their penalty kill struggles, often leaving them vulnerable. Staying disciplined and limiting Otukset’s power-play opportunities will be critical to their success. Otukset: The Seasoned Contenders Otukset, now in their fourth season in the Pro Division, are a well-oiled machine with a roster brimming with chemistry and versatility. Having narrowly missed Elite qualification before the season, they’re hungry to make a deep playoff run. Their regular season was marked by balance, with their forward group consisting of @Pursuitti , @James (machinegunkalle), and @Miguli36 almost sharing the scoring load evenly, each hovering just under 80 points. This depth makes Otukset a tough matchup, as they lack a single star but overwhelm with coordinated attacks. Defensively, Otukset are a standout, conceding just 82 goals (2nd fewest in their group). Their blueliners, while offensively inclined, are disciplined, balancing aggressive pinches with solid positioning. This defensive stability will be tested against Fury’s high-powered forwards, but Otukset’s chemistry gives them an edge in reading plays and shutting down rushes. Their goaltender @Roisto999 , a Pro Division veteran, boasts a mid-tier save percentage (79.75%) and thrives in low-scoring games, providing a backbone for their playoff push. Otukset’s power play, driven by @Pursuitti ’s vision, is efficient — the 2nd best in Pro (33.93%) — which could test Fury’s below average penalty kill (76.32%). To upset Fury, Otukset will need to exploit @localhefe ’s turnovers and keep games tight, leaning on their goaltender to outduel Fury’s inconsistent netminder, who at his best is a terrific goaltender. Tactical Breakdown: Offense vs. Discipline This series is a battle of offensive firepower and defensive discipline, with both teams’ offensive-minded defensemen under scrutiny. Fury will aim to dominate puck possession, using their cycling game to create chances for @rakkauspakkaus- and @Konsuk05. Their power play is a major threat, but @localhefe ’s turnovers could spark Otukset’s counterattacks. Fury must tighten their defensive zone coverage and avoid penalties, as Otukset’s penalty kill is above average. Otukset’s strategy will focus on structured play, using their defensive stability to frustrate Fury’s forwards and capitalize on mistakes. Their balanced forward group, led by @Pursuitti , excels at exploiting tight spaces, and their goaltender’s ability to handle high-danger shots could keep games close. Otukset’s power play must convert to match Fury’s scoring, and their penalty kill will be key to containing @rakkauspakkaus-’s setups. Discipline is paramount, as penalties could ignite Fury’s offense. Goaltending could be the decider. Otukset’s netminder has the edge in consistency, while Fury’s goalkeeper is a wildcard who can steal games or falter under pressure. The team whose defensemen better balance offense and defense, and whose goaltender stands tallest, will likely advance. Playoff Significance and Stakes For Fury, this series is a chance to validate their bold formation and high expectations. A deep playoff run would establish @rakkauspakkaus- and @Konsuk05 as elite playmakers and silence doubters about their defensive woes. Overcoming @localhefe ’s turnover issues could propel Fury toward Elite contention, making this series a defining moment for their new roster. Otukset, with their seasoned core, are driven to finally break through in the playoffs after years on the Elite cusp. A series win would highlight their chemistry and defensive prowess, with @Pursuitti , @James (machinegunkalle), and @Miguli36 proving they can compete with the best. Advancing would cement Otukset as a Pro Division powerhouse and boost their confidence for future Elite qualification. Players To Watch Otukset: @juhkis96 Will the seasoned player finally take that final step for the hardly sought after promotion to Elite, or will Otukset once again fall short in the playoffs? Time for the captain to step up. Fury:@localhefe A battle between defensemen, both drive their team forward, but will this once great Hokurit legend be a turnover machine in the playoffs? Time will tell and Otukset will surely take advantage. His 304 turnovers are close to a Pro division record. Prediction This matchup promises high-scoring chaos, with both teams exploiting defensive weaknesses. The team that stays out of the penalty box and gets the better goaltending will prevail. Analysts are split, reflecting the series’ unpredictability: @hifk_FANI : Fury in 4 (4-0) @Pekedipeks : Otukset in 7 (4-3) @jm98II : Otukset in 6 (4-2) @Pensasmies : Otukset in 7 (4-3) For The Fans This series is a masterclass in offensive hockey, with @rakkauspakkaus-, @Konsuk05, @Pursuitti , @James (machinegunkalle), and @Miguli36 showcasing their mastery of tight-space playmaking. Fans looking to sharpen their offensive game should study this matchup, as both forward groups exploit every inch of ice. The battle of offensive defensemen, especially @localhefe ’s high-risk style, adds intrigue. Don’t miss this high-scoring showdown! Three Stars vs. Falun : A Clash of Cinderella Magic and Veteran Grit in ECL Pro The ECL Pro Division first-round matchup between Three Stars and Falun is one of the most captivating storylines of the Pro playoffs, pitting a Latvian underdog with a good run under their belt against a seasoned Swedish squad with Elite experience. Three Stars, a team few expected to make the playoffs, has dazzled with their dynamic offense and aggressive playstyle, while Falun, a playoff regular, aims to leverage their veteran presence to overcome a lackluster regular season. This series promises high-energy hockey, tactical battles, and a test of whether youthful momentum can outshine battle-tested grit. Expect a hard-fought battle that could swing either way. Three Stars: The Latvian Cinderella Story Three Stars has been the surprise package of the ECL Pro Division, defying expectations with a breakout season that captured the imagination of fans. After scraping through Stage 2 of the Pro qualifiers, the Latvian squad exploded out of the gate with a stunning nine-game win streak, showcasing their flashy offense and relentless energy. Their regular season was a masterclass in balance: a league-best power play (35.42%), a strong faceoff win rate (52.15%), and an above-average penalty kill. Their defense, ranked second in Pro for goals against, combines aggressive play with disciplined positioning, creating turnovers that fuel their high-octane attack. Leading the charge is left winger @artusjo , whose slick playmaking and scoring touch have lit up the division. Since his Pro debut in ECL 23 Spring in the Neo division, @artusjo has evolved into a superstar, dazzling opponents with his speed and clutch goals. Complementing him is the lone Finn, @Stigi senko, who enjoyed a record-breaking season with 46 goals and a blistering 35.9% shooting percentage, making him a lethal finisher in tight spaces. Three Stars’ game plan hinges on their aggressive play, power-play dominance, and faceoff prowess, but their relative inexperience could be a chink in their armor against Falun’s seasoned roster. Their goaltender, a rising talent @Elvis Grundmanis (happymack29) boasts solid save percentage (81.31%), faces a stern test against Falun’s skilled wingers but has shown poise in high-pressure moments. Three Stars’ versatility leaves few weaknesses, but maintaining their momentum in the playoff crucible will be critical. If they can keep the puck in Falun’s zone, convert power-play chances, and stay disciplined, their cinderella story could extend deep into the postseason. Falun: The Experienced Contenders Falun, an experienced team in the ECL, entered the Pro season with high expectations but faltered after falling short in the Elite qualifiers. Despite a disappointing regular season, their playoff berth and surprising roster moves signal their intent to make a statement. The acquisition of @benuh_ , widely regarded as the best goaltender in Pro, was a masterstroke, with his elite save percentage and clutch performances anchoring Falun’s defense. Their offense, driven by talented wingers @STRANDMANNEN11 and @Buffy XII, is potent, capable of matching Three Stars’ firepower, but they face a formidable challenge against the division’s second-best defense. The return of @l-Furyan-l , an ECL legend, has been a game-changer. After a tough stint in Elite, he reasserted his dominance, finishing sixth among defensemen in points (7 goals, 46 assists) and second in blocked shots (46). His two-way play and physicality make him a candidate for the best defenseman award if Falun goes deep. Falun’s game plan revolves around their experience, goaltending, and offensive depth, but they must slow Three Stars’ relentless pace to avoid being overrun. Their goaltender, @benuh_, is the X-factor, capable of stealing games, but their average penalty kill could be exposed by Three Stars’ deadly power play. Falun’s challenge is to impose their tempo, leveraging @l-Furyan-l ’s defensive prowess and @benuh_’s heroics to keep games tight. If they can fluster Three Stars with physical play and capitalize on their inexperience, they could pull off the upset. Tactical Breakdown: Momentum vs. Experience This series is a clash of styles: Three Stars’ high-octane, aggressive approach against Falun’s structured, experience-driven game. Three Stars will aim to dominate puck possession, using their skill and power play to overwhelm Falun’s defense. Their faceoff dominance, led by @snipeLVcelly8 (jurajLV), ensures they start with the puck, and their aggressive playbook creates turnovers for quick-strike goals. However, their defensive aggression could leave gaps if Falun’s wingers exploit counter attacks. Falun’s strategy will focus on slowing the game down, using @benuh_ to neutralize high-danger shots. Their power play, driven by @STRANDMANNEN11, must convert to keep pace, while their penalty kill needs to step up against Three Stars’ lethal special teams. Discipline is critical, as penalties could ignite Three Stars’ power play. Falun’s experience gives them an edge in clutch moments, but they must match Three Stars’ intensity to avoid being overrun. Goaltending could be the decider. @benuh_’s playoff pedigree gives Falun a slight edge, but @Elvis Grundmanis (happymack29) has shown he knows what he’s doing. The team that gets the better performance between the pipes and exploits the other’s mistakes will likely advance. Playoff Significance and Stakes For Three Stars, this series is a chance to cement their cinderella story and prove their meteoric rise is no fluke. A deep playoff run would establish @artusjo and @Stigi senko as Pro Division stars and position the Latvians as serious contenders for Elite promotion. Their dynamic style has raised expectations, and advancing would send a message that their momentum is unstoppable. Falun, meanwhile, is fighting to reclaim their status as a playoff powerhouse. A series win would validate @benuh_’s acquisition, highlight @l-Furyan-l s resurgence, and restore Falun’s reputation after a lackluster season. For @STRANDMANNEN11 and @Buffy XII, it’s an opportunity to prove they can lead against a top defense. Advancing would reignite Falun’s Elite aspirations and boost their confidence for future campaigns. Players To Watch Three Stars:@artusjo The new star of the Latvian team now has big shoes to follow, his regular season campaign was a success and now we’ll see if he can find that little bit of playoff hockey resilience we all love. Falun:@benuh_ The seasoned veteran has seen a lot of different ECL scenarios in his career, and this is no different. We’ll see a great goalie take on a great offense. For those who are new between the pipes, this is a must-follow! Prediction This series is a toss-up, with Three Stars’ momentum clashing against Falun’s experience. The team that controls the tempo and gets the better goaltending will prevail. Analysts lean toward the Latvians, but the series could go the distance: @hifk_FANI : Three Stars in 5 (4-1) @Pekedipeks : Three Stars in 5 (4-1) @jm98II : Three Stars in 7 (4-3) @Pensasmies : Three Stars in 4 (4-0) For The Fans This series is a must-watch for ECL fans, showcasing Three Stars’ electrifying offense, led by @artusjo and @Stigi senko, against Falun’s veteran grit, with @l-Furyan-l and @benuh_ anchoring their effort. The battle of Three Stars’ power play versus Falun’s goaltending adds intrigue, and fans looking to study dynamic playmaking should tune in. Every goal, save, and power play could tip the scales in this high-stakes showdown! 🏁 Conclusion As the puck drops on the ECL Pro Playoffs, each team carries its own story — redemption, ambition, legacy, or breakout. While stats and predictions paint part of the picture, it’s the unpredictable nature of playoff hockey that makes it so captivating. From breathtaking saves to last-minute goals, these series will define seasons and shape future ECL legends. No matter who you’re rooting for, one thing is clear: fans are in for a postseason to remember.

We invited some of the highest-level players based on the most recent ECL (or other similar 6v6 leagues) from each nation to vote for their nation's captaincy for this upcoming tournament. The community has spoken - here are your team captains for each nation in the SG World Cup 2025! Group A Canada 🇨🇦 Captain: Francis @Dumoulin65 Dumoulin Finland 🇫🇮 Captain: Erik @Eki Tammenpää Sweden 🇸🇪 Captain: Henrik @Eken45jr Eklund USA 🇺🇸 Captains: Jeremy @l Jer I Gaynor and Trevor @ScaryJoeyy Cear Group B Austria 🇦🇹 Captain: Felix @ProfaneKiss Kiss France 🇫🇷 GM: Yann @Virtual_Saku Maillet, Captain: Maximilien @Tromi13 Tromeur Great Britain 🇬🇧 Captain: Connor @MartindalexC Martindale Latvia 🇱🇻 Captain: Kristers @PSchibra Bauers SG World Captain: Igor @Motzzyy Motov Slovakia 🇸🇰 Captain: Roland @jasomnajlepsi Szvetko Group C Czechia 🇨🇿 Captain: Patrik @Winci-_o Wenzel Denmark 🇩🇰 Captain: Martin @Vibholm_10 Vibholm Germany 🇩🇪 Captain: Niklas @xPsykoSkills Schmitz Norway 🇳🇴 Captain: Henning @el_tacobag Drange Switzerland 🇨🇭 Captain: Timo @LTorro- Claudio Ukraine 🇺🇦 Captain: Serhii @Hockeyfear Vohel TOURNAMENT RANKING: 16: Great Britain While their captain MartindalexC has made a name for himself in the community over the years as a great individual player, he doesn’t have the greatest player pool to choose players from. If he's able to bring in players to support him though and build a team with great chemistry, I could see Great Britain fighting for a playoff spot in Group B. 15: Ukraine Just like Great Britain, Ukraine only has one single player represented in the ECL Pro or Elite level. Led by their captain Hockeyfear, they need to rely on a strong team effort to even have a chance at making the playoffs, but I do see Ukraine as a team that could potentially take some points even from top-end teams in Group C, if they can find their best game. 14: Denmark Another team with only one single Pro/Elite starter player in Vibholm_10, the Danes will have a slight disadvantage compared to other teams in group C. That being said, it is important to note that Denmark does have a few quality options for their roster, and I wouldn't completely rule them out of the playoffs if things go their way. 13: Slovakia One of the more interesting teams to look out for in Group B is Slovakia, led by their captain jasomnajlepsi. In theory, they have easily enough players to create a good team, but their top-end talent is lacking compared to teams like SG World and Latvia and therefore it remains to be seen if they can realistically be in the playoff conversation. 12: Switzerland For some, it may come as a surprise to see Switzerland this low on the list, but with the level of teams in Group C it is difficult to rank them any higher. LTorro- as their captain does have a lot of good options to choose from when it comes to building the Swiss team for the tournament, but to succeed and make the playoffs they will need to perform on a next level which is above my expectations. 11: France Another interesting team is France, which is the only team in the tournament with a named GM (Virtual_Saku) alongside their captain Tromi13. With their team, it is likely we will see an unmatched chemistry in this tournament, as their roster will likely be based around players from the ECL Pro team Owned Hexa. I see France as a very possible contender to even finish first in the group, but on the other hand, they may not have quite the superstar talent in individual players like many other teams in this tournament. 10: Austria When it comes to the best ice hockey nations around the world - Austria probably isn't the first one that comes to mind. That being said on the virtual ice Austria is a very top-heavy team, which suits this tournament especially well when only 6 players are needed. The captain ProfaneKiss will be able to fill his lineup with a lot of Pro and even quite a bit of Elite experience, making them a top 3 candidate to make it into the playoffs from group B. 9: Norway If you asked me to name the team that has the best chance of either finishing dead last OR first in their group - that would be Norway. With no real star players going into the tournament, they do still have a very solid lineup at least on paper. The question is - can this team outperform the star talent on some of the teams they will be facing? If El_Tacobag and his team can do this, a playoff spot can most definitely be achieved. 8: Czechia Barely cracking the top 8 in this prediction, and the first one to be somewhat expected to make the playoffs, is Czechia. Captain Winci-_o has a lot of decisions ahead of him, as there are a huge number of players to choose from. While they do have one of the largest player bases in Europe it does remain to be seen if they are able to find the right starting 6 to succeed. As a team right there on the edge of the playoffs, they do need to be careful not to slip out of the top 8! 7: Latvia From Group B the one team barely cracking the playoffs in this ranking would be Team Latvia. Led by captain PSchibra, Latvia is one of the more skilled in the tournament on paper. The only red flag about their roster may be the fact that their top players all represent different teams in club tournaments, but as long as they find their game I'm sure they will be one of the toughest teams to beat in their group. 6: SG World Battling it out for first place in group B is ‘team rest-of-the-world”. Captain Motzzyy has a lot of players to choose from in the ECL Pro division, as well as a handful of talented individuals in the Elite division. If they get their game working as expected, they're favourites in group B, but making it past the quarterfinals will be a huge task even for them. 5: Germany The clearcut favorite in Group C, is Team Germany. Defenseman xPsykoSkills will be the cornerstone on defence and will have no trouble filling up the lineup with experience in the higher-end ECL leagues. But just like is the case with any Group B or C teams, making it to the semi-finals would be a slight surprise. But if I had to put my money on one group B or C team making it to the top 4, that would be Germany. 4: Sweden Finding themselves at the 4th position in this tournament ranking is captain eken45jr and his team Sweden. As stacked as Group A is, it will be a task and a half for the Swedes to successfully climb up to the level of the other three teams, but don't let this ranking fool you - they have a solid chance against anyone in this tournament. 3: USA Coming in at number 3 - it is the United States. Sharing the captaincy are l Jer I and ScaryJoeyy, and they will most certainly be able to build this roster to be a contender to win the entire tournament! The margins between the top 3 teams are tiny, and I see the likelihood of victory for each of these teams to be very similar. 2: Finland Coming in at the second spot in this ranking and holding the biggest expectations for European teams, it is - of course - team Finland! Captain Eki has an unbelievable amount of decisions to make since the ECL Elite division is filled with Finnish talent throughout the standings. It remains to be seen who will make the final roster, but since it is Finland we are talking about, we do know one thing: The team. Will. Be. Good. 1: Canada Coming in at number 1, it is Canada! Dumoulin as captain will have an almost unlimited number of players to choose from and really the only question is if Team Canada will be able to perform well enough as a team. As I said earlier the margins between these top 3 countries are small, so Canada by no means is a “lock” for an appearance in the finals, but if things go right I do see them as the best contender to win in the end. GET INVOLVED THROUGH DISCORD: Join the tournament Discord from this link: https://discord.gg/EQag4GhDWb Each nation has dedicated text channels on which anyone in the community can take part in the conversations. You can find each team's captains on this server too, so if you want to ask to join the team, this is the place to find them! Who do you think will be on your country's team?

Hello SportsGamers! We're super excited to announce the SG World Cup 2025! The SG World Cup marks our first test of a global, national-team eHockey 6v6 format! The tournament will feature 16 national teams from Europe and North America. The action starts on May 6th and the event culminates with the finals just under two weeks later on May 18th. Which nations are represented? Austria, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Latvia, Norway, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, and USA. These 15 will be joined by team SG World, which features the best players from the rest of the world. How are players chosen? Players for each team will be chosen by the team captain. Team captains are voted on by a selected group of the best players from each nation. Example: for Finland's captain vote, all skaters that play in a starter role in any ECL Elite playoff team will have a vote in the captain selection - for most smaller nations, the vote will be held amongst a few players deemed "most qualified" for the position. How can I get in to represent my country? On January 18th the tournament's Discord server will become public. Before then, each nation will have a dedicated text channel, on which the captain selection will take place. After this, the captains will have months to scout test players for their team. We encourage discussion on these dedicated text channels for everyone in each nation's community to be heard and help team captains make informed decisions by April when the final rosters are revealed! Umm... What about the ping from Europe to North America? This is a very valid question. There is no way to guarantee a good connection across the pond, but as this is the first installment of the tournament and all games will be played online, we're giving all teams an equal amount of opportunities to succeed on their home server. Throughout the tournament, all games and playoff series will be decided by the aggregate score from two games - one home, one away for both teams. Is there a prize pool? This tournament is a first of its kind and runs primarily with the aim of testing out the new format. At the moment this tournament is free to play with the honour of your nation on the line. At this stage, there is no further prizing. For more details check out the full rulebook here: SG World Cup Rulebook The full tournament schedule can be found here: SG World Cup 2025 Schedule

Steffen @Suth98_ Sutherland has had a really interesting and different path into the ECL community. Suth found his way onto the virtual ice for the first time in NHL 12 and he fell in love especially with Franchise Mode. In his own words, he didn't know anything about the online aspect of the game at that time. Suth played his first ECL season in ECL 11 in the Lite division after his friend recommended ECL to him. Suth has also had an unusual journey as a player; during his whole career, Suth has played for the same team for the majority of his career. Although the team now known as Unwanted has had different names, the core group of players has remained pretty much the same. The public perception of Suth is that he is a great team player both on and off the ice, a great captain and leader, a great point scorer, and an all-around gentleman player. We asked Suth's long-time teammates @Snus97_ & @Henka0009 to describe him as a teammate and as a player: "Well, Suth as a player, it’s like hard to describe. He isn’t the best at something specific but my god as a whole player and as a centerman he’s one of the best in this scene for sure. His ability to see his teammates and to do very important goals is elite. He’s also a really good captain. Me, Suth, and Henka have driven this team forward for some years now and he’s very good at making good decisions for the team. And that reflects on how he’s as a teammate and a person. He’s a very funny guy but at the same time he can be serious, i think it’s a good combination." - Snus97_ "Suth has been my teammate since forever I feel. I think I’ve played a total of 3 seasons without him. He has always shown a typical leadership personality, dedicated to practice and being better each and every day. He’s also really easygoing, so to speak, toward everyone, and it is a key part of holding our team together. For me, it’s hard to play the game without him. He makes me 10 times better than I actually am. We have never truly spoken about any “tactics” and stuff regarding NHL. I feel like we just think the same where we want each other to be in certain situations. It’s hard to describe but I can say that without him or Snus_97 in my team, I would never play. The best thing about Suth is that he’s not a “try hard”. We are just playing the game to have fun and joke around. He always brings the joy in the game and party." - Henka0009 Now, making history as the first Norwegian player to be honored as the Cover Gamer for the upcoming ECL '24 Winter season, Suth takes the center stage together with Unwanted, in an attempt to recreate another successful season. List of previous ECL cover gamers: ECL 8: Erik @Eki Tammenpää 🇫🇮 ECL 9: Hannes @Hansulinho Kettunen 🇫🇮 ECL 10: Casper @ICappeI Lundgren 🇸🇪 ECL 11: Tuukka @FlyerKungen Kuha 🇫🇮 ECL 12: Niklas @NikkeDangles Tukiainen 🇫🇮 ECL '22: Winter: Johan @Lehmannens Lehmann 🇸🇪 & Hampus @l-Furyan-l Duvefelt 🇸🇪 ECL '23: Spring: Niklas @uhNikke Nieminen 🇫🇮 ECL '23: Winter: Erik @Eki Tammenpää 🇫🇮 ECL '23: Spring: Tomi @tomboo- Laitinen 🇫🇮 ECL ‘24: Winter: Adam @dzouvi Menšík 🇨🇿 ECL ‘24: Spring: Perttu @Beniittto Kemppainen 🇫🇮 ECL '25: Winter - Intro video by @ProMinx24 Interview with Suth How does it feel to be chosen as the cover gamer of the top NHL Esports league? "It feels really good, when I look at the list of former cover gamers I only see insane players, so it's a compliment, and I'm honored about it for sure." What has been the best moment in your career so far? "I don't have only 1 specific moment, but the thing I'm most proud about is taking what feels like my own team from Lite all the way to Elite and back-to-back playoffs. So the journey as a whole is my favorite moment." What do you enjoy most about competing at the highest level? "It's really fun to play for something, and especially in Elite, every game matters so much. And you can also beat and lose to anyone so it's important to have 100% focus in every matchup." What are some of your personal goals for the upcoming ECL season? "I don't really have any personal goals, I just want to do my best for the team. It's always fun to score and make good plays but as long as our team and I perform well I'm happy." And lastly, how do you think staying in the same team/environment for the majority of your career has affected you as a player? "It has created some special bonds both on and off the virtual ice. Especially with both Henka and Snus. And the more comfortable you are around your teammates/friends, the easier it is to talk about little details on ice and things happening in real life if that makes sense." Tune in to the Season Opening Broadcast Tonight! Tune in to the ECL '25: Winter - Elite season opener tonight at twitch.tv/SportsGamerGG! The broadcast starts exceptionally early at 18:45 CET as the first Episode of the SportsGamer Wraparound with Cody @Tougie24 Tougas will introduce us to the new season!

The League Administration has conducted a thorough investigation into rule violations committed by members of Norrlands Hockey in the ECL Lite during the ECL ’25: Spring season. The findings involve multiple breaches of player eligibility and attempts to circumvent suspensions. Ban Evasion by eBjorken97_ Norrlands Hockey registered the player Valter27k, who was confirmed to be eBjorken97_, a player already banned from competition until February 13, 2026. By attempting to rejoin under a false identity, eBjorken97_ violated multiple core rules of SportsGamer. As a result: eBjorken97_’s ban is extended by 6 months, now ending on August 13, 2026. Captain abbelandit__ is banned for the remainder of ECL ’25: Spring. Captain Bjorkudd_39 is banned for 6 months, until October 9, 2025. All three – eBjorken97_, abbelandit__, and Bjorkudd_39 – receive a two-year captaincy ban, from April 9, 2025, to April 9, 2027. Rule Violations: Rule 2.4 – Number of Accounts eBjorken97_ used multiple accounts in violation of account regulations. Rule 4.2 – Rule Circumvention Both eBjorken97_ and Bjorkudd_39 attempted to deceive SportsGamer administration. Rule 14.11 – Acquisition of Banned Players The team registered a banned player, triggering captain bans and setting the foundation for team disqualification in the case of further violations. At the time of this ruling, the remaining players on the roster were allowed to continue competing in ECL '25, with a clear warning that any further misconduct would result in disqualification. Additional Violation – Playing While Banned It has now been confirmed that abbelandit__, while suspended, participated in matches by using another player’s account. This is a serious and intentional breach of the rules. As a result: Norrlands Hockey is disqualified from ECL ’25: Spring Further disciplinary action for any other players or captains involved in this violation is under review and will be announced in due course. Additional Rule Violations: Rule 2.4 – Number of Accounts No player may have more than one account on SportsGamer.gg. Rule 2.5 – Account in the Same Household Players sharing an IP address (e.g., family members) must report it to SportsGamer administration. No such report was made. Rule 14.11 – Acquisition of Banned Players Continued use of a banned player resulted in disqualification, as outlined by this rule. Playoff Implications As Norrlands Hockey fielded an ineligible player during the majority of their ECL '25: Spring - Lite season, all of their matches will be voided. The standings will be adjusted accordingly. Conclusion The conduct displayed by members of Norrlands Hockey represents a clear and repeated disregard for SportsGamer rules. Attempts to evade bans, use of unauthorized accounts, and deception toward league administration undermine the integrity of our competitions. We take these matters seriously and will continue to enforce all rules to ensure a fair and respectful environment for every participant.

The premier Finnish eHockey tournament FCL 2025 returns with both 1v1 and 6v6 game modes - read all details below! Key Tournament Details Free to play Registrations open today and close on March 9th at 12:00 CET NHL 25 format under the FCL banner 6v6 and 1v1 tournaments 6v6 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S 1v1 on PlayStation 5 New for This Season: No X-Factors The upcoming season introduces a groundbreaking change aimed at redefining the competitive 6v6 eHockey scene. In a bold move to emphasize pure skill and strategy, FCL has - aligned with the GCL, SCL and WECL - decided to ban the use of all X-Factors, both Gold and Silver. This decision marks a significant shift in gameplay, as X-Factors have long played a crucial role in shaping team dynamics and individual performances. By removing these abilities, FCL aims to test out a more balanced and skill-driven environment, where players must rely on raw talent and tactical planning. This rule change across the board is based on community requests and is expected to bring a new dynamic to competition, challenging players to adapt and develop new strategies. We know this is a subject that splits the communities opinion and are very interested in receiving feedback from the teams during and after the season and it is critical for shaping the decision on what kind of ruling will be implemented into the ECL '25: Spring Season. Please submit your feedback here, rather sooner than later. For clarity, the X-Factor ban does not apply to the 1v1 game mode. Tournament Prizing 6x NHL 26 digital copies + 6x Leijonat packages* for 6v6 winners 1x NHL 26 digital copy + 1x Leijonat package* for the 1v1 winner 1x NHL 26 digital copy and 1x Leijonat package* awarded randomly among competitors who completed their competition respectfully *The details for the Leijonat package are to be confirmed soon, but so far we can confirm it includes a Finnish National team jersey. The tournament promises intense competition, bringing together Finland's top eHockey talent. Players looking to test their skills and compete at the highest level can sign up now to secure their spot. Think you have what it takes to claim victory? Sign up now and be part of FCL 2025! Moreover, eHockey SM 2026 is already in the early planning stages for NHL 26, ensuring that Finland's premier competitive NHL scene continues to thrive. Stay tuned for more updates as we build toward the future of eHockey in Finland. Sign up now SIGN UP FOR 6v6 HERE Played on: PlayStation 5 & Xbox Series X/S Schedule for the 6v6 FCL 2025: Registrations: 2.3.-9.3 (closes at 12:00 CET) Tournament: 10.3.-6.4 Group stage: 10.3.-21.3 Playoffs Round 1 (64) 23.-24.3 Playoffs Round 2 (32) 26.3.-27.3 Playoffs Round 3 (16) 30.-31.3 Quarterfinals (8) 2.-3.4 Semifinals (4) 5.4 Finals (2) 6.4 Please note: The schedule and format may be changed based on the number of teams registered. Note: The majority of the players must be Finnish citizens. See the rulebook for more details. Find the 6v6 eHockey Finnish Championship rulebook here! (Finnish) SIGN UP FOR 1v1 HERE! Played on: PlayStation 5 Schedule for the 1v1 FCL Registrations: 2.3.-9.3 Tournament: 12.3.-6.4 Group Stage 12.-25.3 Playoffs: Round 1 (RO96) 26.-27.3 Playoffs, Round 2 (RO64) 28.-29.3 Group Stage 2 (RO32) 30.3-1.4 Round of 16 2.-3.4 Quarterfinals 4.-5.4 TOP 4 Finals 6.4 Please note: The schedule and format may be changed based on the number of players registered. Note: In order to participate in the 1v1 mode, you must be a Finnish citizen. Find the 1v1 eHockey Finnish Championship rulebook here (Finnish) Don't Miss the Sign-ups! Signups are now open and will close already in a week, on Sunday, March 9th, so make sure to gather your friends and challenge the big dogs in one of the biggest Finnish tournaments of the eHockey season! Please help us spread the word about the tournament so we can have welcome new and old faces to the tournament and community. ❤️

Welcome to the ECL ‘25 season and the NHL 25 competitive year! Hey SportsGamers! NHL 25 is just around the corner and if I've done my math right this means we're embarking on the the 10th year of the ECL! We started back at the end of 2015 with ECL 1 in NHL 16 and are coming into the 19th season of the ECL with ECL '25: Winter. It's been a wild ride and I want to thank everyone who's been a part of it - many still around since day 1! Let's start with some great news - the prize pool for the ECL ‘25 Winter season will be 24 000 EUR and the ECL Elite Finals will be returning to the big spotlights - featured on the Assembly Winter 2025 main stage! Keep reading to find out more! Before we go any further, if you’re reading this and find yourself wondering “What is the ECL?”, or you're looking for a blast from the past listing of all ECL Champions so far you can find an article about that here. One of the more frequent requests from our community every year has been transparency in terms of upcoming plans. The benefits are clear, as it will help teams with preparation, strategizing, and assembling rosters, and of course, help players plan their holidays, trips, or other activities without sacrificing the opportunity to partake in the eHockey season to the fullest. So, without further ado, here is what the NHL 25 competitive year looks like for Europe. Please keep in mind there are still lots of details being put into place, but we want to provide as good of an overview on the timing of the ECL ‘25: Winter and Spring seasons, as well as the National Championships, that are played in between the ECL seasons. ECL '25 Competitive Year ECL '25: Pre-season The ECL ‘25: Pre-season tournament will kick off on October 17th, giving teams the ability to get right into action, get familiar with NHL 25, and test their line-ups against teams of equal skill levels. The Pre-season will consist of the following groups: Elite & Pro - Sign up now! Lite & Core - Sign up now! Neo & Newcomers - Sign up now! The best news? You can sign up right now using the links above! Qualifiers The ECL ‘25: Winter - Lite & Pro Qualifiers are scheduled to kick off approximately between October 21st and November 1st. For this reason, we suggest that teams participating in the qualifiers skip the Pre-season tournament. We will get into the specifics within a couple weeks. ECL '25: Winter Season The ECL ‘25: Winter - Regular Season will start on November 17th and be completed just in time to wind down for Christmas and the New Year. The last round of games before the holiday break will be played on December 20st. The ECL ‘25: Winter - Playoffs will start after the holidays, on January 3rd. Most of the ECL ‘25: Winter divisions will be completed by the end of January, whereas the date for the Elite Finals is still locked in for Thursday February 20th at Assembly Winter! National Leagues After the end of the ECL ‘25: Winter season, it’s time to battle in the National Leagues, such as the CSCL, eHockey SM, GCL, SCL & WECL. Many of the details are still work-in-process, but rest assured weeks 6-14 are reserved for National League play. ECL '25: Spring Season The ECL ‘25: Spring season will commence with the Lite and Pro Qualifiers in weeks 12-14. The regular season will be played weeks 15-19, and the playoffs will be played after that, with most divisions done before midsummer and the Lite Champions being decided just after. Please keep in mind that there is always a possibility for the timeline to change and we will be keeping a close eye on e.g. the IIHF World Championship schedules to avoid collisions with those games as well as possible, as we know many of our viewers and players love to watch the games. Early Bird Offer on Player and Team Licenses Below you’ll find the pricing of the team and player licenses for ECL ‘25. Starting today and for the next two weeks (until September 19th), you can pick up the ECL ‘25: Winter Team license and the ECL ‘25: Player License (Winter + Spring) for the Super Early Bird pricing listed below. After that, we will offer a slightly elevated Early Bird price from September 20th - October 19th, and finally, the regular pricing from October 20th onward. PURCHASE YOUR ECL '25 LICENSES HERE For those of you participating in the qualifiers and unsure which division your team will play in for the ECL ‘25: Winter season, you can still take advantage of this offer; Purchase the Super Early Bird license for the division you are qualifying for and if your team is unsuccessful in the mission, we will refund you the difference to the Super Early Bird price for the division your team ends up in. For example, if you enter the qualifiers for the Lite division, purchase the Super Early Bird Lite license. If your team doesn’t qualify for the Lite division, you will play in the Core division and we will refund you the difference - in this example: 100 EUR. The ECL Neo division does not require a team license, however, we are introducing an ECL Neo Player license at the cost of 10 EUR per season. This will enable us to improve our coverage of the division, cover the finals broadcast and offer access to the two formats: the ECL Cup & the 4v4 tournament. Read more about them below. Please refer to this ECL Ranking in order to understand which teams are eligible to sign up for each division. Introducing two new formats - ECL Cup & ECL 4v4 We've been cooking up some extra fun to be had during the season and we can't take all the credit, as there have definitely been suggestions coming in from the community. ECL Cup is a knock-out type tournament that is played with your ECL 6v6 team. The Cup is played as a single elimination bracket populated by ECL teams from all divisions. The bracket is played at a slower pace and the action will go on for weeks, but if you lose - you're out! A bit dramatic perhaps, but oh boy are we expecting some drama! ECL 4v4 is exactly what it sounds like - a tournament played in the 4v4 mode of the game. All positions are to be filled with human-controlled players. We understand this game mode might not be for everyone, so the 4v4 tournament will not be a requirement for anyone to enter. ECL 1v1 is also back and we're excited to announce that we will be seeing some structural changes for the upcoming season, which we'll tell you more about in the near future. We'll have more info about all of these fun events in the coming weeks, but you may absolutely feel free to speculate and come with your wishes in the comments below, as there could still be time for adjustments! New License perks We're excited to share that we will be able to offer the following perks to ECL '25 license owners: Assembly Winter 2025 Tickets Limited Time Offer: Get a free ticket to Assembly Winter 2025 for Thursday, February 20th! Come and enjoy the ECL ‘25: Winter - Elite Finals and hang out with the community. Once you’ve purchased your license, fill out this form to apply for your free ticket. Act fast—tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. We would also love to see attendees from outside of Finland join us for the Finals event. If you’re interested, please fill out this form so we can assist you with travel advice and answer any questions you may have. Stay tuned for more news about Assembly Winter 2025 and read more about the event itself at https://assembly.org/en/events/winter25. SportsGamer Health & Performance Program Get premium access to the SportsGamer Health & Performance Program, free for an extended period to help you reach your peak performance. Introducing the SportsGamer Health Program, a cutting-edge wellness platform with content specifically designed for gamers. While the platform offers a comprehensive range of workouts, home exercises, and courses, it also includes specialized content to boost your gaming performance. All materials are crafted by leading fitness professionals, ensuring you get the best in physical training. The program features gamification elements, making it fun and engaging to stay active on the platform. Additionally, it includes a dedicated section of short lectures from professional mental coaches, helping you dive deeper into individual and team-based approaches to gaming. This blend of physical and mental training ensures that you can stay healthy and sharp, both in and out of the game We’re excited to share more details with you as we approach the start of the new season. In the meantime, we’re seeking volunteers to test out the platform and its content as we continue to develop it. We’re looking for a small, diverse group of people of all ages, nationalities, and physical conditions. So, whatever your situation, if this sounds interesting to you, please fill out this form to apply. New Initiative - Social Program We’re committed to growing NHL gaming and esports! As part of a new initiative, we want to inspire teams and players to focus on their social media presence. We’re excited to showcase the best goals, biggest hits, and epic fails, and highlight them across SportsGamer broadcasts, programs, and social platforms. Introducing the ECL Social Program – designed to spotlight the best content from around the league and reward those who go the extra mile. While we’ll be focusing on video content, exceptional overall social media coverage is also appreciated. Stay tuned for more details and specifics on how you can get involved! Rule Changes & Community Opinion We would like to raise two items up for a community vote and open up the floor for discussion. Zone & Superstar Abilities - Yay or nay? For the ECL ‘24: Spring season we decided to ban a selection of Zone & Superstar Abilities. As NHL 25 is a new release, and we haven't had a chance to test it out yet, our initial instinct is to start with a clean slate and not ban any abilities until the community gets to know the new game and has a chance to make up its mind about whether the abilities are working or not. While we have preliminarily set our minds on not banning any abilities for the first season, we welcome the discussion and would love to hear your opinion. You can discuss player abilities here. Are there some rule-related changes we’ve missed? Now is your chance to discuss and suggest what type of changes you would like to see in the rulebook. Sign up NOW for the ECL '25: Pre-season tournament and stay tuned for the official kick-off of the ECL ’25: Winter Signups, launching mid-September! Edit: Added clarification to Qualifier date.

The wait is finally over – the most exciting esports hockey tournament in Europe is back! ECL '25: Winter kicks off today, and we’re ready to dive into another thrilling season. Whether you’ve been eagerly awaiting the return of the league or just tuning in for the first time, now’s the time to get involved. Power up those devices, because the competition is about to heat up! In this preview, we will go through the teams and key players competing in the fiercely contested second tier of the Sportsgamer ladder – the prestigious ECL. From seasoned veterans to rising stars, this season promises plenty of action both on and off the ice. Stay tuned as we break down what’s in store for ECL 25 Spring! This article was co-written by @hifk_FANI & @Pensasmies Group 1 Title Contenders: Gotham Knights The Gotham Knights are no strangers to the Pro scene, and this season, they’re more determined than ever to reclaim their Elite spot. With a roster that’s consistently near the top, they’ve made one of the biggest moves in the offseason by signing the skillful winger @LucePro last season, LucePro racked up an impressive 36 goals and 27 assists, and with his arrival, Gotham now boasts one of the most potent offensive lines in the league. This added firepower could be the key to putting them back in the Elite ranks where they’ve so often belonged. However, they’ll need to stay consistent throughout the season and avoid any slip-ups in their bid to reclaim their spot. Gotham’s core players are familiar with the pressure of being near the top, but this season feels like the one where they’ll finally take that next step. They’ll need to rely on their established defensive unit and experienced leadership, but with the addition of a proven scorer in LucePro, they’ve significantly upgraded their firepower. If everything clicks, the Gotham Knights could be a force to be reckoned with. Nordic Stars After taking a brief hiatus from the ECL scene, the Nordic Stars made a spectacular return last season, winning ECL Lite and sweeping the newly-founded Zenegeim . Their return to the league was a true statement of intent. However, this season will be different for the Nordic Stars, as they will likely play without their veteran playmaker @Vire30 for much of the season. Vire30 has been an integral part of the team’s success, and his absence raises questions about how the team will adjust. Without Vire30, the Nordic Stars will need to rely on the rest of their roster to step up. Fortunately, they still have a strong lineup, with key players capable of carrying the load. The forwards will need to continue their elite-level play to fill the void. The Nordic Stars' ability to adapt to these changes could determine how they perform this season. If they can remain as dominant without Vire30, they’ll still be a top contender in Group 1. Deep Playoff Teams: Deadly Phantoms The Deadly Phantoms are a team that has been knocking on the door of playoff success for some time now, but they’ve yet to break through in a meaningful way. Last season, they had a rough outing in the Pro playoffs, crashing out early despite having a strong regular season. This season, they’re eager to prove that last year’s playoff exit was a fluke and that they belong among the league's elite. With the same core group of players returning, the Deadly Phantoms will be looking to fine-tune their game and take that next step forward. If they can find consistency and continue to build chemistry, the Deadly Phantoms will be a formidable opponent for any team in the Pro division. Zenegeim Zenegeim showed great promise in their debut season. After a tough loss to the Nordic Stars in the finals, they are hungry to prove themselves this season. What sets them apart is the addition of one of the best defenders in the league, @MCH_98 . Known for his stellar defensive play and ability to control the pace of the game, MCH_98 will provide an instant boost to Zenegeim’s back end. His leadership and vision will be vital as they look to challenge the best teams in Group 1. Zenegeim's roster is brimming with talent, and now with MCH_98 in the mix, they have the potential to go toe-to-toe with any team in Pro. If their chemistry continues to improve, they could be one of the most dangerous teams in the group. The question will be whether they can overcome the mental hurdle of last season’s sweep in the playoffs and use that experience to their advantage. SSK eSports SSK eSports may still be considered a relatively new roster, but the Swedish squad proved last season that they have all the tools to be a serious contender. Their journey to the playoffs last year showed glimpses of their potential, and with a solid foundation, they’re poised for an even stronger campaign in the upcoming season. But what really sets SSK apart is their team chemistry. While many previews tend to highlight standout individuals, it's the collective effort that makes SSK such a tough team to beat. The players seem to always be on the same page, knowing where each other will be at any given moment. This type of synergy is crucial, especially in tight games, where the smallest miscommunication can cost a team the win. Expect to see a lot of set plays off faceoffs and a disciplined, tight defensive structure that frustrates opponents. If SSK can maintain their cohesion and tactical sharpness, they could be one of the most dangerous teams in the Pro division. Teams on the Edge: Otukset Otukset is a team that has the potential to compete with the best, but they’ve been a bit inconsistent in past seasons. Their ability to stay competitive and earn points in high-stakes matchups will be crucial this season, as the competition in Group 1 is fierce. At their best, they can knock off top-tier teams, but they need to find a way to be more consistent if they want to push for a playoff spot. One of Otukset’s key players, @juhkis96 , has long been known for his playmaking ability from the back end. As a puck-moving defenseman, he’s crucial in initiating breakouts and getting the offense going. If Otukset can find some chemistry and balance their game between offense and defense, they’ll be in the mix for a playoff spot. The challenge for them will be putting together a complete season and making sure they peak at the right time. Blackbirds Formerly known as xBots, the Blackbirds have shown flashes of brilliance in recent tournaments and impressed in the Pro qualifiers. Their individual skill is undeniable, and if they can continue to build on that momentum, they could be a surprise package in Group 1. Their defense has been a weak point in the past, but if they can tighten up at the back and get some reliable goaltending, they could certainly push for a playoff spot. The Blackbirds' biggest hurdle will be consistency — they have the potential, but they need to put it all together over the course of a full season. With some of their players capable of making game-changing plays, this team has the ability to compete against the best. However, it will require a solid team effort and continued development to make a deep playoff run. Serpentes Serpentes enters the new season with an incredible amount of talent, a balanced two-way game, and a mix of experienced players with professional backgrounds. The team’s potential is limitless, but their success this season will largely depend on how well they can execute their game plan and how the players mesh together on the ice. One player to keep an eye on is @RookieLIAMOVIC , who had an impressive Pro campaign last season, racking up 28 goals and 27 assists. If he can build on his already strong performance and improve his plus-minus rating (which stood at -19 last season), he could help push Serpentes into serious title contention. With his offensive skills, Rookieliamovic could very well be one of the league’s top point producers, and his ability to make plays will be crucial for Serpentes' success. The team is strong on both sides of the puck, with a solid defensive core that complements their offensive firepower. The blend of talent, experience, and potential makes Serpentes a team to watch in the upcoming season. If they can tighten up their defensive play and work on their team dynamics, they could be one of the most dangerous teams in the league, capable of challenging for the top spot. Dilac Dilac is a team stacked with Pro and Elite experience, which could give them a significant edge when the season hits its most crucial stages. The team has the potential to surprise many, and with their mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars, they could very well be pushing for a playoff berth and beyond come postseason time. @punt1la98 has been a standout performer in the Pro division for several years, most notably during his time with Polski, where he led the offense with both skill and consistency. If the chemistry between him and his teammates is on point, Dilac could very well exceed expectations and make a deep run in the playoffs. What makes Dilac so formidable is their ability to execute in high-pressure situations. Players with experience in Elite and Pro divisions know how to perform when it matters most, and this could be the x-factor that propels Dilac to unexpected heights. With their offensive talent and solid defensive structure, Dilac is a team that could surprise everyone and push for the title if they can maintain consistency throughout the season. Nova Nova, a long-time fixture in the ECL community from Russia, showed last season that they are still capable of competing at a high level, clinching a playoff spot and proving they have the grit and determination to fight for their place among the league’s elite. Their ability to fight through adversity and remain competitive is a testament to their resilience. One of the most dangerous players heading into the new season is @Nester4343 a forward who has consistently been among the best in the Pro division. His ability to generate offense and produce points is something that opposing teams will have to plan for carefully. If Nester can maintain his form and stay healthy, he could be among the top point scorers once again, providing a major boost to Nova’s chances of reaching the playoffs. While Nova’s roster may not have the same level of star power as some of the other top teams, their ability to play with heart and quickly transition the puck makes them a dangerous underdog. If they can continue to develop their team cohesion and maintain their physicality, Nova will once again be in the hunt for a playoff spot and could prove to be a tough opponent for any team they face. No Man’s Land: Oldtimers Oldtimers are often underestimated due to their somewhat unconventional roster, but that’s where their strength lies. This team has a knack for finding success in matchups that other teams might consider easy wins. They play a solid, structured game that relies on strong defense and quick counter-attacks. While they may not have the star power of some other teams, they are incredibly efficient in their play. With the meta shifting to more fast-paced and skilled gameplay this season, Oldtimers could find themselves pushing for a possible playoff spot. If they can exploit the weaknesses of teams who underestimate them and capitalize on their disciplined game plan, they’ll be a tough team to beat. They’ll need to make every game count and steal points when they can. Vizio Vizio is another team that has been playing together for a while, and their chemistry is one of their greatest assets. However, to make a deeper playoff run this season, they will need to improve on their defensive play. Last year, they made it to the playoffs, but their run was cut short due to inconsistencies at the back end. If Vizio can shore up their defense and continue to play a cohesive game, they’ll be competitive. Their players understand each other’s tendencies and can make quick adjustments during games. Their biggest challenge will be improving defensively, as their offensive game is already solid. If they can balance their play and tighten up at the back, they could make a much deeper run than last season. Owned Hexa After a tough season last year, Owned Hexa will be looking to bounce back and improve their performance. The team has the potential to surprise, and while they may not have been among the top contenders last season, they managed to steal key points from deep playoff teams, which helped them retain their place in the Pro division. This season, they’ll need to build on that momentum and show that they can compete at a higher level. While it’s easy to overlook them, Hexa is a team that can grind out wins and will be looking to challenge the bigger names in the league. With a mix of experienced players and younger talents, they could very well be poised to make a jump in the standings if they can iron out their inconsistencies. The key for Owned Hexa will be getting their top players to step up and deliver when needed most. If they can improve their overall team play and make smarter decisions on both offense and defense, they could be in the hunt for a playoff spot. Expect them to be a team that doesn’t back down easily, capable of causing some upsets along the way. Relegation Zone Kymmeneltä Clubille The newly restructured roster of Kymmeneltä Clubille (KC) presents a lot of unknowns, but that unpredictability can be both a blessing and a curse. Coming off a mixed performance in the Pro qualifiers, KC will need to find their rhythm quickly to avoid being overwhelmed by the competition in the Pro division. Despite their struggles in the qualifiers, KC does have a strong backbone of Pro experience, and this could be crucial as they look to navigate through the tough regular season. @HopeaKypara99 will be the focal point of their offensive attack, bringing a wealth of experience to the team. Having played a significant number of games at a high level, he knows what it takes to perform under pressure and will be looking to guide KC to a playoff spot. Additionally, the versatility of @LeiskaViis7 , who made the transition from defenseman to center, could be an interesting development for KC. Last season, Leiskaviis7 showed a knack for offensive contributions while playing as a defender in Lite, and if he can bring that same offensive touch to his new role at center, KC could become a much more dangerous team. KC’s path to success will depend on their ability to adapt and build chemistry quickly. If they can get the most out of their core players and find a balance between offense and defense, they might just surprise some of the more established teams in the Pro division. However, they’ll need to make sure they stay competitive and focus on steady improvement throughout the season to make a push for the playoffs. Devilz The Devilz are hoping to avoid another relegation scare this season, as last year’s Pro campaign ended in disappointment. While they’ll need to prove they belong in the Pro division, they’re determined to turn things around. This team will need to fight for every point, as they’ll be in constant danger of being relegated back to Lite if they don’t perform. One of their biggest struggles last season was consistency — they found themselves losing key 50/50 games that could have been the difference between staying in Pro and being sent down. If they can turn those close games into wins and put together a more solid effort across the board, they’ll stand a chance at surviving the relegation zone. It will be a long, hard season for Devilz, but they have the potential to stay in Pro if they can deliver when it matters most. Mights After making an unexpected run in Lite last season, Mights earned their spot in Pro through the qualifiers. But now the real challenge begins: staying there. The competition in Pro is fierce, and Mights will need to find a way to adapt quickly. They’ll need to score some upsets and take points from teams that might underestimate them. A key factor will be @priima-namu their standout goalie, who will need to step up and steal games for his team. He has the ability to make game-changing saves, but Mights will need more than just goaltending to succeed in Pro. If they can find consistency in their defensive play and generate more offense, they could surprise some teams and avoid the relegation zone. But it’s going to be a tough battle. Group 2 Overview The competition in Group 2 of the Pro division looks intense, with several teams vying for playoff spots, title contention, and survival in the league. With some teams making the leap from Lite and others looking to bounce back from disappointing seasons, this is sure to be a season full of surprises, tough battles, and shifting dynamics. Here’s a closer look at the teams in each category. Title Contenders Ryhtic Ryhtic is a team with a rich history of being on the cusp of greatness. For several seasons, they've been flirting with Elite qualifications, but have never quite broken through. This season, however, could very well be their year. Ryhtic has consistently been one of the top Pro teams, and with a solid roster returning alongside a few key additions, they have the depth and experience to push for the top. At the center of their offense will once again be @yrjoo a player who has been a mainstay of the team and has consistently delivered. His ability to create scoring chances and control the tempo of the game is invaluable. Alongside him, @Limbe65 and @Naikou88 will continue to flank him on the wings, creating a well-balanced offensive line that has the potential to dominate. Together, they formed one of the most dangerous lines last season, and if they can recapture that form, Ryhtic will be near impossible to stop. The team’s most recent near-miss, losing in Game 7 to TikiTalk in the playoffs, should have given them valuable lessons in handling high-pressure situations. If they learned from this experience and fine-tuned their game, they could very well take that final step and secure an Elite spot this season. The consistency of their top line, combined with solid defensive play and reliable goaltending, makes Ryhtic a serious title contender. Poggers Poggers is a team that has been a fixture in the Pro division for years, and while they have the talent to make waves in the Elite, inconsistency has been their biggest obstacle. Last season, Poggers had another strong regular-season campaign but fell short in the playoffs. The team’s performance has been a bit up and down in recent years, but there is no denying that they have the raw talent to compete with the best. The veteran presence of @JaKurrii , returning for another season, will be crucial. An all-around player who contributes to both offense and defense, Jakurrii is the backbone of the team. His leadership and ability to make plays in critical moments will be key for Poggers as they look to challenge for the Pro title. His consistency at the top of the scoring charts is expected to continue, and his chemistry with his linemates will be pivotal for the team’s success. If Poggers can find more consistency in their game, particularly in the postseason, they will be a formidable force. Their ability to compete with the league's best and their deep roster make them one of the favorites to win the title. A strong start to the season and a solid playoff push will be what defines this team's success. Deep Playoff Teams Finnish Roosters The Finnish Roosters had a strong regular season last year, finishing as the number 2 seed, but their playoff run was a major disappointment as they fell to Golden Sticks. The team crumbled in the postseason, and their inability to step up when it mattered most left fans wondering what went wrong. This season, they will be looking to bounce back and prove that they can replicate their regular-season success in the playoffs. The Roosters are one of the most well-rounded teams in the league, with a deep roster that boasts excellent two-way players like @J0HTAJA and @Ernottii . These players bring both offensive creativity and defensive reliability, making it difficult for opponents to break through. If the Roosters can find a way to carry their strong regular-season form into the postseason, they will be a tough team to eliminate. With a mix of experience and talent across the board, the Finnish Roosters are capable of making a deep playoff run. However, they will need to address their postseason struggles and prove that they can deliver when the pressure is on. Herlev Eagles The Herlev Eagles have been a fixture in the Pro division for several seasons, but their performance has been inconsistent. At their best, they can compete with the best teams in the league, but they’ve struggled to find that level of play consistently. This season, they are aiming to return to their former glory, and their experienced core should help them get back on track. With players like @vibholm10 , a seasoned pro who knows how to step up in critical moments, the Eagles have a leader who can guide the team through tough stretches. Vibholm’s ability to control the pace of play and contribute offensively will be crucial for Herlev as they look to challenge for a playoff spot. The team’s success will depend on finding that level of consistency and playing a more structured game throughout the season. If the Eagles can eliminate the rollercoaster performances and start to play more consistently, they could once again become a playoff team. However, they will need to put together a complete season, both offensively and defensively, if they want to make a deep run in the postseason. Dark Horses Cheeky Grinders The Cheeky Grinders have steadily improved over the past few seasons and are now looking to make a real push for a playoff spot. The team has been steadily grinding away, and their hard work is starting to pay off as they continue to develop into a competitive force in the Pro division. As captain, @tigerrbackwoods will continue to lead from the back end, where his defensive acumen and leadership have been invaluable. If he can keep his game at a high level, the Cheeky Grinders will be tough to break down. Additionally, the team will need strong contributions from all of its players to push for a playoff spot. Their depth and team-first mentality make them dangerous, and if they continue to improve, they could be a surprise team in the playoffs. If the Grinders can keep their defensive play tight and get consistent offensive output, they could push for a spot in the postseason. They will be a team to watch closely throughout the season. Ismon Valinta Ismon Valinta might have finally found that missing piece to make a run at the playoffs. With the addition of @Ikavalko , a player known for his ability to create plays and find teammates in critical situations, the team now has an added dimension to their offense. Valko’s vision and playmaking ability should help elevate the team’s offensive production and help them challenge for a playoff spot. That being said, @Hapee-_- , the team’s right winger, needs to step up his game. While he has shown flashes of being a top Pro player, he must become more consistent if Ismon Valinta wants to succeed at the highest level. If these two players can find chemistry and build momentum, Ismon Valinta could surprise a few teams and be a contender for a playoff berth. Golden Sticks Golden Sticks made waves last season, advancing to the second round of the playoffs despite a roster that many considered not to be among the elite. This year, the team faces the challenge of replacing their star point producer, who has left for Gotham Knights, a top contender. Filling the void left by this departure will be no easy task, but Golden Sticks has shown resilience in the past. The question for them this season is whether they can replicate their previous success without their top scorer. They have a solid roster, but replacing the goals and assists from last year’s standout player is a tall order. If they can find a way to distribute the scoring load and get production from across their lineup, Golden Sticks could still make a strong playoff push. However, they’ll need to adapt quickly and find new ways to generate offense. Teams on the Edge Björklöven eSport A new roster always comes with a set of uncertainties, and Björklöven eSport is no exception. The team will have to find its rhythm quickly if they want to make a serious push for the playoffs. @Kallmanius is back and will provide stability and leadership, but the question remains whether he can perform at a high level consistently and how the rest of the roster will gel. With some new Swedish talent in the mix, Björklöven has the potential to recapture the success they’ve had in the past. However, they will need to overcome the growing pains that often come with roster changes. If they can find chemistry and develop a consistent game plan, they could be a surprise team in the Pro division. HC Lugano eSport HC Lugano eSport is a team that surprised many during the Pro qualifiers, and their strong puck movement and overall team play suggest they could be a tough opponent in the regular season. With a few standout players who can make a difference, they are looking to make some noise in the Pro division and stay competitive. If Lugano can build on their momentum from the qualifiers and continue to play an aggressive, up-tempo style, they could pose problems for higher-ranked teams. But they will need to gather points early in the regular season to avoid getting caught in a relegation battle. This team has potential, but they need to prove themselves consistently. Aspyre Coming up from Lite, Aspyre has made a splash in the Pro qualifiers, but now they face the challenge of proving themselves in the regular season. The key player to watch is @JepuXI , the center who had a solid season in Lite last year. Now, as the focal point of the offense in Pro, the pressure will be on him to step up. His ability to maintain composure and perform at a high level will be crucial in determining how well Aspyre fares this season. They’ll be looking to get some key points early and prove they belong at this level. No Man’s Land Nostreetsports Nostreetsports is a team that has the potential to fight for a playoff spot, but it will be a long road for them. Despite being together for a while, the team has not been able to fully translate their chemistry into consistent results. This season, they will need their star player @Bot_hene to step up and lead the charge. Bot_hene has shown flashes of brilliance, and if he can develop better chemistry with his wingers and drive the offense, Nostreetsports may surprise a few teams. However, consistency will be key, and the team will need to find ways to win tough matchups if they want to make a push for the postseason. AFTERLIFE AFTERLIFE is a team that has struggled to find consistency at the Pro level, and with a lack of experience in the division, they are likely to face significant challenges this season. Goalie @Bystrom_33 has shown that he can play at a high level, but the team around him will need to step up to ensure they don’t get overwhelmed. If AFTERLIFE can rally together and start playing with more confidence, they could pull off some upsets and prove that they belong in the Pro division. However, it will take a complete team effort and a lot of hard work to make it through the regular season. Relegation Zone Refuse Too Lose After surviving the tough Pro qualifiers, Refuse Too Lose now faces the daunting task of competing at the Pro level. Their lack of experience will be a major hurdle, but they do have some crafty players who can surprise teams with their counter-attacks. The team's success will largely depend on the leadership of @sonny , who will need to guide his squad through tough matchups. If they can play a patient, defensive game and capitalize on counter-attacks, Refuse Too Lose could steal some points. But their inexperience will likely be exposed over the course of the season, and staying in the Pro division will be a tough ask. Nürnberg IceTigers eSport The Nürnberg IceTigers are a team in flux, having struggled to maintain a consistent presence in the Pro division. Their defense is anchored by @OGjahajaha , a veteran who brings stability and leadership to the blueline, but the team will need to generate more offense if they want to stay out of the relegation zone. With their focus on defensive play, the IceTigers will likely rely on low-scoring games to stay competitive. However, their offensive output needs to improve if they are to climb up the standings and avoid relegation. Red Bull Munich eSport Red Bull Munich eSport has had their ups and downs in recent seasons, and this year will be no different. With some big names on the roster, they have the potential to be competitive, but they will need to find a way to gel as a team and play consistently throughout the season. If Red Bull Munich can play to their potential and find a rhythm, they may be able to stay in the Pro division. However, they will need to prove they can handle the pressure and consistently perform at a high level. Sawolanche Sawolanche is a team that surprised many by finishing in the top four in Lite and earning promotion to the Pro division. Now, they must adjust to the higher level of competition and start collecting points quickly. The team has some talented players, including @I_LaiTi_I , who can be a difference-maker if he steps up to the challenge. If Sawolanche can maintain their strong defensive play from Lite and get contributions from their offense, they might be able to sneak into the playoffs. However, they will need to adapt quickly to the Pro division and build chemistry as a team if they want to survive and thrive at this level. We want your clips! Did you make an incredible play or have a funny blooper? Share your best moments on social media using the hashtag #ECL25Clips and get a chance to be featured in our broadcasts. Social media Please tag @SportsGamerGG and use the hashtag #ECL25Winter when posting on social media. You can also use the hashtags #KouvolanLakritsi #eHockey. Also note that when editing your team info, you can add your social media accounts to your team information. The same goes for your player card. Season schedule Regular Season duration: 18.11-19.12.2024 Estimated finals date: Below is the estimated date for the Finals (BO7) to be approximately played. We reserve the right to changes in schedule. ECL Pro Finals 29.-30.1.2025 Good luck to all the teams as they hit the virtual ice. Have fun and let the games begin!

Hello, eHockey fans and players! It's finally the moment we've been waiting for: The start of the ECL '25 Winter regular season! In this article, let's take a look at 12 interesting teams and/or biggest favorites to win it all. Who are potential candidates to fight for an ECL Pro promotion this season? And of course, let's pick some of the players to watch closer from every group in the middle division of our five tiers of the European Championship League, ECL Lite. Group 1 Puck Over Glass Last season this team couldn't make their way into the Lite playoffs. Now it looks like they have something good brewing because they won the ECL '25: Pre-Season - Lite & Core tournament with an explosive performance! First, they topped their group with a solid 12-0-0-2 record but after that, they swept themselves all the way to victory winning every series 2-0, two of their players being top two in playoff points. That's already a very impressive progression compared to last season! Surely they are full of confidence because of this so it definitely would not be a shock to see these guys make a deep playoff run this season! Player to watch: Hydeee_24 MoDo Hockey After not getting into Pro through the Qualifier even though they came close, a lot depends on how they recover from that disappointment. They are still capable of achieving a good result in Lite like they did last season by going to the top 8 and being one win away from the semifinals. They have an organized and fairly physical playbook, in the Pro Qualifier, they recorded the most hits by far compared to others. Player to watch: MrXbox79 DEG eSports There is always an extra factor of interest towards teams affiliated with traditional ice hockey clubs. However, this team has also proven that they can play organized and well-structured team play. They had a nice playoff run last season in Lite going into the quarterfinals and losing there against the team that went to the finals. After that they got knocked out from the ECL Pro Qualifier in Stage 1 only with a small margin, since if their one overtime loss had turned into a win it would've been enough to make it into Stage 2. Being that close surely only gives them more hunger to achieve a Pro spot for the Spring season! Player to watch: MEAZZA1704 Group 2 Project X It has been a few seasons since we last saw this team, back in ECL '23: Spring - Pro. Now they are back led by their captain, one of the most recognizable names in ECL Lite this season - 2023 IIHF eWorld Champion JesseL2002. But there are actually a few players who represented Project X's previous roster. One of them is Torvelajr__ who has a very realistic chance to be one of the top if not the best goalies of this division. This team definitely has experience, individual skills, and probably also some kind of reunion spirit. If they get a smooth and consistent flow going through the season, they surely have a great chance for the championship. Player to watch: JesseL2002 KohKae Esports KohKae earned a straight promotion to Lite by being champions of ECL '24: Spring - Core. It's always fascinating to follow champion teams and see if they can continue the success from the lower division when moving up a tier. Obviously, it's hard to think of a better foundation for a new season than winning the previous one - especially when the team's roster has stayed almost identical. khassu-- - who had a clutch performance in their championship run being #1 in playoffs of both GAA (1.19) and save% (90.31) - stays as their starting goalie. Can he keep up that form? KohKae's defensive pair stays the same: Eashl_kalle and LihaPoni90, who both were top-scoring defensemen of the Core playoffs last season. Player to watch: khassu-- HC Pustertal eSports HC Pustertal, consisting mostly of Finnish players, represents the Italian hockey club as their official eSports squad. Hullued - who was an Elite goalie in Renascor last season, including one playoff series played - seems to play center now, but this isn't new business for him. Hullued has played roughly 50% of his career as a skater and 50% as a goalie in many different tiers and leagues and he seems to be like a Swiss army knife; any position and performance is solid. Pustertal's current goalie Kibk_RuZaKuZa had a great last season in Lite with Mights so it will be interesting to see if we will see the same kind of work between the pipes again. The also versatile Ollizhki27 is the definition of an experienced player. He has played ECL ever since ECL Season 1 in 2015, including ECL Pro and also different national leagues. Player to watch: Hullued Eisbaeren Lauf Gaming This club from Germany made its ECL debut already in ECL 12 and has been playing in different divisions since then. Most recently they played a few seasons in Pro and even though they never managed to make their way into playoffs there, I believe that experience playing against tough Pro opponents will be very useful in Lite. wobfighter saved 87.27% of the shots he faced in the Pro Qualifiers, which sounds decent considering they lost half of their games. I see him as a potential candidate for the top goalie of the Lite season. Eisbaren's expected top point scorer is none other than KenuFHR, who is a dangerous and sneaky forward if the opponent leaves him unguarded. My minimum prediction would be to see this team in the top 16. Player to watch: KenuFHR Group 3 Hopfensmoothie HC Hopfensmoothie HC is a Swiss team with some players who have Elite and Pro experience, such as originaL-SnuS from the top Central European team The Black Jacks / ZSC Lions. This is actually the former team for many other players on this HHC roster. Just like SnuS was for TBJ, he is also the captain of this HHC team and has been the leader on ice by being their top scorer both in the regular season and the playoffs last season in ECL Lite. I_Alex28_I was also one of their key players in the playoffs by scoring 12 points in 15 games played. He also made an impressive 44 points in 12 games played recently in the Lite & Core Pre-Season, where Hopfensmoothie showed that their members are still in strong form by finishing #1in their group with a 9-3-1-1 record. Hopfensmoothie made their way to the Lite quarterfinals last season and thus were entitled to take part in the Pro qualifier and surely could've been able to make a good result there. The team, however, decided to stay in Lite. They are definitely one of the teams capable of winning the championship this season. Player to watch: originaL-SnuS Sunne IK Esport Sunne IK is another team that missed the Lite playoffs last season but seems to have been leveling up their game exponentially. Their record was a very solid 11-1-1-1 in the Pre-Season, where they were also the top-scoring team with 96 goals, which is not a surprising number when looking at regular season and playoffs top scorers that are both full of Sunne guys. The big question is: Is Sunne able to keep that firepower since two of those top scorers apparently are not playing for this team anymore? After that in playoffs, they continued their good form, losing only three games, out of which two in the BO3 finals against Puck Over Glass. Comparing their current roster to last season's roster, it seems like they have kept their team core pretty patiently but they also made some moves like the signing of benjamint737 who should be a great goalie for Lite level with his Elite and Pro experience. Player to watch: benjamint737 Setelikerho Team with loads of Pro and even some Elite experience, so definitely any team playing against them should expect an opponent who is not shaking in tight situations and has trust in their team play because they are familiar with each other. In fact Jugi9, Tanski87, armoton-kaulin, Kozeec, and Jesse6115 all played previously in Supernatural so I guess this is kind of a rebranded team from that. Player to watch: Kozeec Group 4 Kikkakirja Kikkakirja went through the Pre-Season regular season with an 11-0-1-2 record and after that ran into the semifinals. Their game style actually seems to live up to their name (translation Deke Book/Trick Book) but still not at the cost of defending since only two teams had fewer goals against them compared to Kikkakirja's 28 goals allowed. Their RD Kahvinpapu already has some ECL Pro experience and has been doing a good job as an offensive d-men. Their captain PyroNiko__ also played Pro last season with N0VA, even though he didn't play many games he was efficient in those with over 2 PPG. Player to watch: PyroNiko__ Technical Disaster TED is already starting the 6th ECL season together. Solid Lite team season after season, this time they were also close to making it into Pro through the qualifiers but fell short in the last round. They still have familiar faces from their previous rosters, like key players Kaapo13 and wrlster who have both always been creating good results in Lite individually. It wouldn't be a surprise if Technical Disaster could reach the top of this division sooner or later. Player to watch: Kaapo13 VBO STARS Swedish team VBO STARS got a taste of gold medals a few months ago when they won the championship of SEC 16. While it was not the same exact roster as now, this team might actually be the team with most former Elite players this season in Lite; I-Bror-I, eBasstian, and Kattenj all played in the highest tier not too long ago, but none in the latest season, so will be interesting to see how their experience will carry on for this season in ECL Lite. Player to watch: I-Bror-I SSK Prospects Another Swedish team! One of the three ECL teams of Södertälje SK. Despite their name "Prospects", this team is not just a group of young guns. There are also many experienced players on this team - in fact, I would say players a little bit over the average age of ECL players. This mixed with some of their younger players could have a lot of potential if they find chemistry! Players like Viktorhall and HambergD who have many seasons played in Pro and sveti- could be great leaders in the group even in Elite, as well as experienced r4mme-0 who played Pre-Season for the dominant #1 seed team before signing with SSK. Player to watch: Viktorhall We want your clips! Did you make an incredible play or have a funny blooper? Share your best moments on social media using the hashtag #ECL25Clips and get a chance to be featured in our broadcasts. Social media Please tag @SportsGamerGG and use the hashtag #ECL25Winter when posting on social media. You can also use the hashtags #KouvolanLakritsi #eHockey. Also note that when editing your team info, you can add your social media accounts to your team information. The same goes for your player card. Season schedule Regular Season duration: 17.11-19.12.2024 Estimated finals date: Below is the estimated date for the Finals (BO7) to be approximately played. We reserve the right to changes in schedule. ECL Lite Finals 4.-5.2.2025 Good luck to all the teams as they hit the virtual ice. Have fun and let the games begin! Players mentioned in this article: @Hydeee_24@MrXbox79@Meazza1704@JesseL2002@Torvelajr__@khassu--@Eashl_kalle@LihaPoni90@Hullued@Kibk_RuZaKuZa@Ollizhki@wobfighter@Kenu@benjamint737@Kozeec@Jugi9@Tanski87@armoton-kaulin@Kahvinpapu@PyroNiko@Kaapo13@wrlster@Kattenj@eBasstian@svetidaje@Viktorhall@HambergD@r4mme@Original-SnuS@I_Alex28_I

Note: The information in this article is based on the situation on Sunday morning. See the updated statistics below. PLAYOFF RACE HEADING INTO FINAL WEEK OF REGULAR SEASON With just one week to go before the end of the regular season, let's take a detailed look of where each team's postseason dreams, or relegation nightmares, stand heading into the games of the regular season. To make things a little more interesting, however, I decided to add in a different element to this article. I decided to embrace the power of modern technology and used ChatGPT to come up with the mathematical chance for each team to clinch a playoff spot, as well as every other general seeding possibility. These numbers are based on 10,000 different simulations of possible outcomes. This is the first time that I've decided to do something like this, so if it's something that you enjoyed, let us know and we'll consider doing more stuff like this in the future! We'll be looking at all 16 teams in the division and giving a short summary of where they stand, what the numbers tell us, and what the next week could look like as they get towards the end of their schedules. Hopefully you all enjoy, and make sure to tell us what you think will happen and what you thought of the article! Last Dance (51pts) - 1st in standings - 10 games remaining Chance to Clinch a Playoff Berth: 100% Chance To Finish 1-4: 99.98% Chance to Finish 5-8: 0.02% Chance to Finish 9-12: 0% Chance to Play Relegation Playoff: 0% Chance to Be Automatically Relegated: 0% Last Dance sit in a great position heading into the final week of the season. Not only have Last Dance all but clinched their place in the Top 4, but they have also pretty much clinched their place in the Top 4, barring a catastrophic end to the season. The next 10 games for Last Dance will be about strengthening their playoff positioning and looking to earn the #1 overall seed. The simulations gave them an 83.82% chance to clinch that top overall seed, the best of any team in the field. Based on their recent form (14-1-0 in their last 15 games) and their favorable remaining schedule, I'd tend to agree with those odds, and would maybe even argue that they should be higher. I'd personally expect for Last Dance to enter the playoffs at the #1 overall seed, barring a late-season slump, but at bare minimum, they should find themselves finishing somewhere in the 1-3 range. Remaining Series: Blackbirds, GOONS, vNexs, SSK ESPORTS and Tohtorit Mythix (46pts) - 2nd in standings - 10 games remaining Chance to Clinch a Playoff Berth: 100% Chance To Finish 1-4: 99.57% Chance to Finish 5-8: 0.43% Chance to Finish 9-12: 0% Chance to Play Relegation Playoff: 0% Chance to Be Automatically Relegated: 0% Similarly to Last Dance, Mythix have virtually clinched a playoff spot and should very likely make the Top 4, meaning that they are merely fighting for seeding over the next 10 games. Considering that this group finished 6th and 5th the past two seasons, clinching a playoff berth with 10 games to go is quite the impressive leap for this team. It'll be a tough task for them to pass Last Dance for the top spot and their series against Parasite will likely shake up their seed projections dramatically, but at bare minimum they should be able to go into the postseason with a place in the Top 4. If they do, it'll certainly be well deserved. They also still have a chance to finish a to finish at the top of the table. Simulations gave Mythix a 13.51% chance to do so, second-highest of any team. Remaining Series: vNexs, NOVA, Parasite, SSK ESPORTS and The Black Jacks Mustaa Kultaa (45pts) - 3rd in standings - 8 games remaining Chance to Clinch a Playoff Berth: 100% Chance To Finish 1-4: 95.97% Chance to Finish 5-8: 4.03% Chance to Finish 9-12: 0% Chance to Play Relegation Playoff: 0% Chance to Be Automatically Relegated: 0% Mustaa Kultaa is virtually a lock to make the playoffs, and are mostly playing to secure a Top 4 seed. They were able to do most of their work in the early to middle stages of the season, picking up 41 points in their first 18 games of the season. They also still have an outside shot to finish with the top overall seed, but simulations give them a slim chance to do so at just 0.86%, likely due to their limited amount of games left and the gap in points between them and Last Dance. They are the last team that is eligible to clinch the top spot. This group has cooled of a little bit over their last two series, as they were swept by SSK Esports and split their series with vNexs, but both teams are currently in playoff spots and are fighting hard to stay there, so those loses are nothing to be ashamed of. Their series against Parasite will undoubtedly be the biggest on their schedule and will likely be the difference between them finishing 4th or higher. Remaining Series: EXEN, Polski Boys, Parasite and Vapor Parasite - (42pts) - 4th in standings - 10 games remaining Chance to Clinch a Playoff Berth: 100% Chance To Finish 1-4: 96.19% Chance to Finish 5-8: 3.81% Chance to Finish 9-12: 0% Chance to Play Relegation Playoff: 0% Chance to Be Automatically Relegated: 0% As another lock to make the playoffs, Parasite is in position to not only clinch another Top 4 seed in the playoffs, but they also still have an inside track to finish 2nd with their two series against Mythix and Mustaa Kultaa coming up. They would need some help in order to secure the top seed, as the simulations only gave them a 1.81% chance. What also helps Parasite is that they're 8-2-0 in the last 10 games and have yet to lose back-to-back games all season, so based on how they've paced to this point, I'd be surprised to not see them move their way up in the standings before the regular season ends. Though you could argue that this team has the toughest remaining schedule of any team in the Top 4, you could also make the point that they have the best opportunity because of that. Passing up Last Dance will tough to pull off, but I do believe that finishing right behind them is a more likely possibility; especially if they can earn at least 4 points against Mythix. Remaining Series: GOONS, Mustaa Kultaa, Mythix, NOVA and Tohtorit Tohtorit - (36pts) - 5th in standings - 6 games remaining Chance to Clinch a Playoff Berth: 67.68% Chance To Finish 1-4: 0.13% Chance to Finish 5-8: 67.55% Chance to Finish 9-12: 31.42% Chance to Play Relegation Playoff: 2.0% Chance to Be Automatically Relegated: 0% This is where the "playoff hunt" really starts. Even though they currently sit 5th in the standings, Tohtorit's position is far from secured. Their situation actually reminds me a bit of the situation that GOONS and Polski Boys were in during the Winter season. A tough remaining schedule, very few games remaining, and a point tally that doesn't give them the comfort needed to drop many more points. Those two teams finished 8th and 9th in the standings respectively. Simulations seem relatively confident about Tohtorit's chances though, as their 67.6% chance to clinch ranks 8th amongst all 16 teams. The scary thing about where they stand is that there is a realistic chance that they could leave their last six games with no more than 6 points earned, as both Last Dance and Parasite are averaging over 4 standings points per series. That would give them 42 points in the standings, which would put them in a dangerous spot. Simulations projected that 46–48 points would be the mark for a team outside of the cutline to make their way into the Top 8. As of now, six of the bottom eight teams could realistically reach that threshold, though Blackbirds would have to win all of their remaining games to do so. Tohtorit need to steal some points against Last Dance and Parasite to feel good about their chances. Remaining Series: Heimo, Last Dance, and Parasite GOONS - (35pts) - 6th in standings - 4 games remaining Chance to Clinch a Playoff Berth: 7.43% Chance To Finish 1-4: 0% Chance to Finish 5-8: 7.43% Chance to Finish 9-12: 77.85% Chance to Play Relegation Playoff: 14.72% Chance to Be Automatically Relegated: 0.03% Unfortunately for GOONS, their playoff hopes appear to be grim even though they enter the final week placed 6th in the standings. The problem that GOONS faces isn't just their remaining schedule against two of the toughest teams in the league, but it is also their lower point-tally and the limited chances that they have to earn more points. Because of this, simulations only had them clinch a playoff spot 7.43% of the time, giving them the 11th-best odds in the division. The most points that they will be able to earn is 47, and though any team can win on any given day, I have a hard time realistically seeing any team sweep both Last Dance and Parasite. GOONS also have been in a bit of a rut, as they're 3-6-1 in their last 10 games and have taken multiple losses to teams outside of the playoffs over the past two weeks, including Blackbirds, The Black Jacks and Vapor. Something that the simulations don't take account for. No team in the playoff picture will have to rely more on outside results than GOONS. When a team can't control it's own destiny, the less confident you can feel about their chances to make the field. This group looks bound for "no man's land", which is better than where they were a year ago when they were forced to play in a relegation playoff, but its still a step back from their performance a season ago where they were able to earn a playoff spot with 44 points. Remaining Series: Last Dance and Parasite EXEN - (32pts) - 7th in standings - 10 games remaining Chance to Clinch a Playoff Berth: 88.3% Chance To Finish 1-4: 4.02% Chance to Finish 5-8: 84.28% Chance to Finish 9-12: 11.34% Chance to Play Relegation Playoff: 0.36% Chance to Be Automatically Relegated: 0% Despite a slow start to the season, EXEN was able to dig themselves out of a early hole and now find themselves in a great position to earn its third-straight under the EXEN brand (sixth-straight playoff if you want to go back to its time as JYP Jyväskylä, though only one active player remains from that group). Their playoff chances would've been even higher if not for being swept by Polski Boys this past week, but it would still take a lot to go wrong for EXEN to not clinch a spot in the Top 8; especially with their remaining schedule being primarily against non-playoff teams. Their 88.3% chance to clinch is 5th-highest of any team in the league and the highest of all of the teams that have yet to clinch a spot. They technically also have an outside chance to land in the Top 4, but it would require a wide range of circumstances that are highly unlikely. The goal for this team will be securing the 5th seed, something that feels very possible with where they currently stand and how well they have played as of late (7-2-1 in their last 10 games). Remaining Series: Heimo, Mustaa Kultaa, vNexs, NOVA and The Black Jacks vNexs - (30pts) - 8th in standings - 10 games remaining Chance to Clinch a Playoff Berth: 72.76% Chance To Finish 1-4: 1.22% Chance to Finish 5-8: 71.54% Chance to Finish 9-12: 25.9% Chance to Play Relegation Playoff: 1.34% Chance to Be Automatically Relegated: 0% Though they currently hold the last available playoff spot, the simulations seemed to favor vNexs' chances of making it in, as their 71.54% ranks 7th. Similarly to EXEN, they even have a slim chance to make the Top 4, but it's high;y unlikely. Though I definitely agree that they've put themselves in a great position to make the Top 8, I also feel slightly more pessimistic than what the ChatGPT simulations seemed to. Now don't get me wrong, I like this vNexs team a lot. They have a ton of experience and have often played their best games during the last week or so of the season. My concern however is the inconsistency that has plagued this team at times. They're 5-5-0 in their last 10 games, and they've only earned maximum points in one series all season, and that was against a non-playoff team in Vapor. They've also dropped a pair of critical games to both Polski Boys and The Black Jacks, while splitting their most recent series with Blackbirds. It just feels like this team has missed out on some opportunities for points against teams below them in the standings, and this can often be the difference between making and missing the playoff at the end of the regular season. They also still have to play the two top teams in the standings in Last Dance and Mythix. Though I think they are capable of stealing some points out of those matchups, their playoff hopes will likely be determined by how they do in their series against EXEN and SSK ESPORTS, as both are only separated from vNexs by 3 points or less. Remaining Series: EXEN, Last Dance, Mythix, NOVA and SSK ESPORTS Heimo - (29pts) - 9th in standings - 10 games remaining Chance to Clinch a Playoff Berth: 61.77% Chance To Finish 1-4: 0.55% Chance to Finish 5-8: 61.22% Chance to Finish 9-12: 35.77% Chance to Play Relegation Playoff: 2.45% Chance to Be Automatically Relegated: 0.01% After a promising first week of the season that saw Heimo near the top of the standings, the group hit a wall during the middle part of their season and now finds themselves on the outside looking in for a playoff spot. Simulations still had this team making it 61.77% of the time, but those are just the 9th-best odds, so their chances seem sort of split. GOONS and Tohtorit being in the position that they are in helps Heimo, but they will need to earn their way in by playing four teams that are all still fighting for positioning. I'll be honest in saying that I don't love how this group has looked over the last two weeks, as they're 4-5-1 in their last 10 contests and seem to be missing that offensive punch that they showed during the first week of the season. Despite this though, Heimo still controls their own destiny. They have 10 games remaining and won't need any help if they can take care of business on their own. As a playoff hopeful, you really can't ask for much more than that. Their most consequential games will undoubtedly be their series against EXEN, SSK ESPORTS and Tohtorit. Remaining Series: EXEN, NOVA, SSK ESPORTS, Tohtorit and Vapor Polski Boys - (29pts) - 10th in standings - 8 games remaining Chance to Clinch a Playoff Berth: 18.98% Chance To Finish 1-4: 0% Chance to Finish 5-8: 18.98% Chance to Finish 9-12: 67.72% Chance to Play Relegation Playoff: 13.28% Chance to Be Automatically Relegated: 0.02% Though the simulations seemed to be less bullish on Polski Boys' playoff hopes at 18.98%, which ranks 10th, I personally think they have a slightly better chance when you consider their remaining schedule and their performance against teams around them in the standings. They recently swept EXEN and picked up 5 out of a possible 6 points in that series, which arguably saved their playoff hopes considering what the bubble currently looks like. Before that series, they had lost four-straight games against Last Dance and Mythix, so they really needed to find points and did exactly that against a fellow playoff hopeful. Interestingly enough, Polski Boys have a record of 9-5-2 against teams that are ranked lower than 5th in the standings. Their one major blemish was being swept by Vapor on April 17th, which could be what comes back to haunt them if they miss the Top 8. However, with three of their four remaining series being against teams bound for "no man's land" or a relegation playoff, there is some genuine opportunity for Polski Boys to make it into the playoffs, even if they will need a little bit of help from others to do so. Remaining Series: Blackbirds, Mustaa Kultaa, ONSE Esports and The Black Jacks Blackbirds - (28pts) - 11th in standings - 6 games remaining Chance to Clinch a Playoff Berth: 0.38% Chance To Finish 1-4: 0% Chance to Finish 5-8: 0.38% Chance to Finish 9-12: 32.71% Chance to Play Relegation Playoff: 65.86% Chance to Be Automatically Relegated: 1.05% Though mathematically Blackbirds still have a chance to make it into the playoffs, it would take collecting every point possible in their last six games along with numerous results from other teams to going in their favor. Despite their potential of being a sleeper to make the playoffs coming into the season, this is a team that had zero games of Elite Division experience prior to the Spring. That's a difficult thing to overcome, as the jump from Pro to Elite is a significant shift in skill and game style. It shouldn't be too shocking that Blackbirds have had to learn, grow and adjust as they get used to the division. First-time teams making playoff pushes such as Mustaa Kultaa last season, or SSK ESPORTS this season are exceptions, not the rule, and each of those teams had a least a few players in its lineup with prior Elite experience. I don't think it'd be fair to say that this is a disappointing result for Blackbirds, and a mid-table finish feels like a fair and reasonable result for a team that is still on the ascent in the Elite division. Despite all of this, Blackbirds have likely avoided finishing 16th barring a considerable collapse and a major run from some of the teams behind them. Their goal from this point forward will be to hold on to a Top 12 spot to avoid playing in a relegation series; though this won't be an easy task with games vs Last Dance and Polski Boys still on the horizon. Stealing some points in one of those series, along with earning the majority of points in their series with Vapor, will likely be the key to maintaining their spot. Blackbirds will need to keep a close eye on The Black Jacks and NOVA, as both have games in hand and a path to surpass them in the standings. They've seem to find a decent run of form recently going 5-5-0 in their last 10 games, which will help their cause. Remaining Series: Last Dance, Polski Boys and Vapor SSK ESPORTS - (27pts) - 12th in standings - 12 games remaining Chance to Clinch a Playoff Berth: 72.72% Chance To Finish 1-4: 2.37% Chance to Finish 5-8: 70.35% Chance to Finish 9-12: 25.55% Chance to Play Relegation Playoff: 1.72% Chance to Be Automatically Relegated: 0.01% Coming into the final week with the best opportunity of any team outside of the playoffs, SSK ESPORTS are hoping to continue what has been a magical run in ECL 25 that goes all the way back to the final week of the Winter regular season in the Pro Division. Despite sitting in 11th, simulations actually give SSK a 72.72% chance to make the Top 8, one of the best odds of any team that hasn't clinched. You could argue that this is a little high considering their upcoming schedule, but the circumstances are mostly in their favor outside of that. The favorable simulation for SSK ESPORTS comes from the amount of games that they have remaining and the points they've already earned. They'll have two very tough series coming up against Last Dance and Mythix, as well as a series against a fellow playoff hopefuls Heimo and vNexs, but SSK fullly control their own playoff destiny and have proven this season that they can beat playoff caliber teams in this division. The group haven't played since April 27th, so we will have to see if they can continue their winning form, but 6-3-1 in your last 10 games is a pace that's good enough for this team to make the field. It won't be easy, but I personally believe that SSK ESPORTS will end up making it in. Even if they don't make the playoffs, the worst likely outcome for them would be a 9-12 finish, which is a very respectable result for an organization that was in the Pro Division a season ago. Remaining Series: Heimo, Last Dance, Mythix, vNexs, NOVA and Vapor The Black Jacks - (26pts) - 13th in standings - 8 games remaining Chance to Clinch a Playoff Berth: 3.1% Chance To Finish 1-4: 0% Chance to Finish 5-8: 3.1% Chance to Finish 9-12: 49.55% Chance to Play Relegation Playoff: 46.88% Chance to Be Automatically Relegated: 0.47% The Black Jacks still are alive in the playoff hunt according to the math, but their 3.1% chance don't make for great odds. Combining this with how they have faired against the current playoff teams this season, I have a hard time imagining a miracle run coming from this group over the next week. TBJ will not only need to win most of their remaining games in regulation, but they will also need some help around them in the process to have a realistic shot at the Top 8. Despite this though, they do have a realistic chance to avoid playing in the relegation playoff, which is huge with how successful the Pro division teams have seemed to be in those over the last couple of seasons. The Black Jacks are 5-3-2 in its last 10 games and have done enough to give themselves a chance to surpass Blackbirds for the 12th spot with having games in hand. It's not a given and they'll still be disappointed to have missed the playoffs for the first time since the ECL 23 Spring season (back when they were under the ZSC Esports brand), but avoiding a relegation series would be a small win nevertheless. Barring a miraculous run to close out the season, it'll be either "no man's land" or a relegation playoff to maintain their spot in the division. Their series with ONSE Esports will likely be a big factor to their fate at the end of the regular season. Similarly to Blackbirds, they will also need to keep a close eye on NOVA's results over the next week. Remaining Series: EXEN, Mythix, ONSE Esports and Polksi Boys ONSE Esports - (22pts) - 14th in standings - 6 games remaining Chance to Clinch a Playoff Berth: 0% Chance To Finish 1-4: 0% Chance to Finish 5-8: 0% Chance to Finish 9-12: 0.42% Chance to Play Relegation Playoff: 67.71% Chance to Be Automatically Relegated: 31.87% ONSE Esports have been mathematically eliminated from playoff contention after going 2-7-1 in its last 10 games. Similarly to Blackbirds, this is a new team to the Elite division. In fact, they earned their way into Elite the week before the season started by winning in a qualifier. However, a tough stretch with only three wins since April 16th ultimately sunk their chances at a playoff berth, and they will now likely be fighting to maintain their spot in the division for next season. Their best chance is hoping to climb into a 9-12 spot, and even that feels like a tough battle that'll likely be decided between themselves, Blackbirds, NOVA and The Black Jacks. Luckily for ONSE Esports, they play the latter two teams to end the season and both are behind them in the standings. However, those two teams also both have games hand and they will still need Blackbirds to drop at least two regulation games while also staying ahead of each of the teams behind them. They will also need to keep an eye on Vapor, as even though the simulations seem to be on their side in terms of automatic relegation, a few wins from Vapor to end the season combined more losses from ONSE could see them slide down to that 16th spot and out of the Elite Division for next season. It's not impossible for them to avoid a relegation scenario altogether, but it'll be a tall order. With where things currently stand, I don't favor their chances and neither did the simulations. ONSE Esports will likely be playing in a relegation series unless things turn in their favor. And unfortunately, automatic relegation isn't out of the question just yet either. Remaining Series: NOVA, Polski Boys and The Black Jacks Vapor - (17pts) - 15th in standings - 8 games remaining Chance to Clinch a Playoff Berth: 0% Chance To Finish 1-4: 0% Chance to Finish 5-8: 0% Chance to Finish 9-12: 0.33% Chance to Play Relegation Playoff: 36.56% Chance to Be Automatically Relegated: 63.11% As things stand, Vapor have the highest odds of finishing 16th in the standings and being relegated from the Elite division. Though Vapor isn't a team that was viewed as a playoff favorite heading into the season, it at least seemed like a team that could compete for a spot and would like end up middle of the table, as they have plenty of experience throughout their lineup and brought in some respectable transfers. This unfortunately hasn't come to fruition, as they're eliminated from playoff contention and would likely need to earn at least 16 points to avoid playing in the relegation playoff, and even then their place in the Top 12 wouldn't be safe. Their schedule is also a bit of a mixed bag between playoff hopefuls and a team currently ranked in the Top 4 in Mustaa Kultaa. I still believe that this team has talent in its lineup and their experience could be helpful to them in their fight as well. But with NOVA being just two points behind them and having six more games to play, Vapor is in serious danger of relegation. Even if they are able to avoid the dreaded last-place finish, they will still more than likely have to earn their keep in the division against one of the best teams in the Pro Division. Remaining Series: Blackbirds, Heimo, Mustaa Kultaa and SSK ESPORTS. NOVA - (15pts) - 16th in standings - 14 games remaining Chance to Clinch a Playoff Berth: 6.88% Chance To Finish 1-4: 0% Chance to Finish 5-8: 6.88% Chance to Finish 9-12: 41.44% Chance to Play Relegation Playoff: 48.22% Chance to Be Automatically Relegated: 3.46% Don't let their place in the standings fool you, NOVA are still mathematically alive in the playoff hunt, and they actually still have a fair chance at avoiding a relegation playoff series as well. We weren't able to give this team much shine in the midseason report since they had only played 10 games at the time, but since then, they've been able to play six games and actually managed to go 3-2-1 in those contests. Because of this, along with their league-high 14 games left to play, the simulations actually had NOVA qualify for the playoffs 6.88% of the time and gave them a very good chance to avoid finishing 16th. Though their percentage to make the Top 8 was 12th-highest of all teams, I'll admit that a playoff spot doesn't seem very likely to happen for this group. The simulations suggest that NOVA will need to earn roughly 33 points to make the field, which means that they can only afford to take three more losses at most (regulation or overtime). It would take a serious run of form for them to make that happen, and I just don't know how realistic it is for them to win 11 of their last 14 games against the teams that they have to play against. However, I do think that NOVA are a team that could manage to avoid a relegation series if they can play the way they did this past week or even improve on that. They kept their series with Last Dance rather close, falling 3-2 and 5-3 in regulation. They split their series with The Black Jacks, earning 4 out of 6 possible points with a regulation win and an overtime loss. Their most important result was probably their series sweep over Vapor, as they collected 5 out of 6 points over the team that is currently just two points ahead of them in the standings. These are things that the simulations didn't take into consideration, so you could maybe even argue that their 41.44% could be slightly higher than what it is. Other than Mythix and Parasite, every team left on their schedule is either around the playoff bubble, or trying to earn their way into "no man's land". It's not impossible for them to make the playoff field, but I do believe that their path to a 9-12 spot is much more realistic. They're projected to need roughly 18 more points to avoid a relegation playoff, and they have 42 possible points still available to them. That equates to 6 regulation wins in 14 games. This feels doable, and though it won't be easy by any means, I think that they have reasons to feel good about their chances to make it happen. Remaining Series: EXEN, Heimo, Myhthix, vNexs, ONSE Esports, Parasite and SSK Esports Want to keep up with everything happening ECL in the this season? Make sure to follow/subscribe to SportsGamerGG on Twitch, YouTube and X.

The fourth season of the Western European Championship League (WECL 4) has come to a close with a spectacular grand final performance by Pirates eSports, who claimed the title in dominant fashion. With a 4-0 sweep over Owned Hexa, Pirates eSports left no doubts about who ruled the ice this season.   🏆 A Final of Control and Precision From puck drop to final buzzer, Pirates eSports executed a game plan built on possession, disciplined defense, and explosive offense. While Owned Hexa showed flashes of potential, including a tight 6-7 OT loss in Game 2, the Pirates consistently capitalized on turnovers and controlled the tempo in each game. Their fluid passing, structured zone entries, and relentless forecheck suffocated their opponents and set the tone early in every match. In the deciding four-game series, Pirates outscored Owned Hexa 27 to 10, with standout performances across their entire lineup.   📊 Pirates eSports - Player Statistics (Final Series) Player Goals   Assists   Points    +/-   Shots   Hits       AdriF_23  4   14   18  +16    18   0       JimmyCooks-_-  6   6   12  +17    17   13       Winci-_o  12   6   18  +17    34   8       Tromi13  2   6   8    +15    10   9       RaphaIsky69  2   8   10  +17    13   5       MANU-LLORIS-16 (G) Saves: 38, SV%: 74.51%   ⭐ MVP of the Finals: Winci-_o While the entire Pirates roster performed at an elite level, @Winci-_o stood out with an incredible 12 goals and 18 total points in 4 matches. His offensive awareness, finishing, and consistency made him a nightmare for defenders and the clear MVP of the WECL 4 Final.   👑 Champions of WECL 4: Pirates eSports Congratulations to Pirates eSports, the undisputed champions of WECL Season 4. With clinical precision, unrivaled synergy, and unshakable confidence, they have earned their place in WECL history. Their run was not just dominant — it was championship caliber at every level. Pirates eSports, take a bow. This was your season.   Pirates eSports  👑 Championship Lineup 👑 #1    Margaux @Andy Caper Mameri  #9    Emmanuel @Emmanuel Peltier Peltier #13  Jake @NotzPanthers Leversuch #14  Nick @xCocii Suzuki #17   Raphalsky @Raphalsky69 Maverlinsky #23   Patrik @Winci-_o Wenzel #33   Calum @Calxm41 Mcateer-Ellis #50  Kieran @KnightK10 Knight #68   Adrien @AdriF_23 Frinkelin #73   Max @Tromi13 Tromeur #77  - @Pekedipeks Pekedipeks   🙏 Thank You to All Teams & Players The WECL 4 journey wouldn’t be the same without the passion and dedication of every team that participated. We extend our deepest thanks to:  Brothers In Gaming Brothers in Gaming 2 EKH GLEBOGRYZARKA  Hawks HC,  HC UKRAINE  HK Bricks  Owned Hexa  Pirates eSports  Pylsais  Silver Sword Griffins  Three Stars  Valence Hockey  Wildcats esport I The WECL administration values the contribution of every single player toward building this competitive and respectful community. Your spirit makes this league thrive.   💬 See You in WECL 5 With the curtain closing on an unforgettable season, we’re already looking forward to the next chapter. Until then — stay sharp, stay united, and we’ll see you on the ice in WECL 5. — WECL Administration Team

Two weeks have passed since the start of the ECL 25 Spring season, and now we’ll analyze a few teams and how some have performed so far this season! Stats and points are current as of April 23rd, 01:00 EET. Trending Up Three Stars The Latvian group has surprised a lot of teams this season, raking in a PPG of 2.25 so far, leading the entire Pro division. This exciting team plays an incredible style of eHockey, combining skill, puck movement, and good team defense. An impressive season is capped by @artusjo’s point production, sitting at 8th in points with 48 (21+27). With fewer games played than those above him, he is a favorite to top the leaderboards by the end of the season — although good team success must be the priority. Important games coming up: Golden Buffalos Vizio Vizio, who has been around for quite a while now, has finally hit that booster button. Now sitting at the top of their group (for now) with 45 points in 22 games, they have established themselves as a force to be reckoned with. When talking about Vizio, the first guy, of course, is team captain and Finnish champion @artuzio. But this time, he is not the one we’re highlighting. @Jetsu28 has been lighting it up for Vizio this season with 32 goals, putting him in 3rd place behind @Konsuk05 and @Winci-_o of the top scorers in the league. If the rest of the team can keep up, we’ll see Vizio go further than the predicted first round. Important games coming up: Afterlife Pirates eSports After splitting with Owned Hexa and creating their own team, Pirates immediately made a statement by winning the WECL. After their dominant championship run, they now continue their remarkable form in the ECL and take on the rest of Europe. Sitting nicely in the top 3 of their group, the most eye-catching thing about the Pirates has been their offense, averaging an astounding 4.6 goals per game. If they keep this pace, we’ll see the Pirates in the top 4 for sure. @AdriF_23 has taken his team on his back with an astounding 75 points (27+48), leading the entire Pro division in points. Close to him is his partner in crime @Winci-_o Important games coming up: ROBE Esports Trending Down Owned Hexa After parting ways with their entire identity, Hexa has now dug themselves into a deep hole. With 7 points in 16 games, there is little hope they will avoid relegation. However, an experienced squad might still have a trick or two up their sleeve to survive for next season. Important games coming up: Chiubigigle Sunne IK eSport A team we had predicted as playoff-bound has had a rough start to the season. With 0 wins in 8 games so far, Sunne IK faces a tough decision: stick with the roster that won them SCL gold, or change their lineup to chase wins in the coming weeks. A few more losses and it’s goodbye playoffs, hello relegation. Important games coming up: HC Lugano eSports Blegi After the departure of @koleslaav_ , Blegi hasn’t been able to live up to the expectations of a playoff-bound team. Now with @tapppu moving to RW and @Kahvinpapu playing at RD, they still have half the games left to play. Sitting at 8th isn’t terrible, but they need to find their game and push for a top 4 position. Important games coming up: Falun Coal Miners Jury’s Still Out Otukset Still an uncertain team. They haven’t had the start we all expected, but are still playing well. They have started strong on offense, averaging 3.79 goals per game. Considering they’ve played mostly against teams above them in the standings and still raked in points, they might still end up with a good playoff seed. Important games coming up: Poggers SSK Prospects With a fairly new team, it’s always touch-and-go for a while before we see the real potential of a squad. They still haven’t shown their true colors as they look to find their starting lineup — 9 players have played so far, making it tough to know who you’re playing with or against. So far they’ve been carried by their star @dippen04 , who has continued where he left off in the SCL. If the rest of the team can support their star player with points and goals, they might just set the record straight. Important games coming up: Aspyre Unique A solid roster usually gets you solid results — but now, it’s not that clear. Unique have the talent and the chemistry to do well in the regular season, but currently sit 12th with a point per game of 1.19. It’s a long road ahead. Difficult? Yes. Impossible? No. Their most experienced player, @Esko-etikka , has been strong this season despite his somewhat struggling teammates. He sits at a 79.19% save percentage, which isn’t bad but could be better. Now, he faces the challenge of playing well while hoping his team delivers the necessary goals to win some games. Important games coming up: Herlev Eagles

ECL ELITE - WEEK ONE STORYLINES We're seven days into the ECL '25: Spring season and are already seeing storylines develop across the Elite division. We've seen everything from early-season surprises (both good and bad), to significant transfers that could very well change to outlook of a team's season. Considering all of that, let's take a look at some of the biggest storylines that we saw take place throughout the first week of action in the Elite Division. Also, thanks again to @Mozjayh for his contributions to this week's article! Defending Champs Looking To Recapture Last Season's Magic As of this writing, Parasite has scored just 13 goals despite registering a staggering 129 shots on net. That is an average of 2.17 goals on 21.5 shots per game. Even though we all know that the goals will come eventually, this is the total opposite of what we saw from this team last season. During the Winter season, Parasite averaged 5.32 goals for per game, which is an ECL record. The team's newest addition, Aaro, has also been held scoreless in their first 6 games. Despite the team's slow start offensively, its defense and goaltending have made up for it plenty, as Parasite has the fewest goals allowed per game by a landslide at 1. This shouldn't be anything to worry about. Parasite is one of the best teams in the world and its only change in the lineup was replacing one of Europe's best wingers (NikkeDangles) with another one of Europe's best wingers (Aaro). They will find their scoring touch eventually and when they do, this will be a non-story. After all, it's not like they aren't creating chances. Still, though, it's something to keep an eye on considering how steep of a drop it is from their Winter season goals number. Tohtorit's Surprisingly Slow Start After back-to-back seasons of finishing in the Top 4 in the standings, Tohtorit is off to a much slower start to their Spring campaign; getting only 2 wins in their first 8 games with only one of them being in regulation. Their start also includes 4 OT losses. Considering the fact that this team brought back its entire lineup from a group that earned the finish 2nd in the regular season standings and made it to the Semifinals just three months, it's surprising to see them struggle to find their form. The reason for their struggles can be pointed at a few factors. One would be their struggles on the penalty kill, something that was a sizable flaw for this team a season ago. So far, Tohtorit has taken 16 PIM and is 50% on the penalty kill. Not good. Additionally, last season's goaltender of the season Stammer has not been up to his usual form, sporting just a 75.7SV% in his eight starts. In comparison, he ended the Winter season with an 86SV% while starting all 28 games. Tohtorit ended their week by playing over 186 in-game minutes in two matches against vNexs. A big 3rd-period comeback in the second game after trailing by two goals earned the team a victory in OT, one that feels much needed after six straight losses going into that game. Mythix Making A Statement Early The story surrounding Mythix coming into the season was whether they could emerge as a true championship contender. One week into the season, and so far they've answered that challenge. Through their first six games, Mythix have earned a total of 16 out of possible 18 points; placing them 2nd in the standings only behind Last Dance. Their offense has been dominant so far, leading the league in goals for per game with 4.67 and a total of 28 goals scored. Sokkelo has been the stand-out player amongst the group, scoring a staggering 14 goals and 21 points in those games, both of which lead the division. They've also been lethal on the man advantage, boasting a 58.33% power play with a total of 7 goals scored. The most impressive part about was Mythix is doing is that they are doing this against multiple playoff-caliber teams; as they were able to sweep both EXEN and Tohtorit in their series' this week. They were especially impressive in the two games against EXEN, and very well could've scored even more with the number of counterattacks they had (they outscored EXEN 10-3 in the series). There's still plenty of hockey left to be played, but based on Week One, Mythix looks like a legitimate championship threat. Combine this with their recent FCL and I think you can officially say that Mythix is the hottest team in Europe right now. Time will tell if they can keep this up, but if they can, look out. Heimo Back On The Rise? Speaking of hot starts, let's talk about Heimo for a minute. The group finished the first week with only 1 loss in 6 games played while having one of the most productive offenses in the division. They've also been able to do this against a pair of playoff teams from a season ago in Last Dance and The Black Jacks, as well as a notable playoff hopeful in Polski Boys. The biggest story for this group has been the offensive boost that their new acquisitions have provided. Last season, Heimo had the second-lowest goal total in the division, scoring just 56 goals and averaging 2 GF/GP. That is only three goals more than the lowest-placed team, which was Renascor. So far this season, the script has completely filled, as Heimo now has the second-most goals scored at 24 and are averaging 4 GF/GP, doubling their number from the Winter. KingOfApes' return to the Elite division has started off with quite a bang, as he's managed to put up an unheard of amount points for a defenceman to begin the season. Through six games, KingOfApes has tallied 18 points, which ranks second in the division. Just to give you an idea of how insane that is, he is currently on pace to finish the season with 90 POINTS. AS A DEFENSEMAN. Is that not unreal??? The most notable series was against Last Dance, who currently sit at the top of the Elite standings. This series saw a totally opposite pair of games, as Heimo managed to earn a 7-1 win followed by a 5-1 loss. They also saw a pair of dramatic games against Polski Boys; losing a lead with just four seconds left on the clock in Game 1, and tying the game with only two seconds left in Game 2. Both games resulted in overtime wins. Can they continue this form? That'll be put to the test on Monday when they play against the defending champions, Parasite. Multiple Notable Transfer Moves Krike - FA -> GOONS A long-standing piece to this GOONS has officially made his return in Krike. Though he hasn't played in any tournaments the whole year, everybody knows his ability and the impact he can bring to a team. In 130 career games as a defenseman, Krike has put up 146 points and 903 hits while being a +56 when on the ice. He'll slot in at LD in GOONS' starting lineup and will not only be someone who can make an immediate impact, but will also be able to fit in well with a group that he is familiar with, as three of his current GOONS teammates were with the team when he last played in the ECL 24 Spring season. This should make for a seamless and smooth transition for all involved. JM98 - Polski Boys -> Vapor Replacing Jemmmuu and taking the LW spot with Nieppii switching wings, JM is a veteran, goal-producing winger who will make an impact on Vapor's forward core. His Elite division resume goes back to as early as ECL 6 with Unlucky Boys, and he's scored as many as 32 goals at this level, doing so with YMCA Esports in ECL 12. In its two games this week against Last Dance, Vapor were held to a pair of one-goal losses and mustered just three goals in the series, averaging 11 shots per game. Though his goal-scoring numbers have gone down in each of the last three seasons, he also found himself on the division's lowest-scoring teams in each of those three seasons with Polski Boys and Renascor. A change of scenery paired with two other proven forwards in Dzouvi and Nieppi should make for a respectable forward trio. Jemmmuu - Vapor -> Polski Boys It's funny how things work out. JM goes to Vapor taking Jemmu's spot, and Jemmu winds up going to Polski Boys, JM's former team. Jemmu played in two games with Vapor this season, registering one point in a pair of one-goal losses to Last Dance. Jemmu has played in one ECL season prior to this season, as he put up 44 points and 36 assists in 30 games with Gotham Knights in the Pro Division last season. He also tallied 59 points in 16 FCL games with TIKI TALK, which ranked second on the team was was 30 more points than the next closest player on the team. With Polski Boys having already played eight games prior to the move and struggling for goals (they averaged just 1.75 goals for per game), it'll be interesting to see if Jemmu can earn his place in the starting lineup as a rookie on a team with a ton of experience and chemistry. Lakritsipiippu - ONSE Esports -> Blackbirds The departure of Blackbirds starting goalie Jeerik17 was followed by a slightly controversial move with ONSE Esports starting goalie Lakritsipiippu switching teams within the division midseason. The rookie goaltender has been able to prove himself by having the third-highest save percentage so far with 86% in six starts, including two with his new team on Sunday, where Blackbirds were able to split the series with the defending champs Parasite. ONSE obviously had to react quickly and were able to acquire Hulkkoo. Hulkko was ONSE's starting goalie last season in the Pro division when they were still known by their previous name Ismon Valinta. He posted a 78.9SV% in the regular season while starting all 30 games. xCurhed - Brynäs IF Esport (Pro Division) -> SSK ESPORTS SSK was able to add to its forward group with the transfer of Curhed. Curhed the season in the Pro division, scoring 25 points in 8 games for Brynäs. Last season was his second ECL season and the most action that he has seen in his ECL career, as he played 28 games with Devilz in the Pro Division, notching 51 points, 23 goals, and 28 assists. Prior to that, he played eight games with Section A12 in the Lite Division in the ECL '24: Spring season, but the team DNF's the remainder of the season. He made his Elite debut on Sunday against GOONS, putting up 3 points with a goal and two assists. The 19-year-old Swedish rookie started at LW in both games. Adaaaam_2 - Brynäs IF Esport (Pro Division) -> SSK ESPORTS Another transfer to SSK ESPORTS from Brynäs IF Esport, Adaaaam will add another defenseman to an already plentiful SSK roster. Adaaaam managed to notch 8 points in his eight starts with Brynäs IF this season, and managed to earn himself 27 points in 28 games with AFTERLIFE in the Pro Division last season. The rookie defenseman played in SSK’s season-opening series against GOONS on Sunday and managed to contribute two assists and 7 takeaways. The two teams split the series with a win-a-piece. Adaaaam started at LD in both contests. Want to keep up with everything happening ECL in the this season? Make sure to follow/subscribe to SportsGamerGG on Twitch, YouTube, and X.

The ECL '25 Winter season concluded at the LAN Finals at Assembly where Parasite were crowned the ECL Elite Champions. They claimed the title as the best team in Europe after winning the finals series 4-2 over Mustaa Kultaa. Parasite went into the season as the clear frontrunner for the title and they did not disappoint. Breaking multiple records, both team and individual, this performance will be remembered as one of the most dominating we have witnessed in recent years. NikkeDangles was crowned as the playoffs MVP and for the team Captain Beniittto this now marks the eighth ECL title, continuing to cement their legacy in the ECL history. For Mustaa Kultaa it was a great performance in the Finals and they should be nothing but proud of themselves. They were able to take two games against this all-star lineup, something which many did not expect, and had their chances in all of the games besides the series-deciding game 6. They can now use the experience of the LAN Finals and have all the keys in their hands to have a bright future ahead. The Assembly Winter 2025 stage was a beauty! | Photo Credit: Feng Deng / SportsGamer.gg Finals overview Game 1: Parasite 2-1 OT Mustaa Kultaa came out of the gates hot and put Parasite under a lot of pressure. They were able to find lots of shooting opportunities and @Launonexx found the first goal at the halfway of the first period. Parasite struggled a lot to find their game but the score stayed the same through the first two periods. We saw some big saves from both goalies and especially @LatveX was standing on his head at moments. At the start of the third period, Parasite were finally able to find their first goal of the series from Beniittto which saw the game heading into overtime. The OT was a cautious battle but eventually, Vattuyy found the game-winner halfway through the first overtime. Valtteri "Vattuyy" Virtanen celebrates with his teammates | Photo Credit: Feng Deng / SportsGamer.gg Game 2: Mustaa Kultaa 3-2 The second game started off with some penalty trouble to Mustaa Kultaa and on their second powerplay chance Parasite found the first goal from the defender of the year in Teemuyy. Despite dominating the time on attack Parasite were not able to put many shots at the Mustaa Kultaa net, but with the 2-0 goal at the start of the third from NikkeDangles the game, and possibly the series, looked to be close to over. A few minutes after @Allupekkaz did manage to bring some life to the team with a goal eleven minutes before the end. It took all the way to the last minute for @xAaro89x to find his first goal of the series tying up the game and not long after, only five seconds before the end, he found the game-winning one-timer. Did we mention the venue was amazing!? | Photo Credit: Feng Deng / SportsGamer.gg Game 3: Parasite 5-2 After the comeback victory, Mustaa Kultaa stayed on the gas and took a 2-0 lead with two quick goals from xAaro89x and @NuariJamal. The party was short-lived though as Parasite had tied up the game by the halfway of the second period. Mustaa Kultaa found themselves again in some penalty trouble against the best powerplay team in the league and they paid the full price in the third period. Beniittto found the game-winner in the powerplay and Vattuyy scored two more goals to cap off the victory. A sneak peek behind the Mustaa Kultaa point of view | Photo Credit: Feng Deng / SportsGamer.gg Game 4: Parasite 4-1 This time it was Parasites' turn to get off to a flying start with two quick goals in the first period. @Miseee96 was able to bring the game within one with his first and only goal of the playoffs, but that was all they got. Parasite seemed to have found their game and after the 3-1 goal from Vattuyy they did not really give a chance for Mustaa Kultaa to get back into this game. Beniittto capped off the game in the dying seconds and Parasite were one game away from the Championship. Parasite celebrating a goal | Photo Credit: Feng Deng / SportsGamer.gg Game 5: Mustaa Kultaa 4-3 OT The fifth game got off to a fast start with two goals from both teams in the first period. In the second Vattuyy found the back of the net with a one-timer and heading into the third period it was all or nothing for Mustaa Kultaa. They managed to create some chances, but eventually, it was a breakaway goal from Allupekkaz that tied the game and we were in for another overtime. It went on for three minutes before xAaro89x capped off his hat trick with a beautiful spin-o-rama snipe to the glove side. xAaro89x (right) scores and Launonexx (center) and Allupekkaz (left) go wild! | Photo Credit: Feng Deng / SportsGamer.gg Game 6: Parasite 8-0 Game six was just all Parasite. They took a quick 2-0 lead in the first period and added another one to start the second. There was still some hope left for Mustaa Kultaa but all that was shattered when NikkeDangles found his second of the game at the end of the period. In the third period, Parasite was just playing the time and after some late-minute goals and a fight to cap off the series, it was a rough 8-0 score that ended this season. Parasite celebrates their victory, lead by captain Perttu "Beniittto" Kemppainen | Photo Credit: Feng Deng / SportsGamer.gg Road to the Championship Regular Season: 24-3-0-1, 78 pts, 1st overall Quarterfinals 4-0 vs GOONS Semifinals 4-1 vs Voittamaton Finals 4-2 vs Mustaa Kultaa The ECL '25: Winter - Elite Champions: Parasite | Photo Credit: Feng Deng / SportsGamer.gg (1) Parasite Championship Lineup Perttu @Beniittto Kemppainen Valtteri @Vattuyy Virtanen Niklas @NikkeDangles Tukiainen Teemu @Teemuyy Polttila Tomi @txmbo999 Laitinen Niklas @uhNikke Nieminen Sebastian @FINSeRe Remes Thank you to everyone who came out to support the finals event at Assembly Winter and Congratulations to Parasite on a well-deserved Championship - see you all in the Spring Season!

This article is written based on the status before the games marked November 28th, 00:00 EET As we wrap up weeks 1 and 2 of the ECL Pro division, we still have 3 weeks left of the regular season, and oh boy has it been a rollercoaster so far. In this article, we will only highlight a few teams and players who have either overperformed their expectations or underperformed. More to come in the mid-season report. Both groups seem to have been off to a quick start, with many teams already playing 10+ games, now comes the important stretch of games where teams start to drift into playoff positions. Group 1 Even after being highlighted as one of the best teams in Group 1 this season, Zenegeim has outperformed that prediction. They have shown that only a few teams can match their pace this season, and with an average of 2.7 points-per-game, they are a lock to be Group 1 winners at the end of the regular season. With an impressive 18 points @Juhaniz- is tied for the lead in points with @Azzez_88 for defensemen this season. Creeping up on them is former Elite division standout and veteran @KingOfApes_ with 17 points. Another positive standout to start the season has to be Blackbirds. After a few seasons in Lite and a few acquisitions later, they now rank second in points-per-game and have the leading goalscorer in the entire division @aomyo6195, who is tied at 20 goals, although @AdriF_23 has one more game played at the time of writing. All is well when speaking of top performers, however, this wouldn’t be a good article if we didn’t mention some underperformers, and the clear one is Deadly Phantoms; with 9 points in 10 games the German side hasn’t shown their experience yet, as the younger and hungrier teams have surprised them. Team to watch for the rest of the season: Owned Hexa With a deadly duo of @AdriF_23 & @Winci putting up points this season, this team might just see themself in the top 3 at the end of the regular season. Now comes the hard part: staying consistent. Player to watch for the rest of the season: @Roisto999 With a long history in the ECL, he once again has put up impressive numbers (85,03 SV% & 1,83 GAA). These aren’t easy numbers to produce behind a team that has the majority of possession in most games and doesn't face a ton of shots. Group 2 An equally impressive start must be mentioned regarding Nostreetsports. With 2.7 points-per-game, they sit at the top of group 2, an impressive start to the season for a team that wasn’t that high on the totem pole in the preview - happy to be proven wrong. With the best offense at the moment in the entire division at 4.7 goals for per game, Nostreetsports are looking to add to their impressive start. On offense, @Toivone_ is leading the way and he sits alone at the top of the Pro division with 38 points (18+20). Another impressive team to start the season has to be Aspyre, captain @Pekedipeks has really oiled up the machine to get the gears rolling, with their offense going on strong (2.83 GF), their defense now needs to be better to keep their playoff hopes in sight. One of the most disappointing teams in the entire division this season is RYHTIC, a lackluster start to the season puts them on the wrong side of the playoff line when it comes to point-per-game. In the same boat as them are the Finnish Roosters, with an equally bad start to the season. Team to watch for the rest of the season: HC Lugano eSports A team that still has many games to go, this will be a good watch. HC Lugano eSports plays exciting hockey and can make the playoffs with some surprise teams underestimating them. Player to watch rest of the season: @Limbe65 While his team (RYHTIC) is underperforming, their bright spot Limbe is still shining with 17 goals this year, and this is only the top of the iceberg for the talented winger. Watch him crack 50 goals this season.

Meet the ECL '25: Spring Cover Gamer: Lauri "sopulii_" Enström The ECL '25: Spring season is here, and leading the way as the Cover Gamer is none other than Lauri @sopulii_ Enström of Blackbirds. A Pro division champion, competitive floorball player, content creator, and a driving force behind Blackbirds' esports project, Enström embodies what it means to be an ECL athlete both on and off the ice. We caught up with him to talk about his journey, his team's rise through the divisions, the connection between virtual hockey and floorball, and what it means to represent Blackbirds on two fronts.   List of previous ECL cover gamers: ECL 8: Erik @Eki Tammenpää  🇫🇮  ECL 9: Hannes @Hansulinho Kettunen  🇫🇮  ECL 10: Casper @ICappeI Lundgren 🇸🇪  ECL 11: Tuukka @FlyerKungen Kuha  🇫🇮  ECL 12: Niklas @NikkeDangles Tukiainen  🇫🇮  ECL '22: Winter: Johan @Lehmannens Lehmann  🇸🇪 & Hampus @l-Furyan-l Duvefelt 🇸🇪 ECL '23: Spring: Niklas @uhNikke Nieminen 🇫🇮 ECL '23: Winter: Erik @Eki Tammenpää 🇫🇮 ECL '23: Spring: Tomi @tomboo- Laitinen 🇫🇮 ECL ‘24: Winter: Adam @dzouvi Menšík 🇨🇿 ECL ‘24: Spring: Perttu @Beniittto Kemppainen 🇫🇮   Interview with Lauri "sopulii_" Enström Congrats on becoming the ECL '25: Spring Cover Gamer! What does this recognition mean to you personally and as part of the Blackbirds organization? Thank you, being named cover gamer is of course a great honour considering the cover gamers in the past. It is very cool to be able to represent the league as a team that was just promoted to Elite for this season. The journey we've had with this team has been unbelievable and finally, after so many seasons in lower divisions, we have our chance to give it all we have at the highest level.   Your journey in the ECL has been steadily rising season by season—how did it all start for you, and what motivated you to keep pushing to this level? I personally started in ECL 11 during NHL 21, but the story of the modern-day Blackbirds really began in the ECL'23 Winter season with xBots. Finally, we were able to build a team around the Xbox community since this was the time cross-play was added to the game. We were also the first and only Xbox team to compete that season, and we managed to push into the Lite division in the qualifiers. Our group has always been pretty close, so I think over the years that has been our strength - being able to really stick together as a group even through the tough times.   Blackbirds had a dominant Winter season and capped it off with the Pro title. What do you think made the difference this time compared to earlier seasons? This is a pretty simple one to answer - we played much more together than any previous season. And we played with this exact roster a lot. Most seasons during our club's existence have seen sometimes even up to 10+ players playing throughout the season. But this past season it was really the first time we were able to play a stable season without a huge amount of roster variance between games. The current roster was mainly 1v1 oriented players in the past meaning the motivation to play a lot of 6s wasn't really there.   You’ve been part of the team’s core through multiple seasons and changes. How has the chemistry evolved, and how important is that off-the-ice connection to your success? I think the off-the-ice chemistry is a huge strength of ours - and has always been. The core of our team has been friends ever since around 2020, so the club was created much after we knew each other. What separates the current lineup from the ones in the past is probably the way we're all more or less on the same page about how we want to play and what our expectations/goals are. It's a young team but I think the past 2 seasons have given us so much growth as a team - both on the ice and off it.   Are there any teams or players in Elite you’re especially looking forward to matching up against? The floorball derby - Blackbirds vs Heimo. Both teams are representatives of Finnish floorball clubs (Blackbirds, Kerava & Westend Indians). Funny enough we have a player playing for Heimo in real life, so this is a matchup I'm looking forward to. SportsGamer was even kind enough to schedule this matchup as a broadcast game.   You’re not just a top-tier NHL player—you also compete in floorball at a high level. How do the two sports complement each other for you, if at all? I've said this for years and I still believe it's true - the virtual hockey gameplay resembles floorball much more than real hockey. So I really think they do complement each other in a lot of ways. The principles of the games are very similar - a good play in one is very likely a good play in the other. The gameplay allows for much more control than real-life hockey does, meaning it's possible to make for example passing plays the same way it can be done on the field in floorball.   What does it mean to represent Blackbirds in both physical and digital arenas? That’s a pretty unique position to be in. Haha, yeah. I've represented Blackbirds in real life for almost 10 years now and it is always a cool feeling to step on the field or virtual ice at "Kurkela Garden". Tune in to the Season Opening Broadcast Tonight! Stay tuned as Lauri and Blackbirds take on their biggest challenge yet in the Elite division. Watch them live this season on twitch.tv/SportsGamerGG and twitch.tv/BlackbirdsUnited follow their journey across both the esports and floorball arenas. Both Blackbirds and ONSE Esports kick off their maiden ECL Elite broadcast matchup together, starting tonight at 19:45 CEST, followed by NOVA taking on Polski Boys - be sure to tune in!  

As most of the divisions have officially reached the half way point of the season, the Elite Division table is beginning to take shape and the playoff picture is becoming clearer. With most of the league having played over 15 games, let's take a quick look at each team and how they've done during the first half of the season. We'll be going in order of the standings as of Monday, April 28th. At the end, I'll then rank these teams into different tiers to evaluate where they stand after the first half of the season. Mythix (46pts) - 1st in standings - 10 games remaining Though I wouldn't say that this team is the biggest surprise of the season, I will say that Mythix have definitely surpassed expectations three weeks into the season. Sitting in first place and sporting the division's second-highest scoring offense at 3.6 goals per game, Mythix have made a statement and have introduced themselves into the tier of championship contenders. Three of their skaters currently take up the Top 5 spots in points. @Sokkelo__ is leading the division in points (48) and goals (28), @temppanen is third in the division with 45 points, and @WeDuX_ is leading the division in assists (39) and has 11 more points than any other defenseman with 43. This team has taken a sizable step forward this season and should undoubtedly be commended for that. They've lost just 4 games all season and 3 of those have come against Last Dance (swept in the series with two regulation losses) and Mustaa Kultaa. Two of those losses were also by just one goal. I do think that they still have to prove that they can beat the expected championship contenders, but they have dominated many of the teams in the middle and bottom of the standings. Their biggest remaining series will be against Parasite, so they'll have their chance to prove that they can do so over the next two weeks. Considering that the highest team that they play in the standings outside of that is SSK ESPORTS in 7th, things line up favorable for Mythix to secure their best regular season finish in club history. Mustaa Kultaa (45pts) - 2nd in standings - 8 games remaining The biggest question for Mustaa Kultaa coming into this season was whether or not they'd be able to replicate to magical Winter campaign and so far, they look on pace to do so. Though they have cooled off a tad over the past two series, they find themselves squarely in the Top 4 for a second straight season and seem on pace to likely stay there. The group has gotten solid production from their usual core, with @Allupekkaz leading the way in points (37) and goals (22). Their defensive pairing of @NuariJamal and @Miseee96 have also been amongst the division's most productive, as Mustaa Kultaa have allowed a division-low 1.86 goals per game. Their steady goaltending duo of @LatveX and @karlssonadam_ also deserve a ton of credit for this, as both currently rank Top 10 in save percentage. The sudden and surprising transfer of @x-_-BoBi-_-x has also proven to be a fruitful addition for last season's Finalists. The Finnish LW has put up 22 points and 19 goals in his 10 games with Mustaa Kultaa since transferring from EXEN on April 22nd. This is a stark contrast in production from his time with EXEN, where he had just 8 points in 8 games played. Though every team in the division other than GOONS have games in hand over Mustaa Kultaa, they look well positioned to earn another high seed in the standings. A strong finish to their schedule will be key, as they'll face multiple teams who are in the thick of the playoff hunt and just outside of the Top 8. They will also have a critical series against Parasite, which could very well help determine the Top 4 seeds. Parasite (39pts) - 3rd in standings - 12 games remaining The defending champions have been as efficient as ever, losing just three games through their first 18 and only losing one game by more than a goal. Though they haven't replicated their ridiculous scoring numbers from a season ago, Parasite still find themselves with the third-best GF/GP at 3.33, pairing it with the second-best GA/GP at 1.89. The usual names for this team have stepped up with balanced efforts, though surprisingly, not a single Parasite skater ranks in the Top 15 in points, as @Beniittto leads the team with 35 points, which ranks tied for 18th. @Vattuyy however has emerged as one of the division's top goal scorers again however. His 23 goals ties for third-most in the division and leads a Parasite team that is loaded with talented scorers. They also lead the league in shots per game at 19.8. @uhNikke and @FINSeRe have once again been stellar sharing the goaltending duties for this team, with both being above an 80sv% and helping to backstop one of the best defensive teams in the division. Though they might not be winning in as flashy of fashion as they did a season ago, none of that really matters in the grand scheme of things. This team wins and they win a lot. They'll likely continue to do so in the home stretch of the season. They have three critical series coming up with 3 of the Top 5 teams in the division, as they still have to face off with Mustaa Kultaa, Mythic and Tohtorit over the next two weeks. After splitting their series with Last Dance this past week, Parasite have put themselves in a great position to secure a Top 2 seed. Last Dance (39pts) - 4th in standings - 14 games remaining Possibly the most impressive team of the bunch this season, Last Dance are currently on pace to finish 2nd in the Elite standings based on points per game, and have more games in hand than any of the current playoff teams. The big story for this group coming into the season was the significant changes that it made to its lineup, as they added @NikkeDangles and @Puantso to join @Eki in its forward group. Those three have been as great as advertised, averaging 3.63 goals per game, which ranks best in the division. The most compelling part about this team is that they do this without shooting the puck that often, as they average just 13.8 shots on net per game; showing that though they don't create a high volume of chances, the ones that they do create are high quality. As the old saying goes, quality over quantity. Outside of a 7-1 loss to Heimo in its second game of the season, Last Dance have yet to really see a bad result They swept their series' against Mythix and Mustaa Kultaa, split its series with Parasite and have lost just three total games this season, with one of those being an overtime loss. This team has everything that you want in a top-tier Elite division team. Skill, experience, good offense, stout defense, and the proven ability of being able to beat their fellow top teams. Tohtorit (36pts) - 5th in standings - 8 games remaining Even though Tohtorit currently sit 5th in the standings and look on track to make the playoffs, I can't help but feel like the first half of their season has been a little disappointing. This team brought back its entire starting lineup for a third straight season and were coming off of a Winter campaign where they finished 2nd in the regular season and made it to the Semifinals run before falling to Mustaa Kultaa. Unfortunately, a slow start to the season really plagued this group early, as they had lost 7 of their first 10 games to begin the season. In Tohtorit's defense, six of those losses were by just one goal, and five of them were in overtime. Since then, they've been able to steady the ship, going 5-4-1 in their last 10 games as of Monday. Still, though, this group has undeniably taken a step back from a season ago. Their GF/GP has gone from 2.79 in the Winter, to 2.50 in the Spring, which ranks just 10th in the Division Last season, they were ranked 6th. Their GA/GP has also jumped from 2.04 to 2.41, though to their credit, this still ranks Top 5 in the division, so it's not as if they have been bad defensively by any means. In terms of the positives, their captain @Ojala16 has put together another fine season at the LW spot, as he ranks second in Elite in both points (41) and goals (24). @Ricco (KDoneof1) has also recently stepped up in between the pipes. He's played in each of Tohtorit's last six games and has posted a 5-1-0 record with an 85.2% save percentage and a 1.33 GAA. He has also recorded two shutouts. I'm not ready to count this team out yet, but I can't say that I feel nearly as confident about their status as a championship contender as I did when the season began. Just 3 of their 11 total wins are against current playoff teams, which isn't particularly inspiring for a team of Tohtorit's caliber. Their last four series are against Last Dance, Parasite, EXEN, and Heimo. All of these teams could very well be in the playoffs in two weeks time and two of them are ranked in the Top 4 currently. These will be critical points that Tohtorit cannot afford to drop, so if they can find a way to secure at least 15 points out of that series (24 points are the maximum possible), then I'll feel a little better about where this team is heading into the playoffs. For now, I'm going to feel more reserved about how far this team can go. GOONS (33pts) - 6th in standings - 6 games remaining With the least amount of games remaining of any team in the division, GOONS find themselves in a rather similar spot as they did this time last season. In the playoff hunt, and holding onto a playoff spot for dear life. This team has been plagued by inconsistencies this year; going on runs of losing followed by runs of winning. Their longest winning streak this season is three, while their current four-game losing streak is their longest drought of the season. It's just difficult to earn points when you can't gain a consistent run of winning form. GOONS are playing their typical unique style of hockey. They constantly rip shots on net, they fly up and down the ice, and they lay down punishing hits that are a burden for opponents to handle. They lead the league in hits with 881, which is more than double the amount of any other team in the division. They also average 15.8 shots per game, which ranks second only behind Parasite, and they are the fifth-highest scoring team in Elite at 2.88 GF/GP. @tkantola has put together another solid season with 47 points in 24 games, which leads the team and currently ranks second in the entire division. Along with Kantola, each of their three forwards have scored 20+ goals this season, as he, @Xkeineri and @Lekxsa_70 each rank Top 10 in the division as of now. They did see a significant player transfer out in @kriketski17, who moved over to EXEN on April 20th. Kirk was one of GOONS' most productive players during his 12 games with the club, compiling 17 points, 137, and a +6 plus/minus. Their last three series are against Last Dance, Parasite, and The Black Jacks. Considering this, their limited games remaining and just an eight-point gap over 9th place, their playoff hopes feel up in the air as of now. They also look like a team that is trending in the wrong direction, as GOONS are just 3-5-2 in their last 10 games. Regardless of how they finish, they should more than likely avoid having to play in a relegation series, barring a major run from one of the teams that are currently in the bottom four. SSK ESPORTS (27pts) - 7th in standings - 12 games remaining I want to start out by apologizing to SSK ESPORTS. If you go back to the ECL Season Preview, I picked this team to finish last in the standings and said that the goal for this group would simply be growing and improving at the Elite level. Fast forward to Week Four, and SSK ESPORTS are firmly in the playoff hunt. A part of media is being honest, which sometimes means admitting when a peer or team proves you wrong. This team has done exactly that, so I want to make sure to give them their flowers this time around. It's certainly well-deserved. SSK ESPORTS have been one of the best offensive teams in the division during the first half of the season, averaging 2.94 goals for per game, which ranks fourth-best in Elite. They also sport the league third-strongest power play at 38.1%. This group also has a balance offensive attack and can produce all over the ice, as four of their five skaters have already reached the 30-point mark this season. One of the biggest keys to this teams success has been the production that they have seen from their transfers, specifically their midseason moves. @bystrom___ has proven to be a key addition for this team, as his 30 points ranks third in the division for defensemen. He came over from Unwanted in the offseason and has fit in seamlessly with some familiar faces. Their two midseason additions of @xcurhed and @Adam2 have proven to be especially fruitful. These two started the season with Brynäs IF Esport in the Pro Division and came into this season without a single game of Elite division experience. Fast forward to today, and Curhed currently leads this team in points (38) and goals (20), while Adam has been an efficient, two-way defenseman who has gelled seamlessly with Bystrom and has been a key piece to their defensive structure. Additionally, SSK have also shown that they can compete with other playoff-caliber teams, as they split their series with Tohtorit, GOONS, EXEN, and Polski Boys. Their most impressive feat this season came on Sunday, as they were able to sweep their series with Mustaa Kultaa and collected 5 out of 6 points. SSK still has some tough series to play against Last Dance and Mythix and two critical series against vNexs and Heimo, but they've positioned themselves well to secure a Top 8 spot and still have a series against two of the division's bottom three teams in Vapor and The Black Jacks. They are 6-3-1 in their last 10 game,s and if they can continue their current form, I don't see any reason why they can't end up with a respectable playoff seeding. vNexs (27pts) - 8th in standings - 12 games remaining Currently holding onto the eighth and final playoff spot as of this writing, vNexs have had a season mixed with ups and downs. The team have only gotten one series sweep, which was their two wins over Vapor, but they have managed to find their way to points in most of their series; as they've been able to earn at least one standings point in all of their series so far. They may not be a team that blows you away with blowout wins and lengthy winning streaks, but they consistently find their way to 1-4 points in every series they play in, and that adds up late in the season. In terms of individual performers, their forward trio of @AntonLxnd, @pappeen- and @antoniomannen004 have been the team's primary point producers this season, with each of them eclipsing 30+ points and no other skater on their team having more than 12. AntonLxnd leads the way for this team in both points (40) and assists (24), which each rank Top 10 in the division. @Skumboo has also been one of the division's most impressive goalies thus far, as his 84.56% save percentage ranks Top 5 in the league and second amongst goalies with at least 10 games played, trailing only karlssonadam from Mustaa Kultaa. He should be a candidate and a frontrunner for Goaltender of the Season if he is able to keep up his production. They've hit a bit of a slide in their last 10 games, posting a record of 4-2-4 during that time, but they're still accruing points, which is the important thing. With where they are with just a couple of weeks to go in the season, those points may be the difference between a playoff spot and no-man's land for a vNexs team that are looking to make it back into the Top 8 for the first time since ECL 24 Winter. EXEN (25pts) - 9th in standings - 14 games remaining After a scarily slow start to the season that saw this team ranked last in the standings for a breath period of time, EXEN have turned things around since Week One and find themselves in great form and arguably as one of the hottest teams in the division as of now. For context, this team lost six of their first eight games of the season, with all of those being regulation losses. They only earned 4 points out of a possible 24 points during that stretch. That is a run that's bad enough to seriously damage a team's season, but EXEN have completely flipped the script since and have gotten themselves in the thick of the playoff race halfway through the season. For lack of a better term, this team is weird on statically. They're 11th in the division in GF/GP, but 6th in GA/GP. Their 39.13% power play is second-best in Elite, but their 51.61% penalty kill is the worst in Elite by over 16%. They've also taken the fourth most PIMS in the division at 57. This group are really hard to figure out, and it's tough to tell whether or not they're a team that is just good enough to make the playoffs, a good enough to make a run, or if they're even a playoff team at all. Outside of their recent addition of @kriketski17, @Pikkarii has been far and away EXEN's most productive and consistent player. The center and former Elite division champion leads EXEN with 29 points and 20 assists this season. Behind him, the previously mentioned Krike, who joined EXEN a week ago and is already tied for the team lead in goals with 12 and tied for second in points with 19. @Kaz_zu has also quietly had another really impressive season, posting an 83.13% save percentage while starting all 16 games for EXEN. He should be an early candidate for goaltender of the season as things stand. If I'm being honest, I really don't know what exactly to think of this team. Only three of their nine total wins have come against teams currently in the playoffs, and they have a tough schedule remaining despite so many games in hand. Their series against the likes of vNexs, Polski Boys, and Heimo will be battles between bubble teams, while they will likely hope to steal points against a pair of current playoff teams in Mustaa Kultaa and Tohtorit. This group is really hard to figure out, and it's tough to tell whether or not they're a team that is just good enough to make the playoffs, a team that is good enough to make a run, or if they're even a playoff team at all. I guess time will tell! Blackbirds (25pts) - 10th in standings - 8 games remaining Though Blackbirds were viewed as a potential playoff sleeper heading into the season, the team has run into some of the expected growing pains that you see as a team that had zero games of Elite division experience in its lineup coming into the season. Having gotten to call this team's games multiple times on broadcast this season, I think that they've proven that they belong in the division. They're often competitive and keep games close, but seem to lack the consistent play to truly maximize their potential right now. They currently rank in the middle-to-lower end of the league in just about every single statistic and they haven't really created any significant strengths in those areas to help set them apart from other teams in the division. This ultimately hurts them in close games, and though they do keep many of their games close, they seem to be missing that one key element or play to turn those games into wins consistently. In fact, 5 of their 12 regulation losses so far are by one goal, and they've only taken one overtime loss this season while winning three overtime games. Those are critical points lost, and with where they currently stand in the table, it could likely be what hurts their playoff chances at the end of the season. This is the difference between them and teams such as vNexs or Tohtorit, who, despite not having the most wins, have placed themselves in a playoff position due to their ability to accumulate points in each series, even if it's only just two or three. @aomyo6195 and @sopulii_ have both been standouts at forward for this team this season. Aomyo has led the way with 41 points and 20 assists, while Sopuli is right behind him with 38 points and has scored a team-high 22 goals. Aomyo is currently Top 10 in the division in points and both of them currently rank Top 10 in goals. Both of them will likely be in the Rookie of the Season race at this current pace. @Lakritsipiippu has also been stellar for this team in goal. Since transferring from ONSE Esports after Week One, Lakritsipiippu has put up an 82.76% save percentage and a 2.78 GAA in 18 starts with the team. His total save percentage this season of 83.33% in 22 starts ranks him Top 5 in the division and third amongst goalies with at least ten games played. He could very well be a Goaltender of the Season and Rookie of the Season candidate in June. They ended a seven-game losing streak recently and have responded by winning four of their last six games, with three of those wins being against current playoff teams GOONS and Tohtorit, so they are showing improvement and are trending in the right direction at the right time. They have a difficult series on the horizon against Last Dance, but the remainder of their series are against teams on the playoff bubble or outside of it, as they'll play against vNexs, Polski Boys and Vapor. They will likely need to win at least six of these games to feel good about their playoff chances, as most of the teams around them have games in hand. But if they can at least avoid a relegation series, that will be a respectable result for an inexperienced team in their first Elite season. Polski Boys (24pts) - 11th in standings - 12 games remaining Another season, another tight playoff hunt for Polski Boys. It feels like this group consistently finds themselves in this position, whether that's for better of for worse. You can't help but respect it, this team consistently is in the thick of the race in Europe's toughest 6v6 competition, but at the same time, this is their fourth season in Elite, and they've yet to make a playoff appearance in their time here. Sooner than later, you'd hope to see them elevate and take that next step. They're still in the position to do so, but they certainly haven't made their job easy. Losing 5 of their first 6 games to start the season hampered this team early, but they've found their stride since and have earned series sweeps against current playoff teams Tohtorit, vNexs, and GOONS. They also managed to split their series with another playoff team in SSK ESPORTS. This sets Polski Boys up well in what is a tightly contested race, and could be a key factor for them at the end of the season. Though Polski Boys have struggled a bit on their own end, allowing 2.78 GA/GP and being 70% on the PK, their offensive game has been able to make up for it and ranks amongst some of the division's top teams, as they are tied for 6th with 2.83 GF/GP. Speaking of offense, Polski Boys are arguably one of the most balanced offensive teams in the division, as each of their five skaters have tallied 20+ points this season. @cTunkeilija leads this team in points (35) and assists (21), while the long-time captain @Brockela22 is the team's leading goal scorer at 16. Polski Boys have some tough series coming up, as they'll have to go up against two of the division's best teams in Last Dance and Mustaa Kultaa before the season ends, however, they will have some opportunities for points against fellow bubble teams such as EXEN, Blackbirds and ONSE Esports. Though they have a few teams that they'll need to pass, their remaining schedule is reasonable and they only sit 3 points outside of the final playoff spot as things stand. This team missed the postseason by just a single point a season ago and were bounced from the last available playoff spot on the final day of the regular season. They'll have the chance to rectify that heartbreak over the next two weeks. Heimo (23pts) - 12th in standings - 12 games remaining After a hot start to the regular season that saw them average 4 goals for per game during their first six games, Heimo have hit a rough patch and find themselves at a familiar crossroads, looking up at multiple teams in the playoff chase and posting a record of 2-7-1 in their last 10 games. It's disappointing to see how drastically their form has dipped after such a promising start to the season, as they've gone from one of the division's hottest teams, to arguably its coldest at the most important time of the season. Since that six-game start to the season, Heimo have earned just 10 points in their 12 games since. That's 10 points out of a possible 36 that they could've earned. As mentioned earlier with EXEN, stretches like this can doom a team's playoff aspirations, and Heimo are now in a situation where not only are they in the thick of a tight playoff hunt, but they are also looking for answers on how to recapture their early-season form. Similarly to Polski Boys, this team is a balanced offensive team, with each of their five skaters having 20+ points so far this season. The right side of the ice has been where their best point production has come, however, as their starting RW @Eeemill_ and RD @KingOfApes_ are tied for the team lead in points with 28, with Eeemil leading the team with 16 goals and KingOfApes leading the way in assists with 21. Where they have really struggled, however, is defensively, as their 3.44 GA/GP is the second-highest in the league, only ranking better than GOONS who average 3.5. Though I believe that this team has the skill and experience to make a push for a playoff spot, and they aren't that far behind at just a four-point gap, their recent play doesn't inspire a whole lot of confidence in them being able to turn things around. I do believe that their schedule favors them, as the highest team in the standings that they'll face for the rest of the season is Tohtorit in 5th. Everyone else that they play is either behind them in the standings, or within four points. In other words, they still control their own destiny, and it wouldn't be wise to count them out, however, they need to find the answers to their struggles and fast. They simply can't afford to drop any more points with so many critical series coming up, especially against fellow bubble teams such as SSK ESPORTS, EXEN, and ONSE Esports. ONSE Esports (22pts) - 13th in standings - 8 games remaining This is where I feel like the playoff cutline becomes a bit muddier. Though it's not impossible for ONSE Esports to make their way into the Top 8, they will need a near flawless run to end the season, as well as for a few results to likely go their way. I know that five points isn't a large gap, but they have multiple teams ahead of them with games in hand and aren't as close to the cut line as a team like Blackbirds, who are in the same position. This team is also in the same situation as Heimo to where they are arguably one of the coldest team in the division right now, as they're also 2-7-1 in their last 10 games. Though ONSE have been good enough on their own end, lack of offensive production has severely plagued the team so far this season.They average a league-worst 1.54 goals for per game, average just 10.9 shots per game, and have the second-worst power play in the division at 12%. They -23 goal differential also ranks last in the division currently. Though I feel like this group have shown potential at certain points of the season, these aren't the numbers of a playoff team, and it'll likely keep them out barring a significant change in form to end the season. In terms of positive things with this group, @Hulkkoo is someone that I believe deserves much more credit than he has likely received for his work this season. Hulkkoo has stepped up admirably and has arguably been ONSE's best player this season, as in 18 starts he's posted an 80.23% save percentage while playing on a team that has struggled to support him offensively. He's been a long-time staple for this team during their time in the Pro Division under the Ismon Valinta branding, so it's nice to see him proving himself in what is his first season in the Elite division. Outside of him, ONSE have just two players on its roster with 20+ points in @Puosu_ and @Jusu121. The one thing going in this team's favor over its next eight games is that none of their opponents are currently playoff teams. Two of those teams are even behind them in the standings. Though there are no easy game in the Elite division, their remaining strength of schedule of one of the weakest in the Division in terms of record and will give them the opportunity to play teams right around their place in the standings and could help get them out of a relegation series if they can take advantage. I personally don't see this team having a true chance to make the playoffs at this point, but if they can at least are their way into "no man's land", their first season in the Elite division will be ashamed of. The Black Jacks (17pts) - 14th in standings - 14 games remaining Though it may not be too surprising to some with the significant losses to their roster, I honestly didn't expect this team to have such a steep drop-off after making the playoffs just a season ago. Typically, The Black Jacks are right in the playoff mix this time of season; instead, they seem to be fighting for their right to even stay in the Elite division altogether. Both their offensive and defensive production have completely dipped this season, with both ranking fourth-worst in the division at 2.06 GF/GP and 3.19 GA/GP. The weirdest thing about this team is that they actually have been the definition of a see-saw. TBJ have alternated sweeps in each of their last five series. Two straight wins followed by two straight losses. Like clockwork. It's just tough to really get any momentum going in the standings when you continually alternate results like this, especially when those losses are mostly in regulation. Team captain @Timasy has primarily led the way for the group, leading the team in points (24), goals (11), assists (13) and game-winning goals (3). @ProfaneKiss has also proven to be a rather solid transfer addition with 20 points of his own. I hate to talk too much about former players, especially considering the circumstances in this case, but I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the obvious difference in The Black Jacks this season in comparison to past seasons. This team undoubtedly is not the same without@Keuschemisch. He had been a catalyst for so much of its offensive production over the years and even led this team in points in each of the last four seasons. It's difficult to replace a player of his caliber, but especially one that as so important to this team's system and play style offensively. This team just hasn't seemed to find the right adjustments yet to supplement that loss, and it's turned them into a pedestrian offensive team that can only afford to allow one or two goals to win games. They have more games in hand than many of the teams ahead of them and most of them are against teams in or around the playoff bubble, so TBJ isn't dead yet, but it's going to take them finding the answers to major questions that they haven't seemed to solve yet, and they are running out time to find those answers. Vapor (16pts) - 15th in standings - 10 games remaining This is another team that I didn't expect to have such a steep fall off. Vapor, formerly TIKI TALK, found themselves just outside of the playoffs last season and didn't even have to worry about playing in a relegation series. However, a few key roster loses always left the possibility for things to change, either for the better or for the worst. Unfortunately for Vapor, the latter has come to fruition. As of now, Vapor look like they will be out of the playoff and will be fighting for a spot in "no man's land", which at this rate, also seems like it could be out of reach as they trail 12th place by seven points with just 10 games remaining. Oddly enough, this team has actually run into the opposite problem that it ran into last season. Instead of being a high-end offensive team that struggled to keep other teams from scoring on them, now they are a stout defensively team that has serious struggles when it comes to generating offense. This team only allows 2.6 goals against per game, which actually ranks them 7th in the division and is ahead of multiple current playoff teams. However, they have the second-lowest GF/GP in the division at 1.75 and only average 11.8 shots per game. This is a significant dip for a team that returns multiple pieces from a group that averaged 3.11 GF/GP and ranked 4th in Elite in that category. Similarly to The Black Jacks, the loss of the heart of their offensive structure is a key reason for why there's been such a drop off in production. The team's two top point-getters in PardyTime and TeMex both departed the team in the offseason, and with those two, also went a combined 60 goals scored between them. 69% of their goals scored as a team last season came from those two players. That is a massive thing to have overcome, and unfortunately for Vapor, it just hasn't happened thus far. @Pensasmies leads the team in points as a defenseman with 24 points through 20 games. Despite the rough season overall for the team, they should be pleased with the performance from their goaltending duo of @I-Bysse-I and @Gresu__, as both are above an 80% save percentage while each playing 10 games this season. Unfortunately, this team's playoff hopes are pretty much dashed. Though they aren't officially eliminated mathematically, it would take miraculous circumstances for this team to make the Top 8. They still have critical games on the horizon against Blackbirds, Heimo and NOVA, who each could be fighting for spots to avoid a relegation series if they aren't able to make late playoff pushes. Otherwise, Vapor will unfortunately be playing for their place in the division for next season. NOVA (6pts) - 16th in standings - 20 games remaining It's tough to really judge this team, as they've only played in 10 games and haven't played a game since April 16th. Unfortunately for this team, what we saw from them in their first few series was not necessarily impressive. NOVA went 2-7-1 during that 10-game stretch with just one of those wins being in regulation. In their defense, six of those games were against current playoff teams in Mustaa Kultaa, Tohtorit and GOONS, while the other games were against teams just outside of the playoffs, Blackbirds and Polski Boys. They've been riddled with roster changes, as their two top point producers in @Easychasniper2 and @LaxenHD have each departed to new teams over the last two weeks. This team has so many games left to play that you can't really rank them properly right now. They have a ton of series' left against teams on or around the playoff bubble, and there is a wide range of possibilities for this group as of now. The positive is that they control their own destiny and have more games in hand than any other team in the division. The negative is that they've had to make significant roster changes midseason that they didn't expect, and they really struggled to start the season. I'll be honest that their circumstances aren't favorable, but maybe the time off and some fresh ideas within their lineup will do them some good. I apologize that I don't have more to say on this team, but it's hard to give a fair assessment with how little they've played compared to the rest of the division. Midseason Power Rankings & Tiers These power rankings are merely opinions and are based on how the teams have performed up to this point, as well as the teams that they have played against during that span. This is not a playoff or final standings prediction. Please do not take it personally where I ranked your team. I did this purely for fun and to maybe generate conversation for others to give their opinions, it's nothing personal and is all in good spirit! BEST OF THE REST (CHAMPIONSHIP CONTENDERS): 1. Last Dance 2. Mythix 3. Parasite 4. Mustaa Kultaa LIKELY PLAYOFF TEAM (BUT NOT DEFINITE CHAMPIONSHIP CONTENDERS): 5. Tohtorit FRINGE PLAYOFF TEAMS (TRENDING UPWARDS): 6. SSK ESPORTS 7. EXEN FRINGE PLAYOFF TEAMS (NOT HOT OR COLD RIGHT NOW): 8. vNexs 9. Polski Boys FRINGE PLAYOFF TEAMS (BUT I HAVE CONCERNS): 10.GOONS 11. Blackbirds 12. Heimo LIKELY OUT OF THE HUNT (HOPING TO FINISH 9-12): 13. ONSE Esports 14. The Black Jacks 15. Vapor INCOMPLETE (CAN'T FAIRLY RANK AT THE MOMENT): NOVA Want to keep up with everything happening ECL in the this season? Make sure to follow/subscribe to SportsGamerGG on Twitch, YouTube and X.

Europe’s best NHL 25 teams meet on the big stage for the 6v6 European Championship Finals The ECL ’25: Winter Finals are set to take center stage at Assembly Winter 2025 in Helsinki next week! 🏆🔥 On Thursday, February 20th, Mustaa Kultaa and Parasite will battle for the championship in front of a live audience—an event you won’t want to miss! If you hold an ECL ’25: Winter Player License or an ECL ’25: Player License, you’re entitled to a free ticket for the ECL ’25 Finals day at Assembly Winter. This is your chance to experience the Finals live and connect with the community! 🎟 Claim your free ticket now: https://forms.gle/eZdDm63kdv3ksa4L9 🚨 Tickets are first-come, first-served, so act fast! Over 80 community members have already signed up, and we’re looking to bring together as many of you as possible for this unforgettable event. For more details about Assembly Winter 2025, visit https://assembly.org/en/events/winter25. We can’t wait to see you there! 🙌🎮 QUICK FACTS Date & Location 📅 Thursday, February 20th, 2025 📍 Assembly Winter 2025, Helsinki Exhibition and Convention Centre ⭐ Main Stage: 19:00 – 23:59 EET (Action starting at 18:00 CET) Watch Live on Twitch 📺 Streamed live on twitch.tv/SportsGamerGG 🎙️ Commentary in English, featuring @Tougie24 & @Eki Event Overview The ECL ’25: Winter Elite Finals brings together the top two teams from the most competitive NHL esports league in Europe. After battling through the 16-team regular season and intense best-of-seven playoffs, the finalists will face off live on stage to claim the European Championship Title.

After a tightly contested regular season that saw plenty of storylines across the table, eight teams have separated themselves from the rest of the field and have earned their right to play for an Elite division championship. In a playoff field mixed with new and old faces, just 12 wins separate them from their biggest goal for the season: being crowned champions. Let's break down each of the eight teams and all four Quarterfinals series. Also, a thank you to @Mozjayh for his contributions to this article. Playoffs schedule (BO7) Quarterfinals Monday 26.5 20:00 CEST Last Dance vs Tohtorit (G1-4) Wednesday 28.5 20:00 CEST Exen vs Mustaa Kultaa (G1-2) 21:20 CEST Mythix vs SSK Esports (G1-2) Thursday 29.5 20:00 CEST Exen vs Mustaa Kultaa (G3-4) 21:20 CEST Parasite vs Heimo (G1-2) Sunday 1.6 ⚠️19:30 CEST Parasite vs Heimo (G3-4) 20:40 CEST Mythix vs SSK (G3-4) Monday 2.6 ⚠️19:30 CEST Exen vs Mustaa Kultaa (G5-7) AFTER ABOVE SERIES Last Dance vs Tohtorit Wednesday 4.6 ⚠️19:30 CEST Parasite vs Heimo AFTER ABOVE SERIES Mythix vs SSK Semifinals Sunday 8.6 - 20:00 CET | 2vs3 & 1vs4 | Games 1-2 Monday 9.6 - 19:30 CET | 1vs4 | Games 3-7 Wednesday 11.6 - 18:30 CET | 2vs3 | Games 3-7 Finals Saturday 14.6 - TBC (1) Last Dance vs (8) Tohtorit Regular Season Series (May 4th): - Last Dance 4-2 W - Last Dance 4-1 W Last Dance Unquestionably the most consistent team in the regular season, Last Dance secured the #1 seed after a 77-point regular season that saw them win 26 games (including 24 in regulation). Despite such a dominant season, however, the storylines surrounding this team are plentiful. The obvious one is the "Last Dance" mantra. Could this potentially be the last shot at a championship for multiple players on this roster? Is retirement approaching for some of them? If so, who? Is it simply a matter of their core group each going their separate ways after ECL '25? These are all questions that we have yet to see answers to publicly, but we will more than likely find out sooner rather than later. Another story is: can some of these players finally reach the top of the ECL mountain once again? Though Last Dance has players from 13 of 19 championship teams in division history, only @NikkeDangles has lifted an Elite division trophy since ECL 12, with @Eki not winning since ECL 11 with FILADELPHIA and @Hansulinho, @Puantso and @Zande95 last winning with HAVU GAMING in ECL 10. The group boasts a lethal offense that features each of the division's top three point producers in Nikke (87pts), Eki (81pts) and Puantso (73pts). As a team, Last Dance averaged 4 goals per game in the regular season, which is tied for the third-highest in the history of the Elite division. The only two teams to score more goals in a season were Parasite last season and Linköping in ECL 10. They were also one of the better teams in their own end, allowing just 2.13 goals allowed per game, which ranked third in the division. @J-_-Jamaltheman or @Lxndstrom have been stellar in their return as a defensive pairing this season and have long-standing chemistry going back to their time with JYP Jyväskylä, as well as with Hotbox and Hokurit in the Lite and Pro division. Neither have won a title yet in their respective careers, though each have made a semifinal appearance and will be looking to add a title to their resumes. Tohtorit If you had told me in April that Tohtorit would be the 8th seed and would have to wait until the final day of the season to even know if they'd make the playoffs, I honestly wouldn't have believed you. This team was the #2 seed last season and were just three wins away from playing in the Finals. Yet here we are, and that's what makes the Elite division so unpredictable and so tough to compete in. For context, this team had a measly 5.25% chance to qualify for the playoffs on the last Monday of the regular season. However, they clutched up at the perfect time, collecting 9 out of 12 possible points in their final two series against Parasite and Heimo while Polski Boys lost each of their final three games in regulation, giving Tohtorit a three-point gap and the final available playoff spot. In terms of their production, Tohtorit took a significant step back offensively, going from 2.79 GF/GP in the Winter season, to 2.47 in the Spring season. They also saw themselves slide a bit defensively, going from allowing 2.04 goals per game to 2.47 this season. That is a bad combination with the increased parity throughout the division this season, and it'll be imperative for Tohtorit to rediscover its form from the Winter against a dominant opponent in Last Dance. @Ojala16 (52pts, 28 goals) and @profiilipakki (48pts, 29 assists) led the way for this team offensively. @Kkarkass will also be someone to look out for as usual, as he finished second in the division in time with the puck at 210:52, and will be critical to Tohtorit's ability to generate offense in this series. @Stammer70 also had a nice season with an 81.25 SV% and 2.68 GAA in 22 starts. His stats suffered a bit at the beginning of the season, but he was able to find his way after the halfway point of the season. He's the defending Goaltender of the Season for a reason, and he'll need to play like it in this series for Tohtorit to pull off an upset. Prediction: I would've assumed that this series was a semifinals matchup earlier in the season, but that's why they play the games! I like this Tohtorit team and feel like they are a much better group than what they showed in the regular season. They got hot at the right time to end the season and had the results of other teams fall their way to earn a spot in the Top 8. Momentum is real, and I think that this is one of the more dangerous #8 seeds that we have seen in a long time. Unfortunately, they are running into a juggernaut with Last Dance that are hungry to win a title, and it feels like Tohtorit are just missing a gear compared to last season. I think that Tohtorit could make things interesting due to their chemistry and recent momentum, but I'd be stunned if Last Dance allowed for their title hopes to slip in the Quarterfinals. They're just too talented and too consistent. @bMaJuH: Last Dance in 5 @Mozjayh: Last Dance in 5 (2) Mythix vs (7) SSK ESPORTS Regular Season Series (May 4th): - SSK ESPORTS 5-2 W - Mythix 4-2 W Mythix As a team that found itself in the middle of the playoff table in each of the past two seasons, Mythix earned the #2 seed and were in the Top 3 for most of the season, earning its third playoff birth in as many Elite seasons. They went from 48 points last season to 67 points in the Spring, which was the second-biggest jump of any returning team, only trailing Last Dance (Voittamaton last season). So what was the difference between this season and their prior two runs? Multiple players are having a career season, and an elite offense is being paired with equally elite defense and goaltending. Along with averaging 3.5 goals scored per game, tied for the second-highest in the division and 1.18 improvement from last season, Mythix also allowed the lowest GA/GP at 1.77, being the only team in the division that allowed less than two goals per game. This team has also been special on the man advantage, as their 51.11% power play is the highest power play percentage in Elite division history. Their transfer additions over the offseason have transformed this group. After transferring from the demoted and now-defunct Roots Gaming, @Sokkelo__ led the way for Mythix this season with 69 points and 37 goals, which both ranked amongst the Top 5 in the division. Not only was he one of the most productive players in the league this season, but this will also be his first playoff appearance in his 12 seasons in the Elite division; finally breaking the ill-fated streak that's been pinned to him over the years. Alongside him was his fellow forward @temppanen, who put up a career high 61 points, 31 goals, and 30 assists after transferring from Voittamaton. Their final addition was on the defense with @Akunkku, who leads the division in takeaways with 115 and is tied-4th in interceptions with 193. He has been a steady defense partner with @WeDuX_, who ironically is the one tied with him in interceptions. Speaking of WeDux he arguably been not only the best defenseman in the league this season, but arguably the Elite division's most improved player this season. In 30 games, WeDux tallied 58 points with 52 assists and 89 takeaways, some of the best numbers of anyone in Elite this season. His improvement this season has been drastic, as last season he had just 18 points, 15 assists, and 55 takeaways. @TeikDaun has also had a career season in net, posting an 83.49 sv% and 1.71 GAA in 30 starts. SSK ESPORTS Arguably the biggest surprise of the Elite division this season, SSK ESPORTS has continued to shock the world throughout ECL 25. Six months ago, this organization was in the Pro Division and just fighting to make the playoffs, eventually making it in by 1 point on their final game of the regular season. Three months later, they made the Pro Finals as the #16 overall seed and won a relegation playoff over Falun Coal Miners to earn their place in Elite. Now fast forward another three months, and SSK ESPORTS are now in the Elite playoffs as a #7 seed, and have shown the community that they are a legitimate, palpable threat in this division. This team has a great mix of youth and experience. Starting out with their youth, @xcurhed has had an unforgettable rookie campaign. After transferring in Week 1 from Brynäs IF Esport in the Pro Division, Curhed posted 61 points in 30 games played with SSK ESPORTS, including an Elite division rookie record 36 goals. Both his point and goal totals rank in the top 10 in the entire division. Another impressive rookie has been @Adam2, who transferred with Curhed from Brynäs IF Esport and has been impressive on defense since joining SSK. Their starting goaltender @Brokenrice2000 also put together a respectable rookie campaign, starting all 30 games while posting a 79.86 SV%. In terms of their more experienced players, @zuppe_29 was tied with Curhed for the team-lead in points with 61, while also ranking Top 10 in the division in points and assists (39). Alongside him has been the team's captain and center @Rubituss, who put up an Elite career-high 50 points, 23 goals and 27 assists. @bystrom___ was also one of the best defensemen this season statistically, putting up a 47-point campaign (8 goals and 39 assists) with 91 takeaways. The most impressive part about this team is that they have also been able to earn wins against multiple fellow playoff teams. They split their series with Last Dance, Mythix, EXEN and Tohtorit, and even managed to sweep their series vs Mustaa Kultaa. This isn't a #7 seed that simply got in by beating up on the teams at the bottom of the table. They've proven that they can compete with, and even beat some of the better teams in the league. They took the third-most shots in the division at 493, averaged over 3 goals per game which ranked Top 5 in the division, and had the division's second-best power play at 30.95%. They even tend to limit mistakes and were one of the least-penalized teams in the league; all things that will be vital for them in this series. Prediction: Call me optimistic, but I actually think that this series has the potential to be the surprise of the Quarterfinals. I'm not calling for an upset necessarily, but both of these teams have been pleasant surprises in different ways. Mythix emerging as a legitimate title threat, and SSK ESPORTS going from a team viewed as a relegation candidate to earning its place in the playoffs and being in the hunt for the entire season. These two also split the regular season series, though Mythix was dominant in the second game, doubling SSK in both shots and time on attack in a 4-2 win. This series will come down to which team will be able to carry over its strengths from the regular season. Both sides are first-rate offensively, but Mythix brings the complete package with high-level defense, goaltending, and special teams. I don't think SSK is terribly far off, but it'd be slighting Mythix to say that they aren't a cut above after what we saw from them in the regular season, plus bowing out in the Quarterfinals would be an unmitigated disappointment for them after such a dominant campaign. It's a shame that only one of these teams will be able to earn their first-ever Elite semifinals birth, but that's the nature of the playoffs, and I think that Mythix should be seen as the favorite. Don't be surprised, though, if this series goes deeper than expected. @bMaJuH: Mythix in 6 @Mozjayh: Mythix in 5 (3) Parasite vs (6) Heimo Regular Season Series (April 14th): - Parasite 9-2 W - Heimo 3-2 W Parasite With the 30-game regular season officially behind them, Parasite's championship defense now officially begins with the postseason. Though their regular season performance wasn't at the same level of dominance as what we saw a season ago, Parasite still proved to be one of the division's best teams and a clear championship favorite. Their GF/GP (3.5) and GA/GP (2.13) were both 2nd in the Division, and they managed to register 583 shots this season, more than any other team in Elite. That's an average of 19.4 shots per game. The forward duo of @Beniittto and @Vattuyy were phenomenal as usual, as each of them eclipsed the 60-point and 30-goal mark, ranking Top 10 in the division in both categories. Their new addition in @xAaro89x saw his stats take a step back from him award-winning season with Mustaa Kultaa in the Winter, but his 50 points with 24 goals and 26 assists was still a solid contribution for this group. He seemed to really find his stride down the stretch of the season however, as he was able to earn 2+ points in seven of his final 10 games of the regular season. Look out for him to emerge for this team in their playoff run. @Teemuyy and @txmbo999 again formed one of the division's best defensive pairings, as both of them had 45+ points and 80+ takeaways this season. The two also combined for 57 blocked shots. Combine all of this with the steady and reliable goalie duo of @uhNikke and @FINSeRe, and it's easy to see why this team continues to find ways to rack up wins. Speaking of their goaltending duo, it'll be interesting to see how their time is split during the playoffs. FINSeRe started in 16 games and had an 80 SV% and a 2.13 GAA while facing 170 shots. Nikke, on the other hand, played in 14 games, posting a 79.4 SV% and 2.07 GAA while facing 141 shots. The only thing that really separates the two statistically is FINSeRe's three shutouts, and both of them are proven playoff starters. Last season, it was Nikke who started 10 of the 15 playoff games, including all six Finals games. This might be a bit harsh to say, but admittedly, I don't think that this group is as dominant as they were a season ago. Now, before you get upset and dismiss that statement, I want you to know that this isn't an indictment on them as a team. As odd as it is, Parasite is sort of a victim of having a near-perfect season in the Winter. They broke multiple ECL records, lost just one game in the regular season, and made quick work of their playoff opponents until the Finals, and even that series didn't go the full seven games. Replicating what they did in the Winter would've been borderline impossible, so seeing this team take a step back was expected, and they were still one of the best teams in just about every way possible. This team is skilled, experienced, and always seems to save their best hockey for the postseason, no matter who the competition is in front of them. A second-straight title will be tough, but they still have everything needed to make it happen. Heimo Coming into the season with one longest playoff droughts in the division, Heimo are back in the postseason after a strong end to the season, marking their first appearance since the ECL ’23 Spring season two years ago. This was also under the former JANO name and branding. If there is one word that I could use to describe this season, it would be "volatile". Heimo began the season looking like an offensive juggernaut. They averaged 4 goals per game during their first six games while winning five of those contests. They hit a bit of a slide after this, earning just 10 points in their 12 games since and sitting 12th in the standings with just 12 games to go. Heimo, however, ended the season with a 7-2-1 in their final 10 games, including wins over fellow playoff teams SSK ESPORTS and Tohtorit. To go along with their up-and-down results during the regular season, their stats also tell a tale of unpredictability. Heimo ended the regular season with the fourth-most goals scored while also allowing the third-most goals, as they both scored and allowed 3.13 goals per game. To their credit, they averaged just 2 goals for per game last season, so their offensive improvement was quite significant and is a big reason that they made it into the Top 8 this season. This team is one of the division's most balanced offensive attacks, as Heimo saw four skaters register 50+ points this season. The only other team in the division to do so was Mythix. @Eeemill_ led the way for this group with 57 points and 31 goals, both of which are career-highs for his time in the Elite division. Along with him was defenseman @KingOfApes_, who returned to the Elite division in arguably even better form than when we last saw him here in ECL 24. The former champion led all Elite defensemen with 15 goals and 223:23 of time with the puck. His 55 points were also the second-most of any defenseman in the division. Though his offensive numbers will get most of the shine, he was also stellar defensively this season, racking up 93 takeaways and 138 hits. This will be his first Elite playoff appearance since his time with Radical in the ECL '24 Winter season, where faced off against his former team in the Quarterfinals, just like he will again this season. Someone else to keep an eye on will be @xSnaipperi. The second-season skater switched positions with @SadaPoika after 12 games played. Following the swap, Snapperi scored 17 goals and 20 assists for 37 points in 18 games as LW. These two have been quite effective on the left side of the ice for Heimo, so don't be surprised if they make an impact in this series. Overall, Heimo's playoff success will come down to whether or not they can continue to utilize their strengths (generating offense and doing so with multiple different points of attack) while also cutting down on some of their weak points (own-zone play and penalties). If they can do this, they have the talent to compete and ended the regular season with positive momentum. They'll need to hope that this carries forward into the postseason after the two-week break. Prediction: Honestly, you could tell me that this series will end in 4 games or that it will end in 7 games and I'd probably be just as quick to believe either one. Heimo played some of their best hockey of the regular season when they needed to most, but they also got many of those wins against non-playoff teams. Parasite are the defending champions and have been nothing short of great, but they also haven't had the same feel of dominance that we've seen from them in the past. In my opinion, many of Parasite's strengths counteract the things that Heimo does well. They are also very familiar with arguably this team's most important player in KingOfApes and will gameplan to slow him down. Though I don't think that Parasite have played their best hockey yet this season, just 80% of their best is still a Top 4 team in the division, and I feel that this, in combination with Heimo's lack of consistency, will play to their advantage in this series. This shouldn't be a sweep, and I actually think that Heimo can make this a close series if everything is clicking, but Parasite hasn't given me a reason to go against them in a long time. I'm not going to do so now. @bMaJuH: Parasite in 6 @Mozjayh: Playing in series (4) EXEN vs (5) Mustaa Kultaa Regular Season Series (April 14th): - EXEN 2-0 W - EXEN 4-2 W EXEN After the first couple of weeks of the season, things were looking disastrous for this EXEN team. They were last in the standings and lost six of their first eight games of the season in regulation. This means that they earned just 4 points out of a possible 24 points during that stretch. Ever since that point, EXEN has gone 17-4-1, earning series sweeps against the likes of Tohtorit, Heimo, and their Quarterfinals opponent Mustaa Kultaa. The fact that they were able to recover from that and make the playoffs as a Top 4 seed is nothing short of impressive, and goes to show how outstanding this team was been over their final 22 games of the season. One of the biggest reasons for this team's turnaround was the addition of @kriketski17. Interestingly enough, Krike wasn't even on a roster to begin the season, and when he did join a roster, it was with GOONS, where he played for 12 games as a defenseman. Krike then transferred over to EXEN, ironically taking the place of Bobi, who transferred to Mustaa Kultaa after a slow start to the season. In 22 games with EXEN, Krike tallied 51 points, with 38 of them being goals. If you took away the four goals that he scored with GOONS, he would still rank second in the Elite division in that category. He also led the division in hits with 389 (252 of those coming with EXEN). Outside of Krike, they have also benefitted from @Pikkarii having a nice bounce back from last season. The former Elite champion saw his points jump from 38 in the Winter, to 55 in the Spring. His assist number also improved, going from 22 to 37. Both of these numbers are career-highs for his time in the Elite division. @h3rmu__ has also proven to be a very worthwhile addition to this team. The rookie LW earned 43 points with 23 goals and 20 assists in his first season of Elite action. This was also Hermu's first full ECL season since ECL 12, when he played with FILADELPHIA ACADEMY in the Lite Division. He played four games with Polski Boys in the Pro division as a reserve during ECL '23 Spring, a team that later went on to win the championship that season. @xDoumi and @wengerii will also be key factors in this series, as they were the most puck-dominant defense pairing in the division during the regular season. The two combined for 339:26 of time with the puck and were the only duo in the division to both rank Top 10 in that stat for defensemen. This group also has @Kaz_zu in net, who ranked Top 5 in the division in save percentage (81.36 %) and saves made (336) of goalies that played at least 10 games. Had this team not dropped so many points to begin the season, they likely could've been in contention for the #2 or #3 seed, but losses to multiple of the Top 3 teams hurt them. Luckily for their sake, they bounced back valiantly and come into the playoffs as one of the hottest teams in the division. They may not be perfect, but this team feels like a truly scary #4 seed. Mustaa Kultaa Mustaa Kultaa enters the postseason as arguably the coldest playoff team of the bunch. In a matter of just two weeks, last season's finalists went from being 1st in the standings and battling with Last Dance and Mythix for the top seed, to falling out of the Top 4 entirely. They went 4-7-1 in their final 12 games to end the season, and none of those wins were against playoff teams. This is a disastrous way to end your season, and I think that Mustaa Kultaa was probably happy to see the two-week break on the schedule before beginning their postseason run. Despite their rough run of form to end the season, though, this is still last season's finalists, and they return 5 of the 6 players who took arguably the best team in ECL history to six games in the Finals series. The team's long-standing captain and RW @Allupekkaz was phenomenal in his second Elite season, leading Mustaa Kultaa with 57 points and 29 goals. His opposite side winger @x-_-BoBi-_-x has also been impactful since joining this team midseason. After struggling with EXEN to begin the season, registering just 8 points in his 8 games played, Bobi came in with Mustaa Kultaa in Week 3 and immediately rediscovered his offensive touch, earning 35 points and 26 goals in 18 games played with his new club. This will be a fun story to watch, as I'm sure that he will have chip on his shoulder facing off against his old club. Luckily, both sides seemed to benefit from the move, so I doubt that there should be too many hard feelings from either side. Similarly to their opposition, this group also has a defense pairing that loves to have the puck on their sticks, as @Miseee96 and @NuariJamal combined for 320:26 of time with the puck. Mustaa Kultaa was also one of two teams that utilized a true split of the goaltending duties during the regular season. both @LatveX and @karlssonadam_ have proven to be phenomenal starters, especially in the playoffs. These are the last two winners of the Rookie of the Season award, and they're undoubtedly one of the best goalie duos that you'll find throughout the ECL (along with Parasite's duo of Finsere and UhNikke). Karlssonadam had the slight edge statistically, posting an 82.49 SV% and 2.21 GAA in 14 starts. LatVex was not far behind, though, as in 16 starts he earned a 79.79 sv% and 2.44 GAA. You genuinely can't go wrong with either guy. These are two of the best young goalies in all of Europe, and they even both represented their country in the recent SG World Cup (LatVex with Finland, Karlssonadam with Sweden). It'll just be interesting to see how this team decides to handle their playing time. Prediction: There are so many different storylines that you can sink your teeth into with this series. Not only is it a great 4v5 matchup, but it's also a matchup between two teams that ended the season going in completely opposite directions, and even features a player who transferred mid-season facing off against his old team. You also have two really talented lineups that both play exciting, but also different styles of hockey. Both of these teams have reason to feel both optimistic and pessimistic about their chances. For example, EXEN took the second-most PIMs in the league (95) while also having the worst penalty kill (56%), something that could haunt them against a Mustaa Kultaa team that are fast-paced and love to be deceptive with the puck. Not a great combination for success. On the other side, Mustaa Kultaa is the worst face-off team in the division at 42.7%, while EXEN is the second-best team in this category at 52.65%. This could be detrimental for Mustaa Kultaa, as EXEN would be plenty happy to just him them in their own zone and pepper them with shots, where they rank fourth in the division. This series will be fun to watch, and it wouldn't surprise me to see either team advance. Mustaa Kultaa's end to the season is undoubtedly concerning, and EXEN have looked like a different team since adding Krike to the mix. I could easily be proven wrong, but I'm going to roll with the team that played the best at the end of the season. Time will tell whether their contrasting forms will carry over. Regardless of who wins, I'd be surprised to see this series end in less than six games. @bMaJuH: EXEN in 7 @Mozjayh: EXEN in 6 Want to keep up with everything happening in the ECL this season? Make sure to follow/subscribe to us on Twitch, YouTube, and X.

SportsGamer Twitch and YouTube Channels Are Now Reactio Media As part of a broader effort to grow and diversify our channel, the SportsGamer Twitch and YouTube platforms are now operating under the name Reactio Media. What’s changing? In short — just the name. All of the broadcasts, tournaments, and content you’ve come to expect from SportsGamer will continue as before. SportsGamer remains an active and central part of the channel’s programming. The new identity simply creates space for additional creators and content formats to emerge alongside our core esports coverage. While this new content may not always be tied directly to SportsGamer, the goal is to strengthen the entire platform — expanding reach, building a wider audience, and ultimately unlocking more opportunities for everyone involved. This shift also supports our ability to attract sponsorships and partnerships, which in turn helps us continue improving SportsGamer’s own content and production value. “How does this change things for me as a SportsGamer member?” It doesn’t — aside from giving you the chance to tune in to something different when there’s no SportsGamer content live. Everything you care about is still here. So when you see Reactio Media live on Twitch or YouTube — remember, it’s still us. Come say hi, join the stream, and be part of what’s next. 🎮 Up next on the channel: the ECL ’25: Spring Elite Quarterfinals, starting on Monday live at twitch.tv/ReactioMedia!   Follow SportsGamer on all platforms: 💬 Discord:  SportsGamer.gg/Discord  📘 Facebook: @SportsGamerGG 📸 Instagram: @SportsGamerGG 📺 Kick: @SportsGamerGG 🎵 TikTok: @SportsGamerGG 🧵 Threads: @SportsGamerGG 🎥 Twitch: @ReactioMedia 🐦 Twitter (X): @SportsGamerGG ▶️ YouTube: @ReactioMedia

The time has come – the most thrilling esports hockey competition in Europe is back! 🏒🔥 ECL '25: Spring is officially here, and we’re in for another action-packed season. Whether you're a diehard fan eagerly awaiting the action or a newcomer curious about the excitement, now's the perfect time to get involved. Fire up those systems because the competition is about to reach new heights! 🎮🚨 In this preview, we’ll dive into a few teams and their key players taking center stage in the fierce battle for supremacy in the prestigious ECL. From the experienced veterans to the rising stars looking to make their mark, this season promises to be full of high-stakes matchups and unforgettable moments. Stay tuned as we explore what makes this spring’s ECL so special and what fans can expect as the season unfolds! 🌟🏆 Almost Famous It wasn’t many seasons ago that Almost Famous won the Pro title, with a few different players of course, nonetheless this is a new team with new expectations. @Ikavalko headlines this roster as he usually does, this veteran player takes his age-old team into ECL once again and is now looking to win the Pro title once again, with a revamped squad. Player to watch: @kkostiiii 👀 Season Prediction: Title Contenders 🏆 Carnages With newcomers from qualifiers it’s quite hard to give a good read or estimate, but plowing through the qualifiers in stage 1 and gaining the Pro spot as group winners surely made a statement for other teams in the Pro division. Captain @Fin_S1su has assembled a worthy team for the Pro division that will be fighting for a playoff spot this year and beyond, with great goaltending from their leader and solid offense we might just see that happen. Player to watch: @Bugimir🧤 Season Prediction: 1st round of playoffs 📈 Chiubibigle After a few rough seasons in the Pro division (former Devilz), this team continues to stay alive and keep their spot in the second highest division, now after qualifiers they claim their spot once again in Pro, with their main goal to not be playing qualifiers at the end of the season. However, with a completely new look this season, Devilz have gotten some experience in the form of @Haldeem & @Original-SnuS, if the whole team can find some chemistry to begin the season, Devilz might just find them pushing for a playoff spot. Player to watch: @I_Alex28_I 🎯 Season Prediction: Relegation 📉 Falun Coal Miners After a disappointing season in Elite, they had another chance at redemption in the Elite qualifiers but didn’t quite pull through, another top performance is highly likely in the upcoming Pro division for the experienced Swedish team. With a lot of experience comes different ways to play the game, and Falun Coal Miners surely knows how to do that at the Pro level, if they can put up a similar effort as their last Pro season they surely are a favourite. Player to watch: @STRANDMANNEN11 💪 Season Prediction: Title Contender 🏆 F U R Y Fury comes in with one of the most experienced of new teams in Pro. Players from different teams come together and take a Pro spot and immediately become favourites to go far in the playoffs. @LE1PAKONE nordzman headlines the newly founded team and is looking to pave his way back to the Elite division, now as a forward Nordzman has to make it work with some new teammates and big expectations on his shoulder. Player to watch: @Konsuk05 🎮 Season Prediction: 2nd round of playoffs 🚀 Golden Buffalos This one sure is an interesting one, as everyone watches and wonders what this team has done, and is going to do we’ll give a fair evaluation at the mid-season report when it’s clear who plays at what position, with new signings like @Patzlaf , @FlyerKungen & @Eken45jr who have played in Elite for their entire careers, we’ve never seen anything similar in the Pro division, so buckle up and follow this team closely this season. Player to watch: @xSauron_96 👑 Season Prediction: 2nd round of playoffs 🔥 Golden Sticks After a strong playoff performance in ECL 24, the team faced a bit of a setback during the offseason, losing several key players to transfers and other commitments. Despite these challenges, they narrowly avoided relegation to the Pro qualifiers, managing to stay in their current league by the slimmest of margins. With a renewed focus and a few strategic additions to the roster, the team is now looking to bounce back and make a stronger push this season, aiming to build on their playoff experience and overcome the difficulties they faced in the past. Player to watch: @peppenntur 🧊 Season Prediction: Relegation 🚨 HC Lugano eSport After a solid regular season for Lugano, their playoff hopes got squashed by eventual semifinalists and qualifier winners Nova, and are now looking for redemption. This season Lugano needs to prove that last season's regular season finish wasn’t a fluke, and that this is their true level. Now with some more experience under their belt, Lugano are looking to build something great and go deep in the playoffs with the same roster from last season. Player to watch: @CMB-wf- 🧱 Season Prediction: 1st round of playoffs 🎯 Kertoimia Vastaan After a difficult Pro qualifier, Kertoimia Vastaan made it to Pro and now want to cement themselves as a playoff team immediately, that’s going to be tough with some new teams and a lot of dark horses. One who can stand out for them this season is @HopeaKypara99, he has that Pro experience and he knows what it takes to succeed at this level. If Kertoimia Vastaan can get a hot start, they can fight for a playoff spot. Player to watch: @HopeaKypara99 🎯 Season Prediction: Relegation 📉 Nurnberg IceTigers eSport Landing in Pro for the season and not seeing a big change from last season for the German team might just be what they need, more time to get their ducks in a row and start progressing as a team. Now they need that little bit of a push to be more competitive, and @Flo_goes_grazy flgr93 has that needed flair any team needs to be a good team in Pro, but can the rest of the team keep up? Player to watch: @Flo_goes_grazy flgr93 ⚡ Season Prediction: No-man's land 🗺️ Otukset Always a team that competes well in the Pro division, again quite close as they made the Elite qualifiers, but they were outclassed and sent packing. Now a new season in Pro and their goal has to be a deep playoff run, a very skilled team with a lot of games played together under their belt, and once again a heavy favourite to win it. Player to watch: @Mikka mikkaah 🎯 Season Prediction: 2nd round of playoffs 🚀 REALISTIC A team that played well in FCL, and took a Pro spot and is eager to show that this is where they belong, now Realistic has everything going for them and need to capitalize on that. @N44TTI_16 naatti__ joins Realistic after a few seasons in Elite with good numbers, and is going to be one of many who might be after the top scorers position in Pro this season, if his team can keep with him, they might just find themselves in a good position at the end of the season. Player to watch: @N44TTI_16 naatti__ 🏹 Season Prediction: 2nd round of playoffs 🔥 Blegi An experienced squad who some have played in the highest level of ECL, now they begin their climb back up with a new squad, with uncertainty in the squad who plays yet it will be interesting to see who starts when the season starts. After an interesting FCL campaign, Blegi sure has a lot of doubters, and wants to prove them wrong, recent Elite standout @koleslaav_ who captains Blegi surely wants to win more games than most now has something to prove once again. Player to watch: @ItzPoro 🎮 Season Prediction: No-man's land 🌫️ Pivto4ka Another newly founded team in Pro with some good experience, this Russian side is spearheaded by veteran @NyambI4. Advancing through the qualifiers and eventually making it, this team had its issues with finding chemistry early on, it’ll be an interesting season for them if they keep having the same issues. Player to watch: @muzhichok39 xbelzzyy 🧩 Season Prediction: No-man’s land 🚧 Sunne IK esport The newly crowned SCL champions are headed to the Pro division! Has a nice ring to it, right? Or maybe ECL 25 Winter champions, either way this team has accumulated a ton of experience and trophies on the way, and now they’re looking for one more. After a few seasons in ECL, Sunne IK really found their groove and leading the way is @forreberra, the talented winger really can put on a show, so Pro defenseman, be ready. Player to watch: @benjamint737 ✨ Season Prediction: 1st round of playoffs 💪 Vizio A mainstay now in Pro for a few seasons, this Finnish side seem to have found that groove that it takes to play in the Pro division. Now is the time to build on their upwards trajectory, after a tough ending to the season last ECL where they were held off of making the playoffs in the last regular season game. The team gets some well needed boosts this season, notably experienced defenseman @SirLateksi who has built a resume worthwhile, now helping Vizio hopefully to the playoffs. Player to watch: @Artuzio 🛡️ Season Prediction: 1st round of playoffs ⚔️ ECL Pro Format: 2 Groups - 33 Teams Team license required: Yes Player license required: Yes Gamedays: Mon, Tue & Thu Regular season starts: 7.4 Transfer deadline: 25.4 23:59 CEST ⚠️ Regular season ends: 8.5 Playoffs (BO7) Round of 16: Monday 26.5 Tuesday 27.5 Thursday 29.5 Quarterfinals: Monday 2.6 Tuesday 3.6 Thursday 5.6 Semifinals: Monday 9.6 Tuesday 10.6 Thursday 12.6 Finals: 16.6- 17.6* Promotion & Relegation games are to be played shortly after the season, however dates are flexible. * Dates are subject to change as broadcast productions are confirmed. We would recommend everyone to go through the ECL Essentials - A Guide to the ECL. If you face any problems, feel free to contact us through the Support Tool. Welcome to the season. Let the games begin!

A serious situation has arisen concerning the ECL '25: Winter - Elite team "Unwanted" and their members. As such, to allow LA adequate time to come to a decision and not potentially waste the team's opponent's time LA has come to the agreement to suspend Unwanted (the team and its players) until further notice.

ECL '25: Spring - Lite | Playoffs: Round 2 Preview - Epic Battles and Underdog Dreams The ECL '25: Spring - Lite Playoffs are in full swing, and the second round is delivering the high-stakes, heart-pounding eHockey action fans live for. Despite the challenges of limited writers causing delayed previews, the virtual ice is ablaze with thrilling plays, underdog heroics, and tactical showdowns. With the quarterfinals underway, the top seeds are fighting to maintain their dominance, while lower seeds are seizing their moment to shock the league. From veteran-led comebacks to star-studded rosters asserting their will, this round has it all. Fire up your consoles and dive into our comprehensive preview of the four second-round matchups, complete with key players, tactical breakdowns, and bold predictions from the community’s top analysts. The race to the semifinals is on, and the path to Lite division glory is heating up! Kikkakirja (1) vs. Hokurit (28) Series Status: Kikkakirja leads 2-1 as of June 3, 2025 One of the most captivating matchups in the ECL Lite second round pits the top-seeded Kikkakirja against the 28th-seeded Hokurit, a team that’s defied the odds to reach this stage. Kikkakirja, a powerhouse aiming for a return to the Pro division, survived a shocking seven-game scare against the last-seeded Hockeyholics in the first round. Meanwhile, Hokurit pulled off a stunning upset against the talented Kokemus Puuttuu, showcasing their veteran savvy and resilience. With Kikkakirja holding a 2-1 series lead, this matchup promises a thrilling clash of styles that could go down to the wire. Kikkakirja: Overcoming the First Hurdle Kikkakirja entered the playoffs as the team to beat, boasting a high-octane offense and a regular-season record that underscored their dominance in the Lite division. However, their first-round battle against Hockeyholics exposed unexpected vulnerabilities, as the underdogs pushed them to a full seven games. Led by captain @PyroNiko, a former Pro standout known for his playmaking and clutch scoring, Kikkakirja leaned on their depth to escape the upset bid. @j1mppa_, a versatile forward, has been a key contributor, averaging over a point per game in the playoffs and providing secondary scoring. With a 2-1 lead over Hokurit, Kikkakirja is in the driver’s seat, but roster availability issues and defensive inconsistencies could give Hokurit an opening. If @PyroNiko and @j1mppa_ can lead the way, Kikkakirja’s path to the semifinals—and a potential Pro division return—remains within reach. Hokurit: The Upset Architects Hokurit’s improbable run to the second round has turned heads across the Lite division. After a glorious comeback season, they stunned Kokemus Puuttuu in a 4-2 series win, thanks to a timely roster shakeup that saw @MCH_98 slot into the lineup and @jondeezz unleash his veteran trickery. @MCH_98, a dynamic two-way player, has been a revelation, contributing key goals and defensive stability. Hokurit’s 4-3 victory in game one against Kikkakirja showed they’re not intimidated by the top seed, but trailing 2-1, they’ll need to dig deep to keep their Cinderella story alive. Hokurit’s strength lies in their opportunistic play and goaltending, which has kept them in games against superior opponents. However, roster issues could hinder their consistency against Kikkakirja’s relentless attack. Key Matchups Offensive Depth vs. Counterattacking Prowess: Kikkakirja’s attack, led by @PyroNiko and @j1mppa_, thrives on quick transitions and power-play efficiency. Hokurit counters with a gritty, counterattacking style, with @MCH_98 and @Jondeezz capitalizing on mistakes. The team that controls the pace will have the edge. Goaltending Duel: Kikkakirja’s goaltender was tested against Hockeyholics but made clutch saves. Hokurit’s netminder, meanwhile, stole games against Kokemus Puuttuu. The goaltender who stands tallest in tight moments will be critical. Special Teams: Kikkakirja’s power play is a lethal weapon, but Hokurit’s penalty kill has been effective. Discipline will be key to avoiding costly penalties. Players to Watch Kikkakirja: @j1mppa_ Hokurit: @MCH_98 Tactical Breakdown Kikkakirja will aim to dictate the tempo with their high-flying offense, using @PyroNiko and @j1mppa_ to create scoring chances in transition. Their power play is a major weapon that could exploit Hokurit’s penalties. Hokurit, however, will look to slow the game down, clogging the neutral zone and relying on @MCH_98 and @Jondeezz for counterattacks. Their penalty kill must be sharp to neutralize Kikkakirja’s man advantage. The team that adapts better to the other’s game plan will take control of this series. Series Prediction Hifk_fani: Kikkakirja in 5 (4-1). AI: Hokurit in 7 (4-3). Sticks Misfits (2) vs. Carolus Icemen (25) Series Status: Six Sticks Misfits lead 3-1 as of June 3, 2025 The second-seeded Six Sticks Misfits are firmly in control with a 3-1 series lead over the 25th-seeded Carolus Icemen, but this matchup is far from decided. The Misfits dominated their first-round matchup against Eisbaeren Lauf Gaming, while the Icemen pulled off a stunning upset against Powerhouse Hockey. The Icemen’s 5-2 win in game two shows they can compete with the best, but they’ll need a miracle to overcome the Misfits’ stacked roster. This series pits a powerhouse against an underdog with nothing to lose. Six Sticks Misfits: A Dominant Force Six Sticks Misfits entered the playoffs as a juggernaut, having cruised through the regular season with their balanced attack and veteran leadership. Their first-round sweep of Eisbaeren Lauf Gaming was a statement, as even Eisbaeren’s star @Kenu couldn’t slow them down. Leading the charge is @ROUHEEE, a postseason standout with 11 goals in eight games. The Misfits’ roster is loaded with experience, making them a favorite to go deep in the playoffs. Their relentless forecheck and lethal power play have overwhelmed opponents, but their game two loss shows they’re not invincible. With a 3-1 lead, the Misfits are poised to advance, but they must stay focused to avoid letting the Icemen back into the series. Carolus Icemen: Defying the Odds Carolus Icemen have already made waves by upsetting Powerhouse Hockey in five games in the first round. Led by the dynamic @Bror1326, who carried the team with his offensive flair, the Icemen showed they can compete with top teams. Their 5-2 victory in game two against the Misfits proved they’re not intimidated, but trailing 3-1, they face an uphill battle. @Tlindgren96s goaltending was a difference-maker in the first round, and his performance will be critical if the Icemen hope to stage a comeback. The Icemen’s strength lies in their ability to capitalize on mistakes and play a gritty, team-oriented game. If @Bror1326 can continue his heroics, they could make this series interesting. Key Matchups Offensive Depth vs. Clutch Scoring: The Misfits’ balanced attack, led by @ROUHEEE, overwhelms with depth and pressure. The Icemen rely on @Bror1326’s clutch scoring to keep them in games. The team that converts their chances more efficiently will control the series. Goaltending Battle: The Misfits’ goaltender has been steady, allowing their offense to shine. @Tlindgren96 for the Icemen has the potential to steal games, as seen in their upset of Powerhouse. The netminder who makes the big saves will be pivotal. Special Teams: The Misfits’ power play is a major weapon, but the Icemen’s penalty kill was effective against Powerhouse. Discipline will be key for the Icemen to stay in the series. Players to Watch Six Sticks Misfits: @ROUHEEE Carolus Icemen: @Bror1326 Tactical Breakdown The Misfits will look to impose their high-tempo, forechecking style, using @ROUHEEE’s scoring touch to create opportunities. Their power play is a constant threat. The Icemen will aim to keep games low-scoring, relying on @Bror1326's clutch play and @Tlindgren96’s goaltending to steal games. Their ability to capitalize on counterattacks and stay disciplined on special teams will be critical. The team that controls the pace and avoids mistakes will advance. Series Prediction Hifk_fani: Misfits in 5 (4-1). AI: Misfits in 6 (4-2). Deadly Phantoms (7) vs. Silver Sword Griffins (13) Series Status: Silver Sword Griffins lead 2-0 as of June 3, 2025 The clash between the seventh-seeded Deadly Phantoms and the 13th-seeded Silver Sword Griffins is a throwback to ECL’s storied rivalries, with both teams boasting deep roots in the competitive scene. The Griffins’ commanding 2-0 lead has put the Phantoms on the ropes, but this series promises tight games and hard-fought battles. Both teams advanced comfortably from their first-round matchups, setting the stage for a gritty showdown that’s perfect for fans of close, physical eHockey. Deadly Phantoms: Fighting for Redemption The Deadly Phantoms are a franchise with a storied history, having competed across multiple ECL divisions. Now in Lite, they’re determined to return to the Pro division. Their first-round win was a statement, as they dispatched their opponent with ease. Captain @CashAllGreen has been a standout, racking up 39 points (24 goals, 15 assists) in 12 regular-season games and continuing his strong play in the playoffs. @CCBow-501, a rising star, has added secondary scoring and defensive stability. Trailing 2-0, the Phantoms need a team-wide effort to turn the series around. The Phantoms’ strength lies in their balanced roster, but their defensive consistency will be tested against the Griffins’ potent attack. Silver Sword Griffins: The Latvian Surge Hailing primarily from Latvia, the Silver Sword Griffins entered the playoffs as a dangerous underdog and proved their mettle by defeating TikiTaka in five games in the first round. Led by captain @martinssilins, the Griffins played with confidence and precision. @LATMinx, a dynamic forward, has been a postseason revelation, contributing key goals and playmaking. Their 2-0 series lead over the Phantoms shows they’re ready for a tougher challenge, but they’ll need to maintain their defensive structure to close it out. The Griffins’ goaltending has been a key factor, with their netminder making timely saves to keep games close. Key Matchups Offensive Balance vs. Defensive Stability: The Phantoms’ attack, led by @cashallgreen and @CCBow-501, is versatile, but the Griffins’ defense, anchored by @kriteris, has been solid. The team that controls the slot will have the upper hand. Goaltending Edge: The Griffins’ goaltender has been a difference-maker, while the Phantoms’ netminder has faced pressure but held firm. The goaltending duel will be critical in tight games. Special Teams: The Phantoms’ power play is a threat, but the Griffins’ penalty kill has been effective. Discipline will be key for both teams. Players to Watch Deadly Phantoms: @RPH_31 Silver Sword Griffins: @LATMinx Tactical Breakdown The Phantoms will aim to push the pace, using @CashAllGreen and @CCBow-501 to create opportunities in transition. Their power play is a weapon that could exploit penalties. The Griffins prefer a structured, defensive game, relying on @LATMinx’s counterattacks and a strong penalty kill. @martinssilins’s two-way play will be critical in neutralizing the Phantoms’ top line. The team that wins the special teams battle and controls the neutral zone will advance. Series Prediction Hifk_fani: Griffins in 5 (4-1). AI: Phantoms in 7 (4-3). Lemmenvelhot (10) vs. Rusty X (11) Series Status: Tied 2-0 as of June 3, 2025 The matchup between the 10th-seeded Lemmenvelhot and the 11th-seeded Rusty X is a classic Lite division showdown, with both teams brimming with talent and hunger. Both squads dominated their first-round opponents, showcasing their offensive firepower and playoff readiness. As they square off in the second round, this series promises to be a high-octane battle where goaltending and efficiency in front of the net will decide the winner. Lemmenvelhot: Proving Their Worth Lemmenvelhot narrowly missed a Pro division spot in the preseason qualifiers, raising questions about their readiness. Their dominant first-round performance silenced doubters, as they dispatched their opponent with ease. @Jmaisema has been a postseason standout, racking up 19 points (12 goals, 7 assists), while @xMossee has provided secondary scoring and defensive stability. Lemmenvelhot’s aggressive forecheck and offensive depth make them a dangerous team, but they’ll need to shore up their defense against Rusty X’s star-studded attack. Rusty X: A Record-Breaking Pace Rusty X has been a revelation, with @Nester4343 and @SPB_AlexZver_22(thealexera) averaging a staggering three points per game in the playoffs. Their first-round dismantling of Saucer Hockey showcased their offensive firepower and special teams dominance. If they maintain that pace, they could set a postseason record. Rusty X’s ability to score in bunches and their effective power play make them a formidable opponent, but their defense will be tested against Lemmenvelhot’s relentless attack. Key Matchups Star Power vs. Team Depth: @Jmaisema and @Tptk00 give Lemmenvelhot a potent attack & goalie, but Rusty X’s @Nester4343 and @SPB_AlexZver_22(thealexera) provide a two-pronged threat. The team with better secondary scoring will have the edge. Goaltending Duel: Both goaltenders performed well in the first round, but Rusty X’s netminder has been stingy. The goaltender who makes the big saves will be the difference. Special Teams: Rusty X’s power play was lethal against Saucer Hockey, while Lemmenvelhot’s aggressive forecheck creates shorthanded chances. Special teams will be critical. Players to Watch Lemmenvelhot: @Tptk00 Rusty X: @Nester4343 Lemmenvelhot will rely on their aggressive forecheck and @Jmaisema’s scoring to pressure Rusty X’s defense. Their power play is opportunistic, but they’ll need to stay disciplined to avoid Rusty X’s lethal man advantage. Rusty X will look to stretch the ice with quick transitions, leveraging @Nester4343 and @SPB_AlexZver_22's (thealexera) speed. Their penalty kill must be sharp to counter Lemmenvelhot’s aggressive play. The team that executes with precision will advance. Series Prediction Hifk_fani: Rusty X in 6 (4-2). AI: Rusty X in 7 (4-3). Final Thoughts The ECL '25: Spring - Lite Playoffs second round is a showcase of everything fans love about competitive eHockey: high-scoring battles, upset potential, and tactical brilliance. Kikkakirja’s redemption quest faces Hokurit’s Cinderella story. Six Sticks Misfits’ dominance is tested by Carolus Icemen’s grit. Deadly Phantoms and Silver Sword Griffins revive a historic rivalry, while Lemmenvelhot and Rusty X promise a high-octane showdown. With every series poised to deliver drama, the race to the semifinals is heating up. Stay tuned for more thrilling action as these teams battle for Lite division supremacy!

ECL '25: Lite Spring Playoffs Ignite with Thrilling First-Round Matchups *this article was written as of May 21st Playoffs (BO7) Round of 32: Monday 26.5 Tuesday 27.5 Wednesday 28.5 Round of 16: Sunday 1.6 Tuesday 3.6 Wednesday 4.6 Quarterfinals: Sunday 8.6 Tuesday 10.6 Wednesday 11.6 Semifinals: Sunday 15.6 Tuesday 17.6 Wednesday 18.6 Finals: 23.6- 24.6* * Dates are subject to change as broadcast productions are confirmed. Kikkakirja (1) VS Hockeyholics (32) The ECL '25: Winter Lite playoffs are here, and all eyes are on a thrilling matchup between top-seeded Kikkakirja and the gritty Hockeyholics! Kikkakirja, a powerhouse relegated to the Lite division after a tough Pro qualifier campaign, enters with home-ice advantage and a commanding regular-season performance. They already bested Hockeyholics twice this season (4-3W, 7-4W), showcasing their offensive prowess with explosive plays and sharp teamwork. Led by the dynamic @PyroNiko, a former Pro standout who returned from a brief hiatus to captain this squad, Kikkakirja is hungry to dominate the Lite division and secure a triumphant return to Pro. Their high-octane style promises a barrage of goals, making them the team to beat. Hockeyholics, hailing from Central Europe, clawed their way into the playoffs despite a regular season marred by costly mistakes and defensive lapses. Their resilience, however, has earned them a shot at redemption. If they can shore up their own zone and find consistency, they have the potential to turn this series into a nail-biter. The key lies with @Hasek-39--, an Austrian veteran with Pro playoff experience, whose leadership and clutch performances could spark an upset. His ability to rally his team through tight games will be crucial if Hockeyholics hope to challenge Kikkakirja’s dominance. This series could unfold in two ways: Kikkakirja might steamroll to a quick 4-0 sweep, leveraging their offensive depth, or Hockeyholics could minimize errors, keep games close, and stretch the series into a dogfight. Fans are in for a treat either way, as both teams bring passion and flair to the virtual ice. Players To Watch: Kikkakirja: @PyroNiko A returning star aiming to lead his team to Lite glory. Hockeyholics: @Hasek-39-- The veteran whose experience could tilt the series. Series Prediction: Hifk_fani: Kikkakirja in 5 (4-1). AI Kikkakirja in 4 (4-0). Silver Sword Griffins (13) VS TikiTaka (20) The puck drops today as the ECL '25: Spring playoffs ignite with a thrilling first-round clash between the Silver Sword Griffins and TikiTaka! This matchup promises high-octane action, pitting the Griffins’ slick offensive prowess against TikiTaka’s gritty determination. Fans, buckle up, this series is set to deliver! The Silver Sword Griffins, a near-full Latvian squad, have dazzled all season with their mesmerizing play in the offensive zone. Their deft stickhandling and clever tactics left opponents scrambling, a reputation cemented after Latvia's standout World Cup performance. The dynamic duo of @LATMinx and @CapinsH-LV has been unstoppable, carrying the Griffins to a strong regular-season finish. Now, they’re poised to translate that momentum into playoff success. With their knack for exploiting defensive gaps, the Griffins are eyeing TikiTaka’s shaky backline as their ticket to the next round. Expect their high-flying offense to test TikiTaka’s resolve early and often. TikiTaka, meanwhile, has endured a rocky season, struggling to keep pucks out of their net. Their mid-season acquisition of veteran @snippystatue brings playoff experience, but his role remains uncertain. Captain @TansKungen has been the team’s heartbeat, setting a high standard and urging his squad to elevate their game. However, the gamble on rookie goalie @K3mpny has backfired, with defensive lapses plaguing the team. In the playoffs, TikiTaka will lean on their offensive flair and puck-possession skills to outlast the Griffins’ aggressive counters. This series hinges on execution. The Griffins’ precision attacks will challenge TikiTaka’s porous defense, while TikiTaka must capitalize on their offensive chances to stay alive. The team that best neutralizes their opponent’s counterattacks will emerge victorious. Players To Watch: Silver Sword Griffins: @kriteris A defenseman who can steer the game on both sides of the puck. TikiTaka: @TansKungen The leader needs to get his team going to have a chance. Series Prediction Hifk_fani: Griffins in 6 (4-2). AI: Griffins in 5 (4-1)- Seinäjoki Noms (4) VS HC Last Resort (29) The 1st round of the ECL Lite playoffs is here once again, and now we’re highlighting the series between the Seinäjoki Noms and Last Resort, which is shaping up to be a nail-biter! These two teams already traded blows in the regular season, where the lower-seeded Last Resort snagged five out of six possible points (3-1 W, 2-3 OTW), giving the Noms a score to settle. This series promises a tightly contested battle that fans won’t want to miss. Get ready for a showdown packed with intensity and drama! The Seinäjoki Noms, a cohesive Finnish squad, earned their well-deserved fourth seed after battling heavyweights like Powerhouse Hockey and Lemmenvelhot for their group’s top spot. Led by the ever-loyal @Simbee434, a cornerstone of the franchise who’s never donned another jersey, the Noms are hungry to prove themselves in the playoffs. Their disciplined teamwork and relentless drive make them a formidable force, but they’ll need to outmaneuver a Last Resort team that knows their playbook inside out. The Noms’ success hinges on their ability to convert scoring chances and neutralize Last Resort’s key threats. Last Resort, despite a lackluster regular season, enters the playoffs with confidence, having already bested the Noms twice. They may not face the steepest climb among lower seeds, but they’re not underestimating their opponents. Anchored by @Tzon93, a former Elite and Pro player who racked up an impressive 52 points (33+19) in the Lite division, and supported by @eissi83, a battle-tested skater with experience in high-stakes games, Last Resort has the firepower to go toe-to-toe with the Noms. Their playoff pedigree could be the edge they need. This series will come down to the wire. Special teams and clutch scoring will decide the victor, with experience clashing against unity. Who will prevail? Players To Watch: Seinäjoki Noms: @Simbee434 His team needs him now more than ever. HC Last Resort: @Tzon93 The veteran forward has a knack for scoring. Series Prediction: Hifk_fani: Last Resort in 5 (4-1). AI: Seinäjoki Noms in 6 (4-2). Kokemus Puuttuu (5) VS Hokurit (28) Another tight series that is a must watch by SportsGamer fans, both teams have good blend of experience and talent, and now face each other in a round 1 matchup, after battling each other in the regular season and Kokemus Puuttuu winning both games, they now have the upper hand in this series. This electrifying matchup blends seasoned experience with explosive talent, promising a thrilling best-of-seven series. Hokurit, storming back into the Lite division, are determined to prove they’re elite contenders. Led by the clutch-scoring dynamo @Jondeezz, who racked up 27 goals and 18 assists this season, Hokurit has the offensive spark to turn games around. If @Jondeezz can ignite in high-pressure moments, Hokurit could pull off a stunning upset. Their renowned defensive grit, a hallmark of their past success, will be vital in shutting down Kokemus Puuttuu’s high-powered attack. Facing a team with Elite experience in the Lite division is no small challenge, but Hokurit has the worst defense of all the teams in the playoffs at GA/GP at 4.39; if they keep this up it’ll be a short series. Kokemus Puuttuu, a squad with Pro division aspirations, is primed to make a statement. Their regular-season sweep over Hokurit bolsters their confidence. At the forefront is @TeMeX a do-it-all leader who joined after TikiTalk’s collapse and has shone brightly in the Lite division. With 51 points (26+25), @TeMeX drives the team’s relentless offense. Kokemus Puuttuu’s ability to dictate tempo and capitalize on scoring chances makes them a formidable foe. This series promises tight, edge-of-your-seat games. Kokemus Puuttuu’s offensive depth will test Hokurit’s shaky defence, we’re bound to see a thrilling series. If Hokurit can tighten up defensively, this series could go either way. Players To Watch: Kokemus Puuttuu: @EPIZOR(Meemi_) A beast between the pipes, 2 shutouts is my guess. Hokurit: @Jondeezz The veteran needs to take his team on his back once again. Series Prediction Hifk_fani: Kokemus Puuttuu in 5 (4-1). AI: Kokemus Puuttuu in 5 (4-1) (12) Jurricanes VS Wida (21) With a series like this, we’re bound to get some entertaining ehockey, both teams excel in the offensive zone, and face each other in a best-of-seven series. We get to see a nailbiter once more, and a series that will surely be close. Wida enters the playoffs after a somewhat lackluster regular season, falling short of expectations following their near-miss in the Pro qualifiers. The Finnish side now faces pressure to prove their worth. Leading the charge is @nikitikitin, a standout in the Lite division with an impressive 72 points (39+33) this season. After last year’s playoff stumble, @nikitikitin is hungry to show that setback was a fluke. Wida’s potent powerplay, clicking at an impressive 31.91%, gives them a clear edge. If they capitalize on special teams and maintain their offensive flair, they could overpower their opponents and advance deeper into the postseason. Jurricanes, also hailing from Finland, are making their playoff debut after a solid Lite division campaign last season. While their special teams have been a weak link, the playoffs offer a fresh start to showcase their potential. Anchoring the team is goaltender @Joniner, a reliable netminder with Pro experience who gives Jurricanes a steady presence between the pipes. If their offense, often likened to a diesel engine, can find its rhythm early, Jurricanes could pose a serious threat. Their ability to ignite their attack and shore up special teams will be critical against Wida’s relentless pressure. This series is a true toss-up, with both teams lacking a standout edge in any single category. Wida’s superior powerplay could tip the scales, but if Jurricanes find their groove and @joniner stands tall, they could steal the series. The team that seizes key moments and executes efficiently will move on. Players To Watch: Jurricanes: @VesKuLiNe An experienced leader who has the talent to take them far. Wida: @nikitikitin An offensive demon who can light up any team. Series Prediction Hifk_fani: Wida in 7 (4-3). AI: Wida in 6 (4-2). Powerhouse Hockey (8) VS Carolus Icemen (25) The ECL '25: Spring playoffs are igniting, and the first-round clash between Powerhouse Hockey and Carolus Icemen is shaping up to be a must-watch spectacle! Both teams thrive on offensive firepower, but Powerhouse’s superior defensive play gives them a clear edge in this best-of-seven series. Expect dazzling highlight-reel goals and relentless offensive zone pressure from both sides, with this matchup poised to deliver thrilling eHockey action from puck drop. Carolus Icemen, hailing from Sweden, boast an impressive 3.5 goals-for per game, a stat that could have landed them in the regular season’s top four. However, their shaky defense has left them as the 25th seed, facing a steep uphill battle in the playoffs. Leading the charge is @Bror1326, a seasoned forward with experience in higher divisions. His 56 points (27+29), second on the team, make him the Icemen’s linchpin. For Carolus to have a shot at stealing a game or two, @Bror1326 must elevate his play and inspire a defensive turnaround, but the road to an upset looks daunting against Powerhouse’s well-rounded game. Powerhouse Hockey enters the playoffs with the X-factor to make a deep run and secure a Pro division spot next season. Their regular-season dominance showcased a lethal blend of offense, defense, and above-average special teams, making them a formidable force in the Lite division. Captain @Burritokuningas, with 54 points (21+33), is the heart and soul of the team, known for carrying his squad in clutch moments. Powerhouse’s 200-foot game—combining relentless forechecking, solid defense, and opportunistic scoring—makes them a nightmare matchup. They’re primed to fire on all cylinders. This series could swing between a tight contest and a Powerhouse blowout. While Carolus Icemen’s grit and offensive spark might snag a game, Powerhouse’s balanced attack and defensive edge should propel them forward. The team that controls the tempo and capitalizes on mistakes will prevail. Players To Watch: Powerhouse Hockey: @Eiteam Can rise up and be a challenge for the Swedes. Carolus Icemen: @Tlindgren96 If he can steal games, they have a shot. Series Prediction: Hifk_fani: Powerhouse in 5 (4-1). AI: Powerhouse in 4 (4-0). Follow the Playoff streams: Please post dates, times, and links for streams in the comments of this news story and on social media, to help everyone find your team streams.

We have crowned another Champion as Silver Sword Griffins took home the title in the Core division after a thrilling seven-game series against KOST Wolves. After a dominant regular season, which saw SSG heading into the playoffs as the number one seed, they continued to show their excellence throughout the playoffs. Huge congratulations to the Latvian side for the Championship and congratulations as well to KOST Wolves and Rusty X for their second and third-place finishes! The Silver Sword Griffins have been around since the very first ECL tournament and are known to be the Latvian powerhouse. With some of their current players having played in some of those very first tournaments they truly are one of the longest standing teams in the ECL. After a great regular season, the team headed into the playoffs as the number 1 seed. In the postseason they went through round by round without much trouble but in the finals, they found themselves in a difficult spot. After winning the first game they lost three games in a row and were their back against the wall heading into the third period of game 5 being down by two goals. That period ended up being the turning point of the series as they managed to tie the game in the last minute and took the win home in OT. A dominant 6-2 victory in game 6 saw them heading into the deciding game seven with all the momentum and they used it.  @LATMinx has been with the team from day one and was their MVP of the season, scoring 20 points in the finals series, and finishing the playoffs with an impressive 38+38=72 point total.   We got a chance to interview SSG's left defenceman Linards @Lxnards Logins after clinching the title, you can watch it below.   Road to Championship: Regular season: 17-1-1-1, 54 points, 1st in Group 3 and Seed 1 Round 1: 4-2 vs EV Duisburg Round 2: 4-1 vs Salaseura Quarterfinals: 4-1 vs HC Last Resort Semifinals: 4-1 vs Rusty X Finals: 4-3 vs KOST Wolves Championship Roster Mārtiņš @martinssilins Siliņš (C) Kristaps @kriteris Grinfelds (A) Robert @LATMinx Zariņš (A) Edgars @Shmiha99 Naida Linards @Lxnards Logins Gatis @gacorigavecit17 Klekers Henrihs @Rocket_Science72 Lazdāns Kristaps @CapinsH-LV Zūdiņš   Thank you for the great season and once again Congratulations to the Silver Sword Griffins!  

Competitive players, the wait is over — WECL Season 4 is here! After a two-year break, the league is making a triumphant return, and registration is officially open. Don’t miss this opportunity to compete, reconnect, and be part of the action as WECL makes its long-awaited comeback. What to Expect in Season 4? Season 4 brings an exciting and straightforward format designed to maximize competition and fun. Here’s what’s in store: No X-Factors: This season, no X-Factors (Gold and Silver) are allowed to be used in loadouts. More info on X-Factor change below. Switch to a 3-Point System: We’re moving to a 3-point system for wins this season, replacing the previous 2-point system. This adjustment adds more value to victories and increases the competitive stakes. Three Game Days per Week: Matches will be held three times a week, ensuring plenty of opportunities to compete and climb the standings. Season Start: The action kicks off on February 17, 2025, so mark your calendars and get ready for the season. Playoffs: The playoffs are set to begin on March 24, 2025, though the exact schedule may vary depending on the number of teams that sign up. Whether you're a veteran or a newcomer, this season promises a competitive and enjoyable experience for all! No X-Factors: A New Era for WECL Competition The upcoming season of the WECL is set to introduce a groundbreaking change aimed at redefining the competitive landscape. In a bold move to prioritize skill and strategy, the league has implemented a new rule banning the use of all X-Factors, both Gold and Silver. This decision marks a significant shift in gameplay, as X-Factors have long been a pivotal element in shaping team dynamics and individual performance. By removing these abilities, the league seeks to level the playing field, fostering a more balanced and skill-driven environment. The introduction of this rule is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the competition, challenging players to rely on pure skill, strategic planning, and adaptability. WECL organizers believe this change will not only elevate the quality of play but also enhance the overall experience, as matches will now be decided by player expertise rather than additional boosts. As the new season approaches, anticipation is building to see how this adjustment will impact the game and test competitors’ true abilities. This marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for WECL, one that underscores the league’s commitment to innovation and fair play. Who Can Join? The WECL is open to everyone*, from seasoned veterans to newcomers eager to make their debut. Gather your team, brush off the rust, and prepare to make your mark as the league returns after its hiatus. *Eligibility rules apply; see below “Eligibility” section. Key Dates Registration Opens: January 31, 2025 Registration Closes: February 14, 2025 Season Start: February 17, 2025 How to Sign Up? Joining is simple: Visit the official WECL Season 4 registration page. Log in or create your account. Register your team and finalize your roster. Eligibility As a regional league, the WECL has three officially recognized countries (ES, FR, and UK). However, teams based in countries that are not represented in the current (ongoing or not) SportsGamer regional leagues (CSCL, GCL, RCL, FCL, and SCL) are also able to take part. Teams from the following countries are eligible for the WECL and their players don’t count against the foreign player cap: Albania Andorra Armenia Austria Azerbaijan Belarus Belgium Bosnia and Herzegovina Bulgaria Croatia Cyprus Denmark Estonia France Georgia Greece Hungary Iceland Ireland Italy Kazakhstan Republic Kosovo Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg North Macedonia Malta Moldova Monaco Montenegro Netherlands Norway Poland Portugal Romania San Marino Serbia Slovenia Spain Switzerland Turkey Ukraine UK Vatican City Teams from the following countries are already eligible for another regional league and cannot sign teams up; players will also count against the foreign player cap: Czech Republic Slovakia Germany Russia Finland Sweden Players from these countries are counted against a limit of 2 foreign players on the roster, with the allowance of only one of them being on ice. Additionally, in order to better facilitate the opportunities for local players to naturally grow, the WECL also enforces a skill cap, meaning that foreign players with ECL Elite status will not be able to participate in the league. ECL Elite status is determined by having represented an Elite team in either ECL '25 Winter or ECL '24 Spring. Communication English is the official language of the WECL, and all communications related to the Championship — whether from the League Administration (LA) or Regional League Administration (RLA) — will be conducted in English. However, participants are welcome to use English, French, or Spanish in the league’s dedicated sub-forum. Exceptions The WECL is committed to inclusivity, welcoming teams that may not feel represented in other regional leagues. If you need to request an exception to the rules, please use the support tool to submit your case. We also encourage all participants to review the full rulebook, as this overview is only a small portion of the complete regulations. After a two-year break, WECL is back and ready to deliver an exciting Season 4. We can’t wait to see teams bring their passion and skill to the competition. Let’s make this a tournament to remember! Thank you, and see you on the ice!

Hello, eHockey fans and players! The wait is over—ECL '25 Winter is here, and the Core division is packed with action and anticipation. In this article, we dive into the teams vying for glory across the four groups, spotlighting their performances from last season, key players to watch, and their prospects for the playoffs. From seasoned contenders to fresh faces making their Core debut, we’ll uncover what makes this season an exciting chapter in ECL Core. This article is intended to provide a detailed and engaging overview of the competition. So, who are the standout stars and dark horses in this competitive mix? Let’s break it down group by group and set the stage for a thrilling season ahead! ECL '25 Winter – Core: Group 1 CapeTown Kings ECL '24: Spring Performance: Quarterfinalists (Core) CapeTown Kings showcased an impressive playoff run last season, reaching the quarterfinals in Core. Their offensive duo, led by Sambleri and Beeoo87, combined for a powerful attack, amazing 58 and 49 points, respectively. The team also boasts solid contributions from Black1Eagle1__. Goalkeeper Moneygunx delivered with an 84.34% save percentage. The Kings look to build on this momentum to secure another strong season. Key Player to Watch: Sambleri Dynamo HC ECL '24: Spring Performance: Winners (Neo) Dominating Neo in Spring, Dynamo HC has now advanced to Core with a strong roster. Their top scorer Dcon2Silly stood out with 50 points in just 12 games, while Harten7 contributed significantly to their offensive firepower. Proving to be a reliable last line of defense. Dynamo HC’s seamless transition from Neo to Core will be one of the narratives to follow this season. Key Player to Watch: Dcon2Silly ERC Ingolstadt ECL '24: Spring Performance: Missed Playoffs (Core) ERC Ingolstadt struggled last season, failing to qualify for the playoffs. However, they still feature standout players like Tunnic1991, who was 2nd in the team in scoring with 18 points. Their goaltender Xd420GaMeR7455 faced challenges but gained valuable experience. If Ingolstadt can tighten their defensive play, they have the potential to climb in the standings. Key Player to Watch: Tunnic1991 Hiljainen Pikkukaupunki ECL '24: Spring Performance: Missed Playoffs (Core) Hiljainen Pikkukaupunki had a tough Spring campaign but remain determined to make their mark. Their standout skater, TheKapoZ, delivered 16 goals and 17 assists despite the team’s struggles. However, they’ll need stronger goaltending, as Larde64 posted a save percentage below 80%. Improvement in net could help them compete for a playoff spot. Key Player to Watch: TheKapoZ Koppibuutti ECL '24: Spring Performance: Round 1 Exit (Core) Koppibuutti had a decent Spring season, qualifying for the playoffs but falling short in the first round. Their offensive duo of Jorkkilainen and ruttopottu impressed with over 40 points each. Goaltender Adelyn10 was a standout, with a remarkable 87.61% save percentage. This balance between offense and defense makes Koppibuutti a strong contender in Group 1. Key Player to Watch: Jorkkilainen Pillipiiparit ECL '24: Spring Performance: Missed Playoffs (Core) Despite missing the playoffs, Pillipiiparit showed glimpses of potential. Skater Nnispe led the team with 31 points, but their overall offensive depth was lacking. Goalie VanhaKorppu faced heavy pressure and posted a save percentage of 81.27%. Pillipiiparit will need to step up both offensively and defensively to have a shot at the playoffs this season. Key Player to Watch: Nnispe Prowlers ECL '24: Spring Performance: Quarterfinalists (Core) Prowlers had a strong Spring season, with their top scorer RHannu leading the charge with an impressive 63 points. Supported by Kvarneen and an airtight defensive system, they made it to the quarterfinals. Goaltender Tizjeflen was one of the league’s best, boasting an 89.29% save percentage. Prowlers enter this season as one of the favorites in Group 1. Key Player to Watch: RHannu RAIDERS HC ECL '24 Spring Performance: Playoff Contenders (Neo) RAIDERS HC performed well in Neo last season, reaching the playoffs. Their transition to Core will be led by Dens1935, who amassed 63 points in 20 games. Goalie Duff_Man2309 was solid in net with an 80.99% save percentage. If they adapt quickly to the higher level of competition, RAIDERS HC could surprise many. Key Player to Watch: Dens1935 Taskubilis ECL '24: Spring Performance: Round 2 Exit (Core) Taskubilis showed resilience last season, advancing to the second round of the playoffs. Their core players, including Jalitmane10, delivered consistent performances. Goaltender Pinson91 provided stability with a 77.99% save percentage. With their balanced approach, Taskubilis is expected to be a playoff contender once again. Key Player to Watch: Jalitmane10 Newcomers to Watch SCRUBS Newcomers SCRUBS bring a mix of talent and experience to the Core division. Lokterpengar leads the offense with an impressive 30 points in 8 games during ECL 11 Neo, supported by IGurrAI with 39 points from last season in Core. Defensively, HerrLarsson80 adds physicality, while Darkfox_fire_bal offers offensive versatility. In goal, Nobigdeals and gremlingswe will aim to improve their consistency. SCRUBS’ offensive depth makes them a potential dark horse this season. Key Player to Watch: Lokterpengar The Ghillie Gang The Ghillie Gang enters the ECL Core as a largely inexperienced team, with most of the roster making their competitive debut. Goalie Janucek brings the only notable experience from previous Core seasons, providing some stability. While little is known about the team’s overall potential, their debut season will focus on building chemistry and finding their footing in the division. Key Player to Watch: Janucek Predicted Standings (AI generated) Prowlers CapeTown Kings Taskubilis Dynamo Hc Koppibuutti RAIDERS HC The Ghillie Gang Hiljainen Pikkukaupunki SCRUBS Pillipiiparit ERC Ingolstadt ECL '25 Winter – Core: Group 2 ARMEIJAN KURI ARMEIJAN KURI enters the Core division with a highly skilled and experienced roster. The team is spearheaded by MutainenMalik, who delivered a phenomenal 54 points in 18 games last season, leading the offense with his scoring and playmaking abilities. Supporting him are and Wirtaazkin47, who contributed and 46 points respectively, forming a dynamic offensive trio capable of dominating games. Defensively, SUONEKASKOSTAJA_ and wertigosetti19 add stability. ARMEIJAN KURI’s blend of offensive firepower and defensive reliability makes them a formidable opponent this season. Key Player to Watch: MutainenMalik NAM3LESS ECL '24: Spring Performance: Mid-table finish (Core) NAM3LESS had a competitive but inconsistent Spring campaign. Their standout forward, jimmiNOhands, recorded an impressive 56 points, supported by altsu23 with 46 points. Goalie saberLionZero posted a respectable 83.85% save percentage, ensuring the team remained competitive in most games. This season, they’ll aim to translate their offensive firepower into more consistent results. Key Player to Watch: jimmiNOhands HC Lisko ECL '24: Spring Performance: Struggled (Core) HC Lisko endured a challenging season, with their top scorer Laspar contributing 29 points. Despite their struggles, they have potential in their core. Goalie tolbati was a bright spot, with an 82.12% save percentage. Improvement in both offense and defense is essential for Lisko to remain competitive in Group 2. Key Player to Watch: Laspar KOST Wolves ECL '24: Winter Performance: Promoted (Neo) KOST Wolves are new to Core after a strong Neo season. Led by MaroulCZE with 55 points. Goalie Gorkis24CZ has the skills to be a game-changer with a 80.7% save percentage. Their challenge will be adapting to the higher level of competition in Core. Key Player to Watch: MaroulCZE Jurvan Liekki ECL '24: Winter Performance: Mid-table finish (Core) Jurvan Liekki is a resilient team, led by Aap3li-00 with 54 points and heeb__ close behind with 52. Their strong offensive core makes them a playoff contender. Goalie adez1601 provides solid back-end support, with an 83.46% save percentage. If they tighten their defense, Liekki can climb the standings. Key Player to Watch: Aap3li-00 HC Ohiveto ECL '24 Winter Performance: Promoted (Neo) HC Ohiveto’s promotion comes on the back of a solid Neo campaign. hefezuk85 dominated offensively with 83 points, while LeMagnifique2 and Hawkes_ added depth. Their goalie kasuri1 was phenomenal, with an outstanding 89.23% save percentage. Ohiveto has the potential to surprise many in Group 2. Key Player to Watch: hefezuk85 Wildcats eSport I ECL '24 Spring Performance: Mid-table finish (Core) Wildcats eSport had a steady but unremarkable campaign, with Julien92i4760 leading the charge with 38 points. They rely heavily on multimillar88 and Batou-76R for scoring. Key Player to Watch: Julien92i4760 Nordic Nosebleed ECL '24 Winter Performance: Playoff Contenders (Core) Nordic Nosebleed had a strong season, with Sayatu14 racking up 55 points. With consistent performances from jcarlton89, they are expected to be one of the top teams in Group 2. Key Player to Watch: Sayatu14 Nurnberg Nidhoggr ECL '24 Spring Performance: Mid-table finish (Core) Nurnberg Nidhoggr is a defensively solid team, with ITA-Pizzabaecker leading the offense with 30 points. They’ll need more contributions from their supporting cast to compete for a playoff spot.. Key Player to Watch: ITA-Pizzabaecker New Teams to Watch Reckless Panthers: The Panthers step into the ECL Core with a mix of seasoned Core players and promising talent. Notable additions include forward Palawatsch, whose standout performance in the Spring season with HC Lugano Academy produced 38 points in just 12 games, and Schuster060796, an all-round forward with a proven record of 46 points across 20 games. On the defensive side, XBeast_of_MercyX brings solid two-way play and experience from Huskies eSports, while goalie just-boopi provides a reliable presence in net after a strong season with Crazy Capricorns. Key Player to Watch: Palawatsch Maitojuna Maitojuna enters the ECL Core as a fresh addition, bringing a mix of untested players and a few with prior ECL experience. The backbone of their roster comes from Aake Kallialan Laituri, with standout performances from forward Minaolenmakke, who tallied 36 points in 20 games during the Spring season, showcasing a knack for finishing and playmaking. The team's goaltending duo, proffa82 and Jurkkaa, both had solid showings last season, posting save percentages of 85.93% and 84.18% respectively, ensuring a dependable last line of defense. While many on the roster are ECL newcomers, their mix of energy and adaptability may make them a wildcard in the competition. Key Player to Watch: Minaolenmakke Salaseura Salaseura makes its debut in ECL Core, bringing a roster that blends experienced players from Neo-level success and fresh talent venturing into their first ECL campaign. The team's strength lies in its offensive depth, with standout forwards like velmu2 and old_33 leading the charge. Velmu2 notched an impressive 38 points in 14 games last season, while old_33 contributed 34 points, proving their ability to deliver in high-pressure situations. On the defensive end, Salaseura can count on solid goaltending from Aivokuollut__, who recorded an impressive 86.73% save percentage and a 1.86 GAA in the Spring Neo season. With such consistency in net and a potent offense, Salaseura looks poised to make a competitive entry into the Core division. Key Player to Watch: Velmu2 AI Predicted Standings ARMEIJAN KURI NAM3LESS Nurnberg Nidhoggr KOST Wolves Nordic Nosebleed Maitojuna Wildcats esport I Hc Ohiveto HC Lisko Salaseura, Reckless Panthers Jurvan Liekki ECL '25 Winter – Core: Group 3 Silver Sword Griffins ECL '24: Spring Performance: Quarterfinal Exit (Core) Silver Sword Griffins (SSG) enter this season as a solid playoff contender. LATMinx led the charge last season with 40 points, while SchoolBoyZFN and martinssilins provided essential secondary scoring. Their goalie gacorigavecit17 was reliable with an 83.93% save percentage. With a balanced roster, they have the tools to challenge for a top spot in Group 2. Key Player to Watch: LATMinx PANIC ON ICE ECL '24: Spring Core Performance: Round 1 Exit (Core) Panic On Ice showcased strong offensive depth last season, led by TemeF1Nx (who has now left the team) with 57 points, moikka11 with 54, and TVNIILO9494 contributing 50. Their balanced playstyle and disciplined defense make them a tough opponent. sMiiga has replaced FlaaZii in the net. He comes from a solid performance in the pro team Mustaa Kultaa where he was backup 24 winter. he has on his side Jam66_Bo who looks to be counted as backup under 25 spring, ensuring consistency. With their offensive firepower and reliable goaltending, Panic On Ice is a strong playoff contender. Key Player to Watch: moikka11 Turun Gasellit ECL '24: Spring Performance: Mid-table finish (Lite) After a respectable Lite season, Turun Gasellit have moved up to Core. pohjarzinho were their standout performer with over 40 points. Despite their offensive strengths, their goalie SirRaitanen struggled with a 74.15% save percentage. Improved defensive play will be essential for success in Core. Key Player to Watch: pohjarzinho HC Last Resort ECL '24: Spring Performance: Mid-table finish (Core) HC Last Resort faced challenges last season but has signed Tolliikkii from Refuse Too Lose where he scored 76 points in 26 games. Their goalie Vxxlle-_-showed potential with an 81.48% save percentage. If their defense improves, Last Resort could surprise many in this competitive group. Key Player to Watch: Tolliikki Pulp Odyssey ECL '24: Spring Performance: Playoff Contenders (Core) Pulp Odyssey had a strong Spring season, led by Valosaari92, who tallied 23 points. They also benefited from balanced contributions from Kemboi92. Goalie IrJe2023 was a standout, with an 83.63% save percentage. This season, Pulp Odyssey is expected to continue their push for playoff success Key Player to Watch: Valosaari92 BACKCHECK BOYS ECL '24: Spring Performance: Promoted (Neo) BACKCHECK BOYS had a stellar run in Neo, earning promotion to Core. Ydstie99 led the way with 43 points, while hedstrom_1999 provided key secondary scoring. Their goalie Davvem26 delivered a solid 81.82% save percentage. As newcomers, they’ll aim to establish themselves early in Core competition. Key Player to Watch: Ydstie99 Brunker Bulldogs ECL '24: Spring Performance: Struggled (Core) Brunker Bulldogs faced a challenging season, finishing near the bottom of the table. Despite the struggles, Ederby74 was a bright spot with 40 points. Goalie Igelkottskonung recorded an 81.22% save percentage but faced heavy workloads. They’ll need a collective improvement to climb the standings this season. Key Player to Watch: Ederby74 New Teams to Watch Kurbads Warriors: Formerly known as the Latvian Warriors, Kurbads Warriors return to the Core division with a familiar core of players and a mix of fresh ambitions. The team is built around its offensive centerpiece, Kekava, who was a dominant force in the Winter Core season, amassing an impressive 59 points in 18 games, showcasing both goal-scoring prowess and playmaking ability. On the defensive side, the team benefits from the experience of ZeJukums, who contributed 23 points last season with the Silver Sword Griffins, bringing valuable Core-level experience to the squad. In goal, scorps_13 leads the charge with a solid 83.62% save percentage and a GAA of 2.38, providing stability between the pipes. Key Player to Watch: Kekava KELAGOLDCARD HC KELAGOLDCARD HC steps into the Core division with a mix of returning players and newcomers eager to make an impression. The standout among the roster is Romurallimies, who had a strong performance in the Lite division last season, tallying 37 points in 18 games with the BushWhackers. His goal-scoring and clutch play, highlighted by six game-winning goals, will be a key asset for the team. With several players making their ECL debut and others returning after a break, the team’s chemistry and adaptability will play a significant role in their success. Goalie K3mpny begins his first ECL campaign, bringing intrigue to the team's defensive setup. Key Player to Watch: Romurallimies RODIS Enters the Core division as a fresh contender with a roster comprising both debutants and returning players. While many players, including goalie Pekkakaukalo23 and forward marjala7, are stepping onto the ECL stage for the first time, the team also features experienced individuals such as Pallomasi24 and Puuhastelija24, who bring valuable insight from past campaigns. The team's success will depend on how quickly the roster can gel and adapt to the competitive demands of the Core division. With a mix of fresh talent and seasoned players, RODIS is poised to be an unpredictable opponent. Key Player to Watch: Kortsupipo66 MIESKISSAT Enters the Core division as an entirely new team, with all players making their ECL debut. While their lack of experience at this level presents a challenge, it also brings unpredictability and fresh energy to the competition. Led by goalie MikkeH and a roster full of first-time participants, the team’s success will hinge on their ability to quickly adapt to the demands of the Core division. With enthusiasm and the opportunity to grow, MIESKISSAT is a true wildcard in this season's competition. Key Player to Watch: BoomeriGaimeri AI Predicted Standings Silver Sword Griffins PANIC ON ICE Pulp Odyssey KELAGOLDCARD HC HC Last Resort BACKCHECK BOYS MIESKISSAT Turun Gasellit Kurbads Warriors Brunker Bulldogs RODIS The battle for playoff spots will be fierce, with several teams poised to surprise. Let the games begin! ECL '25 Winter – Core: Group 4 Preview SKYFALL ECL '22 Winter Performance: Solid Mid-table Finish (Core) SKYFALL is led by their offensive powerhouse stu_rulez, who tallied an impressive 69 points last season the team played. Supported by Koutsinaattori, this team boasts a strong offensive. SKYFALL’s depth makes them a strong playoff contender. Key Player to Watch: stu_rulez Rusty X ECL '24 Spring Performance: Relegated (Lite to Core) Rusty X arrives in Core after a weak season in Lite. Kasterly_ was a top scorer with 20 points, but the team needs consistent contributions from its supporting cast. Rusty X will look to build on their momentum. Key Player to Watch: Kasterly_ EHC Olten eSports ECL '24: Spring Performance: Struggled (Lite) EHC Olten had a tough time last season, with Stevekoeck standing out offensively with 45 points. Goalie House_Pro was dependable, with a 74.74% save percentage. The team needs to improve its defensive play to be competitive in Core. Key Player to Watch: Stevekoeck Karmadillos ECL '23: Winter Performance: Mid-table (Lite) Karmadillos bring balance to their lineup, highlighted by stimperi’s offensive contributions (46 points) for HC Palosaari last ecl but they need some strong goaltending from VilppiSami. They’ll rely on experience to navigate the challenges of Core. Key Player to Watch: stimperi The Solution ECL '24: Spring Performance: Struggled (Lite) The Solution will depend on Platy666 and Staggelito to lead the scoring, but their defensive record remains a concern. Goalie Liimp_92 will need to perform at his peak for the team to climb the standings. Key Player to Watch: Platy666 EV Duisburg ECL '24: Spring Performance: Competitive (Core) EV Duisburg impressed last season with GreatOne139 leading their attack (28 points) and goalie MarvinJVfL1848 showcasing stellar performances, with an 88.47% save percentage. This team is well-positioned to secure a playoff spot. Key Player to Watch: GreatOne139 Dompa HC ECL '24: Winter Performance: Relegated (Lite) Dompa HC’s Relegated comes after a week Lite season, where L-sk1y-L led the offense with 49 points. Goalie. Their success depends on how they adapt to Core competition. Key Player to Watch: L-sk1y-L Lutunilkat ECL '24: Spring Performance: Playoff Contenders (Core) Lutunilkat’s offense revolves around Pyssyh (58 points) and lutuniemi (56 points). Goalie Hiatala_ supports their campaign with an impressive 85.79% save percentage. Lutunilkat has the depth and talent to be a top team in Group 4. Key Player to Watch: Pyssyh New Teams to Watch Tikitaka Tikitaka enters the Core division with a mix of players returning to the ECL and a few newcomers eager to make their mark. The standout in the roster is TansKungen, who delivered an impressive 32 points in 20 games for Carpe Diem in Lite last season, showcasing his ability to lead the offense. Niccoers adds further scoring depth, coming off a strong Neo campaign with 27 points in 14 games. In goal, HakkisBro will make his ECL debut, anchoring a team that will need strong defensive performances to complement their offensive talent. With a mix of proven scorers and returning players, Tikitaka is poised to be a competitive addition to the Core division. Key Player to Watch: TansKungen Wida Academy Wida Academy steps into the Core division with a roster blending ECL experience and fresh talent. Forward karwa22 stands out as the team’s offensive leader, with an impressive 24 points in 14 games during the Spring Core season. He’ll be supported by Jonzei, a consistent contributor who tallied 19 points in just nine games in Neo. On the defensive side, eeppo88 brings Core-level experience, adding stability and two-way capability. In goal, ju_lle makes his ECL debut, anchoring the team as they adapt to the challenges of Core competition. With its mix of scoring talent and returning players, Wida Academy has the potential to make a competitive impact in its first Core season. Key Player to Watch: karwa22 Sopranos Sopranos make their return to the Core division with a roster featuring experienced Core-level players and a few new faces. Leading the team is kalle244, a proven offensive powerhouse who recorded an impressive 56 points in 22 games with North Sawo Lions. Supporting him is bnkoXD, who delivered 39 points in the Spring Core season, showcasing his scoring ability and clutch performances. The team’s depth is further strengthened by Heatley91 and asaastamo, both contributing consistently with over 25 points each last season. In goal, Redhawk1765 steps into his first ECL campaign, adding an element of uncertainty to their defensive setup. With a mix of high-caliber forwards and experienced Core veterans, the Sopranos are well-positioned to make a strong comeback this season. Key Player to Watch: kalle244 AI Predicted Standings SKYFALL Lutunilkat Sopranos Tikitaka Karmadillos EV Duisburg Wida Academy Rusty X EHC Olten eSports Dompa HC The Solution We want your clips! Did you make an incredible play or have a funny blooper? Share your best moments on social media using the hashtag #ECL25Clips and get a chance to be featured in our broadcasts. Social media Please tag @SportsGamerGG and use the hashtag #ECL25Winter when posting on social media. You can also use the hashtags #KouvolanLakritsi #eHockey. Also note that when editing your team info, you can add your social media accounts to your team information. The same goes for your player card. Season schedule Regular Season duration: 17.11-19.12.2024 Estimated finals date: Below is the estimated date for the Finals (BO7) to be approximately played. We reserve the right to changes in schedule. ECL Core Finals 31.1.-1.2.2025 Good luck to all the teams as they hit the virtual ice. Have fun and let the games begin!

  After further deliberation and in light of the unanimous motion to ban the Big Tipper ability, the League Administration has decided to ban both Gold and Silver Big Tipper (both Gold and Silver) from the ECL ’25: Winter season for all divisions. This change will take effect from the Pre-Season starting immediately, and will also apply to the ECL Qualifiers. It’s been inspiring to see how the community discussion around abilities has gained momentum, with many well-reasoned perspectives and innovative ideas on the table. We’re especially intrigued by the proposals to either ban all abilities or allow each ability and/or player class only once per team. While both options could offer fresh layers to gameplay and enhance the broadcast experience, we recognize these are complex changes that shouldn’t be made hastily. Therefore, we’ll be following how the season progresses and reserve the right to revisit these discussions later. While there will always be strong opinions and a push for fast action, we want to make sure that we give these ideas enough time for the community to think about and have conversations. Thus, we urge you to be active and weigh in with your constructive thoughts. Player Ability Bans - ECL '25 Season Discussion We appreciate your continued contributions to this evolving conversation.

In this article, we’ll provide you with an in-depth analysis of both teams, how they managed to get to the championship, interviews, and much more! (1) Nordic Stars vs Zenegeim (3) Both teams have had quite the run this postseason, easily advancing from every round. Zenegeim not losing a single game so far, and Nordic Stars losing only three times is quite the accomplishment too, but after watching both teams from the opposing side, this writer can confidently say both teams play in the wrong division and we'll see both playing in the Pro division next season, and I suspect both will make the playoff there too if the rosters stay the same. When both teams are on their game, the puck moves extremely well within the teams. This will be a good series for Lite teams to follow if they want a good look at what it takes to make it far in the Pro playoffs. Dare I say that neither team is known for their good defense? With both teams losing for a combined 3 games for the entire playoffs, there still is a very well-rounded defensive responsibility within both teams. @Esko-etikka (90,8% save percentage and 0,94 GAA) & @SakkeTheEngineer (86,31 and 1,94 GAA) both boast impressive stats with the number one spot going to the Zenegeim goalie (for now). Before the season even started we had a clear favorite to win the Lite division. They’ve played together in previous seasons with good results and they're playing on that same level again this season. It has come to nobody's surprise that they’re in the finals. The team in question? Nordic Stars. With the entire forward group placed at the top 3 in points, they now face their toughest challenge yet, with @Vire30 & @Jerax13 going for the all-time record in points, they’re going to fall just short now boasting 64 & 62 points each in these playoffs so far, they now face a stingy defense that haven’t lost a game yet. (There are games from previous series that haven't been reported and the points total could be higher) With a strong offense, comes a defenceman with a lot of points, @katunarski has taken the responsibility on himself to deliver those points (5+31), with a plethora of experience from the highest division in Sportsgamer, the experience and certainty he brings to the blueline is impossible to replace. @SakkeTheEngineer taking the responsibility between the pipes for the number one seeded team has been playing on a different level, for those of you who don't know this is his first ECL season between the pipes, playing as a defenceman the year before this, quite an accomplishment. Zenegeim has had an incredible run, as previously stated they haven’t lost a single game in these playoffs, sweeping all rounds including an impressive one against Mights in the semifinals, with all players contributing to this impressive run, they are indeed firing on all cylinders. Even with a run like this, there are standout players, most notably @Esko-etikka, he boasts a 0.94 GAA, when a goalie lets in under a goal per game they really do give their team a good chance to take home the win. Another player who has taken a big role for Zengeim is @imosi, as their primary goal scorer he has netted an impressive 29 goals in 16 games, so far. If Zengeim wants to take on this Nordic Stars team, they once again need to rely on @imosi to light that red lamp. Defense wins championships, ever heard of that line? With 16 games played, Zenegeim has let in 15 goals, and as we mentioned their goalie has been good, but a goalie is only as good as the defense in front of him. With @Juhaniz- making the jump from forward to defense you never know what you’re going to get, he impressed me personally with his defense-first mentality giving his partner @Saviinainen the more offensive role in the team, as a captain this is what we like to see putting his team first and his own points last. We asked the captains some questions before the finals: How have you prepared for these finals, and have you changed anything? @Vire30: "We haven’t really prepared, haven’t played at all since the semifinal series against Sawolanche since our timetables haven’t matched up, now we’ll enjoy the midsummer and see how it goes. We’re not going to change anything, but obviously since all teams are different we’ll adapt to Zenegeim, but since we don’t really have any tactics they will surely adapt during the series." @Juhaniz-: "We’re aware of how Nordic Stars will play and it’s going to take a tight defense and good man marking since they like those one-timers so much, we also need to have our heads up since they play very physical, but playing our own game is the most important thing” “Who would you say is the weakest and strongest link from Zenegeim/Nordic Stars?” @Vire30: "We haven’t really played against Zengeims roster at all, tough to say really anything but looking at the stats Imosi1 has 29 goals which is really impressive. Tough to find a weakness but I'm sure we’ll exploit Juhaniz’s side in offense." @Juhaniz-: "Katunarski is surely the most creative player, with Vire they can create some nasty plays even in the finals." What will it take to hoist that trophy and what does it mean to you on a personal level? @Vire30: "I believe we’ll win just by playing our own game, and keep our level over half the games. Winning is always fun and the championship has been our goal this season. My own goal was to have fun with friends this season, and winning a championship would be icing on the cake." @Juhaniz-: "Lifting the trophy requires two well-balanced nights from us, and that we stick to our own game, and as I said in earlier in the interview that it requires good team defense and that we exploit the few mistakes they make. Personally I’ve won already but my goal was to secure a spot in pro and that we already accomplished, but it’s always nice to win." Predictions: @hifk_FANI: 4-1 Zengegeim @MCH_98: 4-3 Zengeim @JepuXI: 4-2 Nordic Stars Follow the Playoff streams: Games 1-3: Monday, June 24th: 20:00 CEST: https://twitch.tv/juhaniz_ 20:00 CEST: https://twitch.tv/nordicstarshockey Games 4-7: Tuesday, June 25th: 19:45 CEST https://twitch.tv/SportsGamerGG Who do you think will win each series? Let us know in the comments!

The ECL25 Spring Core Division regular season has wrapped, and what a ride it’s been. With 49 teams fighting for just 32 playoff spots, only the most consistent, balanced, and resilient squads made it through. This article breaks down the top-performing teams, highlights standout players, and provides a preview of the playoff matchups. Whether you're a competitor or a fan, here's everything you need to know about one of the most competitive seasons in recent memory. Playoffs schedule Playoffs (BO7) Round of 32: Tuesday 27.5 Thursday 29.5 Sunday 1.6 Round of 16: Tuesday 3.6. Thursday 5.6. Sunday 8.6. Quarterfinals: Tuesday 10.6. Thursday 12.6. Sunday 15.6. Semifinals: Monday 16.6. Wednesday 18.6. Thursday 19.6. Finals: 25.6 - 26.6 * * Dates are subject to change as broadcast productions are confirmed. Group Breakdown: Who Stood Out and Why Group 1 : Dynamo HC (47 pts): A model of consistency. With 91 goals scored and just 39 conceded, they bring balance and stability to the ice. Their power play efficiency sits at a healthy 28.13%, and their penalty kill is rock solid at 86.49%. VBO Stars (44 pts): Efficient and steady, they’ve allowed only 52 goals. While their power play leaves room for improvement (16.28%), they play with discipline and keep penalty minutes low. Viitapohja Vikings (43 pts): Dangerous offensively (83 GF) and nearly impenetrable on the penalty kill (96.3%). Their main concern lies in defensive consistency. HC Lisko (40 pts): A balanced contender with strong faceoff skills (54.71%) and defensive structure. NAM3LESS (32 pts): This team thrives on toughness. Their 499 hits lead the group. Scoring remains a challenge, but their defense and penalty kill (92.86%) give them a shot in low-scoring games. Beer Bears (26 pts), BACKCHECK BOYS (25 pts), TeNo (24 pts): Also qualified for playoffs, though with more inconsistencies. TeNo's power play is dangerous, but they concede far too many goals. BACKCHECK BOYS and Beer Bears need tighter defense. Group 2 : ARMEIJAN KURI (61 pts): A physically dominant team (665 hits) with a formidable goal differential (101 GF, 52 GA). Their 96.55% penalty kill rate makes them incredibly hard to beat. Nordic Nosebleed (57 pts): Lethal on the power play (34.55%) and aggressive in the offensive zone with 97 goals. Fallen Rangers (50 pts): The league's most explosive offense with 125 goals. Their challenge? Shoring up a defense that gave up 82. CapeTown Kings (37 pts), Bare Knuckles Hockey (35 pts), Auramo Hockey Club (34 pts), HC KOROBKA (33 pts), MIESKISSAT (33 pts): These teams round out the top 8 and secured playoff berths. Auramo and CapeTown offer balanced play. HC KOROBKA and Bare Knuckles bring physicality but must tighten defensively. MIESKISSAT combines strong scoring with faceoff dominance. Group 3 : Harhapassi: Strong defensively (57 GA) with a gritty style (441 hits). Their low faceoff win rate (46.46%) might hurt in close games. SKYFALL: Arguably the most dangerous team with the puck. They boast the best power play (35.14%) and penalty kill (92.31%) in the division. Prowlers: Their mix of solid defense, above-average faceoff wins, and physicality (389 hits) makes them well-rounded contenders. KELAGOLDCARD HC, Surte Sisu HC, Taifun Veterans, Wildcats esport I, Zamboni Zorros: All playoff-bound. KELAGOLDCARD is high scoring but defensively unstable. Surte and Taifun bring offensive threats. Wildcats struggle with control but stay aggressive. Zamboni Zorros sneak in with great faceoffs but need more scoring. Group 4 : HC Purijat (62 pts): The standard for defensive excellence. Allowing just 36 goals all season, they combine efficiency with a physical edge. Conexion (62 pts): Equal in points to Purijat, Conexion plays a disciplined, position-focused game. Their power play at 27.66% is a big factor in close games. Sopranos (47 pts): Built on elite defense and heavy physical play (523 hits). Their penalty kill (94.87%) gives them an edge in grind-it-out matchups. HC Vilttimiehet (44 pts), Koppibuutti (44 pts), Nordic Knights (38 pts), Pulp Odyssey (35 pts), Siniviiva Snipers (33 pts): These teams complete the top 8 and earn playoff spots. Vilttimiehet play tight defensively, while Koppibuutti brings the league’s most physical play. Pulp Odyssey shines in faceoffs; Siniviiva Snipers combine effort with scoring grit. Top Individual Performers Scoring Machines: @Sebko99 (Fallen Rangers): Dominant with 43 goals and 81 points. His ability to score under pressure (7 PPGs, 6 GWGs) sets him apart. @Timo Silakka (Harhapassi): 40 goals with a staggering 44.9% shooting accuracy. Rare efficiency. @nuariatte (HC Purijat): 42 goals, including 13 game-winners. He knows when to show up. Elite Playmakers: @Gadzovec (Taifun Veterans) Leads the league with 44 assists and and incredible vision on the ice. @JaakkoJoonas (HC Purijat): 37 assists with just one goal—a true pass-first player. Two-Way Forces: @Tuhoaja542 & @Bjorssi (xDallee_6) (HC Purijat): Matching +59 ratings show their importance at both ends of the rink. @hefezuk85 (ARMEIJAN KURI): A reliable two-way presence with 27 goals, 35 assists, and a +32 rating. Defensive Wall Builders: @JakkeDangles & @DobboJ90 (Conexion): +42 each. Defensive pillars that rarely take penalties. @Zamiboii (Zambouni_ )(HC Lisko): Another high + rating (+31) with low PIMs—an efficient shutdown D-man. Goaltending Aces: @Japemode (HC Purijat): A 1.41 GAA and 21 wins in 22 games is pure dominance. @Joe NHL (Gremlingswe) (Conexion): 8 shutouts and 1.58 GAA make him the goalie to watch. @Jiihooo86 (HC Vilttimiehet): Solid numbers across the board (SV% 84.15 2.17 GAA, 15W, 4 SO). @Mrantonn (Prowlers): A steady force with 87.64% SV% GAA: 2.25, proving he can handle playoff pressure. Playoff Matchups & Predictions This year’s playoff bracket is stacked from top to bottom. Here’s a full look at the 16 opening-round matchups, along with predictions based on team stats, form, and key player impact. Seed 1 vs Seed 8: HC Purijat vs TeNo: Purijat comes in with elite defense and depth scoring. TeNo’s high-pace offense might steal a game, but their leaky defense (94 GA) is a big liability. Expect Purijat to dominate puck control and capitalize on special teams. Prediction: 4–1 Purijat ARMEIJAN KURI vs Zamboni Zorros: Zorros will struggle to match KURI’s physicality and penalty kill. KURI’s structure is built for playoff grind, and their 665 hits say it all. Prediction: 4–1 ARMEIJAN KURI Harhapassi vs Siniviiva Snipers: Harhapassi brings heavy defense and discipline, while Siniviiva lacks in goal support. If Harhapassi avoids penalties, they should cruise. Prediction: 4–1 Harhapassi Dynamo HC vs MIESKISSAT: Dynamo scores over 4.5 per game and defends tight. MIESKISSAT will need heroics in goal to compete. Prediction: 4–0 Dynamo Seed 2 vs Seed 7: Conexion vs BACKCHECK BOYS: Conexion’s possession and structure give them a big edge. BACKCHECK has some bite but lacks defensive discipline. Prediction: 4–1 Conexion SKYFALL vs HC KOROBKA: SKYFALL’s explosive attack and elite special teams should expose KOROBKA’s defensive gaps. Prediction: 4–2 SKYFALL Nordic Nosebleed vs Wildcats esport I: Nosebleed’s power play will be a key difference. Wildcats are physical, but outgunned. Prediction: 4–2 Nosebleed VBO Stars vs Pulp Odyssey: VBO’s consistency gives them the edge, but Pulp’s faceoff win rate might create some close games. Prediction: 4–1 VBO Seed 3 vs Seed 6: Viitapohja Vikings vs Beer Bears: Vikings have an incredible PK (96%) and better balance. Beer Bears concede too many goals. Prediction: 4–2 Vikings Fallen Rangers vs Auramo HC: Rangers’ top line is dangerous. Auramo plays disciplined, but can't match the firepower. Prediction: 4–1 Rangers Sopranos vs Nordic Knights: A clash of styles—Sopranos’ elite PK vs Nordic’s faceoff control. Should go the distance. Prediction: 4–3 Sopranos Prowlers vs Taifun Veterans: High offense vs high control. Taifun scores more, but their 59% PK is a problem. Prediction: 4–3 Prowlers Seed 4 vs Seed 5: HC Lisko vs Bare Knuckles Hockey: Lisko controls the puck better and has tighter defense. Bare Knuckles will need to stay out of the box. Prediction: 4–2 Lisko HC Vilttimiehet vs NAM3LESS: NAM3LESS is physical but Vilttimiehet’s structured play and PK should hold. Prediction: 4–3 Vilttimiehet KELAGOLDCARD HC vs Surte Sisu HC: Surte has better faceoff numbers and slightly better defense. Could go either way. Prediction: 4–3 Surte CapeTown Kings vs Koppibuutti: Two tight defensive teams, but Koppibuutti hits harder and scores more consistently. Prediction: 4–2 Koppibuutti Final Thoughts From elite scorers to lockdown goaltenders, and from physical grinders to surgical power plays, this season delivered excellence. Now the playoffs are here—and every round promises drama. The top seeds are confident, but mid-tier teams like the Prowlers, Sopranos, and Surte Sisu HC could shake things up. Buckle up for a thrilling finish—the battle for the Core crown is on.

Our first champion has been crowned in the ECL '25: Winter season with Blackbirds defeating SSK Esports 4-0 in the finals of the Pro Division. With their championship, they clinch their spot in Elite in the upcoming ECL '25: Spring season whereas SSK will have to fight for their spot in the qualifiers. The core of the Blackbird squad goes all the way back to the ECL '22: Spring season but they really got going in the ECL '23: Spring Lite season with the xBOTS squad and earned a spot in Pro. After a very short-lived stint in the Pro Division, they got their original squad back together for another season in Lite. After that season they made some key changes in the lineup, acquiring their new goaltender and attacker who would end up being their top-scorer of their Championship season. Interestingly enough, prior to this season the team had never made it past the second round of the playoffs. The Blackbirds squad started their season in the Pro Qualifiers, which they went through in the second stage. After an up-and-down regular season, they found themselves in fifth place in Group 1 heading into the playoffs. In the postseason we saw a total turnaround from the team as they crushed opponents one after another, losing only two games on their road to the Championship. We got to see some great offense from the team as each of their attackers scored over a goal per game in the playoffs as well as one of the best goalie performances to remember. Following the footsteps of the Almost Famous team from the ECL '24: Spring season, they're now the second team to win a Championship in the Pro Division straight after being promoted. We got a chance to interview Blackbirds' captain and right winger Lauri @sopulii04 Enström after clinching the title, where he spoke about their season and the dominant playoff run. Blackbirds' Road to the Championship: Regular season: 13-5-5-7 (54pts) - 5th in Group 1 Round 1: 4-0 vs Aspyre Quarterfinals: 4-1 vs Ismon Valinta Semifinals: 4-1 vs NOVA Finals: 4-0 vs SSK ESPORTS Blackbirds' ECL '25: Winter - Pro Championship Roster Forwards: Lauri @sopulii04 Enström (C) Olli @I0LL1 Sorsa (A) Aatu @aomyo6195 Myöhänen Defense: Tommi @Kibeeex Lehtimäki Onni @ONN123 Forss (A) Goalies: Jesse @Jeerik17 Leppä Miika @miiixu96 Pulkkinen Huge congratulations to the team and all the players! See you in Elite

Six weeks and 28 games later, eight teams have emerged as the best that the Elite division has to offer, and now just 12 wins separate them from the chance to lift a championship trophy at Assembly Winter in February. Some teams are hoping to add to their respective legacies, whole others are looking to start one of their own. That playoff journey starts with the Quarterfinals, so let's take a look at each of our four Elite matchups and break down what we can expect to see. Oh and before we start, remember that these are all just my personal opinions and analysis! You are allowed to disagree with them, just do it respectfully. None of this really means anything and it's all about just trying to come up with good content for the league that people can enjoy, so please don't take anything here personally or to heart. None of this is that serious! And if I end up being wrong on any of this, then congratulations on proving me wrong! I'll be happy to be one of the first people to admit that you did. Anyways, let's get into why you all are reading this, previewing our four quarterfinals series! (1) Parasite vs (8) GOONS Regular Season Series (December 17th): Parasite 9-3 W, Parasite 5-3 W Parasite: There's dominance, and then there's what Parasite did during the regular season. Many people had Parasite notched as the championship favorite heading into the season, but somehow they still managed to blow the preseason expectations completely out of the water. Not only did they win 27 of their 28 games, with 24 of those wins being in regulation, but they also finished the regular season as the highest-scoring team in Elite division history, putting up a mind-lowing 5.32 goals for per game. In case that wasn't enough, out of those 27 wins, only six of them were by less than three goals. That is ridiculous in every sense of the word (in a good way). Though it's tough to single out players on a team that has been so complete, Valtteri @Vattuyy Virtanen has been an unstoppable force this season, notching an ECL-record 65 goals during the regular season to go along with 39 assists for 104 total points. He wasn't the only one to put up one of the best regular seasons in ECL history however, as Niklas @NikkeDangles Tukiainen posted a career-high for points (96), goals (38), and assists (58) (ECL competition only). Alongside them, Teemu @Teemuyy Polttila has also had a season to remember. Not only does he lead all defensemen with 64 points, he also ranks sixth out of all skaters in the Division. Outside of his three forward teammates, only TWO PLAYERS in the division racked up more points than him. That's genuinely absurd. The goalie tandem of Sebastian @FINSeRe Remes and Niklas @uhNikke Nieminen split time evenly during the regular season at 14 games a piece, with FinSeRe posting an 85.4 SV% and UhNikke earning an 80.82 SV% and three shutouts. To summarize all of this, this team isn't good, they're great. It's no surprise to see them as the #1 seed and they are the hands-down favorites to win it all heading into the playoffs. Whoever matches up against this team will certainly have their hands full. GOONS: Regardless of how their playoff run goes, this season has to be viewed as a pretty successful one for GOONS. Don't believe me? Just think about where this team found itself just a few months ago. In the Spring season, not only did GOONS finish 13th in the standings and forced into a relegation series, but they were swept in said relegation series by Mustaa Kultaa and were out of the Elite Division entirely. Luckily for them, they were thrown a lifeline with the division having two spots open up and earned their way back into Elite through the ECL Qualifier in early November. Considering this with the fact that they had 5 roster players returning, many thought that they would end up around no man's land and in the middle of the table, but a hot run of form in the middle of the season that saw them win 11 of 12 games was enough for them to lock up a playoff spot despite a tough final week of the regular season. This team brings the same identity as many GOONS teams of the past, which is a physical game that tries to throw around bumps and crushing hits every chance they can. GOONS led the league in hits with 824, making this the sixth straight season that they would lead the league in hits (the last time they didn't was in ECL '22: Winter, where they finished second). They also feature a balanced scoring attack, with four skaters notching double-digit goals this season. Despite all of the good, there are some concerns that I think are fair to have of this GOONS team. The first concern that I have is their performance against fellow playoff teams, as they went 3-11 in those games and two of those wins came against the same team, Mythix. They also have not proven to be particularly strong on special teams, as they had the division's worst power play at 9% and ranked bottom five on the penalty kill at 70.9%. That's not ideal in a series where you are facing off against the #1 power play and #2 penalty kill team in the division. They also are one of two teams in the playoff bracket that finished with a negative goal differential at -7. GOONS are a team that have talent throughout the lineup and they play a unique style that teams have to prepare differently for, however, if they want to have a chance at pulling off the upset, all of these things are going to have to get cleaned up. Prediction I'll be honest, I'll be surprised if this game goes more than five games. It's not a slight against GOONS, because I do think that they are a capable squad, but we have to look at the facts in front of us. It's a matchup of arguably the most dominant regular season team in division history vs a team that struggled to beat fellow playoff competition and has notable weaknesses where their opponents' strengths lie. Combine that with the fact that Parasite heavily out-attacked GOONS in the regular season series, and it doesn't result in much confidence that we'll be seeing some sort of upset in this series. Now to be clear, we've seen crazy things happen in this league, so if GOONS can play a perfect four games, who knows. They also played Parasite in their last series of the regular season, so the lessons that they learned in that series should be very fresh in their minds. I just don't think that will be enough however. If GOONS can prove me wrong, then I'll be one of the first to admit that and congratulate them on the biggest upset in ECL history. Parasite in 4 (2) Tohtorit vs (7) EXEN Regular Season Series (December 8th): Tohtorit 4-3 W, Tohtorit 2-1 W Tohtorit: Well, if there was any doubt about where Tohtorit stood in the hierarchy of the Elite division, they made it known that they aren't just in the conversation for one of the division's best teams, but that they're also here to stay. As one of the few teams that returned its entire roster from last season and didn't make a single change to it, Tohtorit felt like a team that would do one of two things, fall back to the place where many thought they would be before the Spring '24 season started, or assert itself as a championship threat and build on their campaign from last season, and they did exactly the latter. Interestingly enough, a lot of their stats from the regular season are pretty similar to what they did last season. They finished with the same amount of regulation wins with 14 and had 56 points in the standings, two more than they did in the Spring. They were also pretty much the same team as last season defensively, as they gave up nearly the same amount of goals, going from 2.1 to 2.04, and saw their penalty kill also come out nearly identical from last season, going from 61.76% to 62.5% Someone specifically to look out for in this series will be defenseman Timi @Kkarkass Kärkäs, as he led the division this season in time with the puck, logging 207:15 of possession time during the regular season. He was the only player in Elite to have the puck on his stick for over 200 minutes and the next player closest to him possessed the puck for 33:38 less. While they did improve offensively going from 2.43 goals for per game to 2.79, the one area where they saw a significant downturn was on the power play oddly enough, as Tohtorit went from having the division's fourth-best power play last season at 31.43% to having the division's worst power play this season at 12.5%. Negatives aside though, Tohtorit pretty much produced as they did last season while proving that they belong in the tier of championship contenders (they went 4-2 against their fellow Top 4 teams). These playoffs for Tohtorit will be showing that they have taken a step forward from last season, and what better way to do that than knocking out the team that swept you in the Quarterfinals last season? EXEN: If there is one word that I could use to describe EXEN's regular season, it would be turbulent. This team was supposed to be a bonafide lock to make the playoffs and finish as a Top 4 seed, yet it took them winning 9 of their last 10 games to clinch one of the last remaining playoff spots during the last days of the regular season, and only two of those wins were against a fellow playoff team in GOONS. The regular season was an unmitigated disappointment for this team that only could've been worse if they had missed the playoffs entirely, which considering that they only had a four-point cushion over Polski Boys who were the first team outside of the bracket, is something that wasn't far off from becoming a reality. Nevertheless, none of that matters anymore for EXEN. The regular season is now behind them and the "real season" - as some may call it - has now begun with the postseason. EXEN made it to that season and that's all that ultimately matters. Looking at this team, their defense and goaltending this season was actually quite impressive considering where they ended up in the standings. They only allowed 2.25 goals per game, which ranked 4th in the division. They also sported the league's fourth-best power play at 80.49%. Where things went wrong for this team was its lack of goal-scoring, which is honestly really surprising to see considering how much offensive talent they have on this roster. EXEN averaged just 2.32 goals for per game, which tied for 5th lowest in the league. For reference, the average for Elite this season was 2.97, which is a division record. At one point EXEN was dead-last and averaging less than 2 goals per game, but saw that number spike with their late run of form to the end of regular season, as they averaged 3.3 goals for per game during that final 10-game stretch. EXEN did lose seven of their 13 total lost games (regulation and OT) by one goal, so if this goal-scoring can keep up, it could be the difference in their turnaround, however, their struggle against other playoff teams this season is a cause for concern, even if it was early in the season. Is the version of EXEN that we saw during the last week and a half of the season the real EXEN? Or is it the EXEN who struggled with top-end teams earlier on in the season? This series will tell us all that we need to know in answering that question. Prediction If I had a nickel for every time that Tohtorit and EXEN met in the Quarterfinals, I'd have two nickels. Which isn't a lot, but it's weird that it happened twice. To me, this series is definitely one of the most intriguing. While last season, this series was a story between seeds #4 and #5, where the teams had battled for playoff positioning throughout the season, this season's story is the #2 vs #7 matchup where one team was one of the most consistent teams in the division and had locked up a playoff spot before any other team, while the other had considerable expectations and had to scratch and claw their way to even get into the playoffs at all. Overall, this series will be close despite their contrasting regular season campaigns. You can doubt EXEN if you want to, and honestly I can understand why with how they've looked at times this season, but the talent on this roster is just simply undeniable, and I feel confident that this will be a competitive series. The biggest question will be whether or not Tohtorit can live up to the moment in a best-of-seven series in the Elite division. This team has won a championship before at the Pro level, and multiple players on this roster were on that team, but this division, against this EXEN team, is so much different than that. Tohtorit will need to show that it's better than it was this time seven months ago. If it can, they could very well find their way into the semifinals. EXEN in 7 (3) Mustaa Kultaa vs (6) The Black Jacks Regular Season Series (December 16th): The Black Jacks 6-1 W, Mustaa Kultaa 2-1 W Mustaa Kultaa: In one of the more impressive Elite debut seasons that we have seen in recent memory, Mustaa Kultaa was a team that many felt should make it into the playoffs with the multiple big transfers that they added over the offseason. Well, not only did they make it into the eight-team bracket, but they made a statement early in the season that they were a force to be reckoned with, starting the Winter campaign with a 16-1-2 record that pretty much locked their place in the playoffs and a Top 4 seed by midseason. This Mustaa Kultaa team is also one of the most effective scoring teams that we have seen in some time, as their 3.36 goals for per game ranked second in the division this season, and actually ranks in the Top 10 all-time in the Elite. Aaro @xAaro89x Aarvala has emerged as one of the league's top goal-getters once again this season, finishing with 40 goals, which ranked him second among all skaters. This group also features a trio of rookies who could very well all end up being candidates for Rookie of the Season in forward and team captain Alex @Allupekkaz Buntsel (26 goals, 29 assists for 55 points), defenseman J-J @NuariJamal Raatikainen (29 assists for 31 points and 148 interceptions) and goaltender Veeti @LatveX Laitinen (81.5 SV% and 2.36 GAA while starting all 28 games). I've been on record saying how much I respect this Mustaa Kultaa team. I think that they have the makings of being a truly special team that can play for championships in the future if they continue the path that they are currently on. They score at a ridiculous rate, they play solid defense that ranked in the Top 5 in the Division this season, and they have a goaltender that on multiple occasions showed that he can step up when the attack is on from the opposition. That typically is a good combination for success, especially in the playoffs. Though they did lose their form a bit towards the end of the season, going 3-6-1 in their last 10 games, their impressive play throughout the season sees them as a legitimate title threat. The biggest question will be whether or not this team's regular season success will translate in its first Elite playoff run against a team that is very familiar with this situation. The Black Jacks: The playoffs have become a familiar sight for The Black Jacks, with this being the team's third-straight Quarterfinals appearance. They kept things rather close in their first two Quarterfinals appearances, being the #8 seed both times and pushing the #1 seed of Tunnel Vision to six games and Valokuitunen Esports (now Parasite) to seven. Will the third time be the charm for TBJ? Well, I think that this is certainly their best chance at it and the most even matchup of the three. The biggest talking point for The Black Jacks this season has to be their improved offense. Even though their offense has seen a significant uptick around the league this season, TBJ is easily the most dangerous that we have seen them in terms of their scoring ability, as this season they finished fifth in goals for per game at 2.82. To compare, in Winter 24 they finished 11th with 2.2 and in Spring 24 they ranked as the third-worst team in the division at 2.03 goals per game. Meanwhile, they haven't had too big of a drop off in goals against, as they ranked 6th with 2.39 allowed per game, just barely pacing outside of the Top 5. For a team that has long been known to have solid play in their own end, this jump in production on the offensive side is massive, and could very well be a difference for them in the playoffs as well. Though they have a pretty well-balanced scoring attack, with each of their three starting forwards scoring 20 goals or more (TBJ was one of just four teams that did such), their primary point production came from the winger duo of Kevin @Keuschemisch Berg (54 points) and Tim @Timasy Hess (52 points). The next closest skater was Niklas @xXPsykoSkillsXx Schmitz who had 37 points, who ranked tied-3rd in points for defensemen. Speaking of PsykoSkills, not only was he a threat on the offensive end for TBJ this season, but he was also one of the league's most disruptive defensemen this season, leading the Elite division in interceptions with 225. He was also one of the league's best in takeaways during the regular season with 98. Overall, this is probably the most complete that this team has looked heading into the playoffs and they have significantly more playoff experience than their opponent this time around outside of a few players. We will see how much of a difference it makes. Prediction Personally, I think that this is the series that I am anticipating the most in the Quarterfinals. Not only is this series something completely new and fresh from any series that we've seen before, but it's also two teams who are looking to show that they are in the top tier of teams in this division, as whoever wins will secure its first-ever Elite semifinals birth. Mustaa Kultaa are the new kids on the block who have made a ton of noise in their first Elite season. They've dominated at times and look like a team that could very well be playing for a championship at Winter Assembly in February. Meanwhile, The Black Jacks have been at this for years, originally under the ZSC Esports branding and now as TBJ, and though they've been a team that has had incremental improvements over the last few seasons, a playoff victory is something that still alludes a team that has long been seen as a playoff-caliber team, but not a true championship contender. Both sides have the equal opportunity to completely shift the narrative about their respective side, but I do think that one team is significantly more desperate than the other. This series feels like The Black Jacks' best opportunity to prove that they can be more than a one-and-done. They are the more experienced team, they are playing significantly better than they have in past seasons offensively, and they just played this Mustaa Kultaa team during the final week of the season and split the season series. They also are playing a Mustaa Kultaa team that struggled at the end of the season, so it remains to be seen whether or not they corrected some of those struggles over the holiday break. I think the series is a toss-up that will go either way, so I won't be shocked if I'm wrong considering how good the other side is, but as the old saying goes, "fortune favors the brave", so give me the upset pick. The Black Jacks in 7 (4) Voittamaton vs (5) Mythix Regular Season Series (December 1st): Voittmaton 3-2 W, Mythix 2-1 W Voittamaton: Another season, another impressive Voittamaton campaign. Their regular season performances have sort of just become run-of-the-mill for these guys. They've proven to be a lock to make the Top 4 for years now, and despite heavy competition with the teams that placed 1-3, they were able to still secure one of those top spots in the standings. They tied for 3rd in goals for per game at 3.11 and tied for 2nd in goals against per game at 2.04. 8 of their 11 losses were by one goal and all 17 of their wins came in regulation games. They do it by playing the same game that this team has mastered for years. Possession-based hockey that can wear their opponent into a defensive mistake., combined with lockdown defense and steady goaltending behind them that can clean up anything that happens to get through. In terms of contributors, Erik @Eki Tammenpää has been one of the best in the league once again, notching a team-high 64 points, with 27 of those points being goals and 37 being assists, which ranked Top 10 in the division. His fellow winger Teemu @temppanen Karvonen wasn't far behind him with 27 goals of his own to go with 27 assists, giving him a 54-point season. He also had 11 game-winning goals this season which was tied for most in the league (Vattuyy of Parasite was the player tied with him). These two have been the dynamic duo that have produced a majority of Voitttamaton's scoring chances, so expect them to be present and active again in this playoff run. This team also has an impressive goalie duo of Hannes @Hansulinho Kettunen (18 games played) and Oskari @Zande95 Grönroos (10 games played) who both posted a save percentage higher than 80%, so regardless of who lines up between the pipes, they'll show quality play. Overall, there isn't much more to say about this team that isn't already known. There could potentially be concerns about how they looked at times at the end of the season, as they finished their last 10 games at 5-5, and three of those losses were to non-playoff teams. In their defense, two of those five losses were also to Parasite, so it's hard to criticize them for dropping a pair of games to a team that has only lost one game all season. With the team's pedigree and the fact that they have never once been bounced earlier than the Semifinals, its understandable why many feel that they can be playing for a championship once again next month. Mythix: Earlier in the season, things did not look pretty for Mythix. From the start of the season to Dec. 5th, Mythix had a record of 7-10-1 and looked like they were going to need a miracle to make it into the playoffs, let alone a Top 5 seeding. Then on December 11th, everything for this team changed. They lost just one more game the rest of the season and were able to lock up a playoff spot during the last few days of the season, even somehow having a 7-point cushion over 9th by the time it was all said and done. This marks the second straight season that Mythix (formerly Bjorkloven Esport) have made it into the playoffs, which considering that this is just their second season of Elite competition is quite impressive. Last season however they fell to the eventual champions, Tunnel Vision, in five games, so they will hope to lean on that experience in combination with their hot run of form that they had to end the season. One of the biggest positives for this team is that they come in as arguably the hottest team in the league, sporting a 9-1 record in their last 10 games and six of those wins were against fellow playoff teams in Tohtorit, Mustaa Kultaa and The Black Jacks. They also have a pair of 40-point getters in Miikka @koleslaav_ Kolehmainen (30 goals and 13 assists for 43 points) and Oskar @x-_-BoBi-_-x Hautala (13 goals and 29 assists for 42 points). They also have been a significantly better team when Arttu @Thewix93 Harju has been in the lineup, as Mythix is 11-1 in games he has played this season (10 games at defense and 2 at center). He is also the only player on their roster with a positive plus/minus, sporting a +9. Additionally, they are one of the division's best groups at special teams, as they rank as the league's 2nd-best power play (34.3%) and its 5th-best penalty kill (78.95%). Outside of those numbers though, many of their statistics are overwhelming. They are the one of just two teams in the playoff field with a negative goal differential at a -4 during the regular season and they shot the puck as little as any team in the division, ranking second-to-last in shot per game at 12.4 shots per game. They also ranked second-to-last in face-off percentage (46.04%) and will be going up against the team that was the best in the league at face-offs in Voittamaton (54.96%). Combining these factors with Voittamaton's preferred possession-dominant style of play, Mythix will need to correct a few of these factors if they want to find their way into the semifinals. Prediction I'm going to be honest, I like this Mythix team and can see the upset appeal with the way these two teams trended during the final week of the season. However, I feel like you have to look at each side's full body of work as well, and if I'm being honest with myself, I just don't feel confident that this Voittamaton is a good matchup for Mythix. Their weakest points directly match up against Voittamaton's biggest strengths, and with a team in Voittamaton that has so much experience and overall talent, I just have a hard time imagining that this won't be an issue for Mythix in this series. Now in their defense, they did beat five of the seven playoff teams at least once this season, with Parasite and GOONS being the only teams that they didn't at least split with that are in the bracket, however, unless Mythix can find a way to create more offense and mitigate Voittamaton's ability to control the style of the game, it's going to be hard for them to find their way to four wins. That doesn't mean it can't happen, but it will certainly be difficult. Voittamaton: in 5 Quarterfinals Broadcast Schedule Want to watch it all unfold for yourself? Then make sure to tune into our live coverage of EVERY GAME of the Elite Division playoffs on Twitch, YouTube and X. Monday, January 6th, 2025 Matchup 1: Tohtorit (#2) vs EXEN (#7) | Games 1-2 | 20:00 CET Matchup 2: Parasite (#1) vs GOONS (#8) | Games 1-2 | ~21:20 CET Wednesday, January 8th, 2025 Matchup 3: Mustaa Kultaa (#3) vs The Black Jacks (#6) | Games 1-2 | 20:00 CET Matchup 4: Voittamattomat (#4) vs Mythix (#5) | Games 1-2 | ~21:20 CET Thursday, January 9th, 2025 Matchup: Voittamattomat (#4) vs Mythix (#5) | Games 3-7 | ⚠️ 19:30 CET Monday, January 13th, 2025 Matchup: Tohtorit (#2) vs EXEN (#7) | Games 3-7 | ⚠️ 19:30 CET Wednesday, January 15th, 2025 Matchup: Mustaa Kultaa (#3) vs The Black Jacks (#6) | Games 3-7 | ⚠️ 19:30 CET Thursday, January 16th, 2025 Matchup: Parasite (#1) vs GOONS (#8) | Games 3-7 | ⚠️ 19:30 CET Action kicks off today, Monday, January 6th with the matchups between EXEN and Tohtorit, and GOONS and Parasite. Before puck drop, join @Tougie24 at 18:50 CET for the SportsGamer Wraparound as he wraps things up leading into the post-season! So who do you think will punch their ticket into the semifinals? Let us know your thoughts and predictions in the comments?

With the ECL Elite regular season officially passed the halfway point for most teams, let's take a quick look around the league and talk about some of the biggest storylines around the division as we approach the latter stages of the regular season! The Core Four - Top 4 Spots Look Secure Barring Late Collapse 1. Tohtorit (51 pts) - 4 games remaining 2. Parasite (48 pts) - 10 games remaining 3. Mustaa Kultaa (47pts) - 8 games remaining 4. Voittamaton (46pts) - 6 games remaining Considering that there is only one week to go in the regular season, the nine-point gap between 4th and 5th, and the fact that the maximum points total that anyone below them can earn is 55, I think that it'd be pretty safe to assume that these teams will be your top four seeds in the playoffs, though the order could still shift a good bit. We'll start at the top with Tohtorit, who even though they have just four games remaining, have put themselves in a great position heading into playoff time. Though Tohtorit brought back all six starters, the biggest question for this group coming into last season was whether or not they would be able to replicate their success from the Spring '23 season, as many saw their 4th place finish as a surprise after not participating in Elite during the Winter '23 season. Their response? 51 points in 24 games, with 13 of their 18 wins coming in regulation. This group also has a 2-2 record against fellow top-four teams, splitting their respective series' with Parasite and Voittamaton. Speaking of those two teams, I don't think anyone is surprised to see them up here in the standings. These two have been the class of Europe for some time now, and this season has been no exception. We'll talk about Parasite more extensively later. Voittamaton continue to be the epitome of consistency, with the group looking to be well on their way to another Top 4 finish. I think you could even make the case that their record could be better than it is, as all of their losses this season have come by just one goal. In contrast out of their 15 total wins, only three of them have been by one goal. With a few plays having gone differently, you could argue that they would be even higher in the standings. Is Parasite Having The Best Regular Season in Elite History? Parasite look to have the inside track to being the top overall seed, accruing 48 points with 10 more games to play. It was expected for this group to be dominant, but they've somehow still managed to surpass expectations, as the team has only lost one game all season, and that was their most recent game against Tohtorit (4-1 L). They also have the league leader in every offensive statistic - which is honestly nuts. They are currently averaging 5 goals for per game, which if they keep up, would be the highest in Elite Division history (Linkoping HC holds the record with 4.3 goals for per game in ECL 10). They are also allowing just 1.56 goals against per game which leads the league. All of their new additions have fit in seamlessly as well. Valtteri @Vattuyy Virtanen leads the league in points (63) and goals (41) while his former Tunnel Vision teammate and captain Tomi @tomboo-_- Laitinen has been as steady as ever on defense, posting 26 points in 18 games while also only giving the puck away 98 times, which is one of the lower numbers in the league for defensemen who have played 15+ games. Meanwhile, Perttu @Beniittto Kemppainen (4th in the league in points with 52 and 2nd in assists with 34) and Niklas @NikkeDangles Tukiainen (2nd in the league in points with 57 and 1st in assists with 37) have continued to be one of Europe's most potent offensive duos. Now I will say this, they have only played one of their fellow Top 4 teams, and 12 of their 17 total wins have come against teams outside of the playoffs. So I think that you could make the case that there is still more for them to prove against fellow playoff teams (their lone loss this season is against a Top 4 team in Tohtorit). However, in this division, dominance is dominance no matter how you chalk it up. And considering how dominant they have been, this team has earned the right to be considered the championship favorite as of right now. Playoff EXEN or Regular Season EXIT? This team has been the surprise of the season, and not for good reason. Coming into the season, many, including myself had EXEN as not just a playoff lock, not just as a Top 4 team in the league, but also as a true solidified championship contender. Though there is still some time to turn things around and things have looked slightly more up the last few games (5-5-0 in their last 10 games), EXEN looks like they will have to be in a true fight for the last few playoff spots, as they currently sit in 10th in the standings and are 8 points behind for the last playoffs spot with eight more games remaining. To be quite honest, I can't quite figure out how things have gone so wrong for this team. They have a collection of some of the most talented players in Europe, yet they have the lowest goals for average in the Elite division at 1.57. Five out of seven players on their roster that have played this season won an Elite Division championship in ECL '24: Winter or Spring, yet their longest winning streak of the season is two games and they're both in series sweeps. Now, they have played 7 of the 8 playoff teams already and the only one they haven't played is Heimo, who currently holds the last playoff spot. EXEN is going to have to be near perfect from this point forward in the regular season if they want to make it into the top eight. Even if they do, the maximum number of points that they can finish the season with is 48, so even if they do make the playoffs, it is unlikely that they'll finish any higher than the 7th or 8th seed. If they can make it into the Top 8, then all will be forgotten. After all, the playoffs are the real season and the regular season doesn't mean anything once we get to that stage. If they don't however, this will undoubtedly go down as one of the most shocking and disappointing campaigns in league history. If you disagree or think that this statement is hyperbole, just go back and look at all of the preseason predictions from around the community. Are GOONS Back To Their Contending Ways of the Past? It's crazy how turbulent the past 6 months have been for GOONS. They went from being relegated out of Elite by Mustaa Kultaa, to earning their way back into Elite by winning in the qualifier and now being 5th in the standings and looking well on their way to making it into the playoffs barring a lot of things going wrong. For a team that hasn't made it to the postseason since the Spring season in ECL '22, this would be a pretty big accomplishment. From November 26th to December 10th, GOONS won 10 of their 11 games in regulation, so that hot streak is the primary reason that they are in this position. They are 3-7-2 against playoff teams which makes me pump the breaks a bit when giving them the "contender" label, but 13 of their 14 wins this season have been by two or more goals, so they are clearly better than the teams outside of the playoffs. Regardless, this season has to be viewed as a success for a GOONS team that was seen as a rebuilder coming into the season. Mustaa Kultaa A Legit Championship Contender In Its First Elite Season? One of the ECL's quickest-rising teams over the past two years, Mustaa Kultaa seemed to have the feeling and expectation of a team that could make the playoffs in its first Elite Division season. 20 games into their season, and so far, Mustaa Kultaa have been even better than advertised. Currently, they place third in the standings and are acutely on pace to finish 2nd based on their points per game average. 14 of their 15 wins have come in regulation this season, and they actually have more overtime losses (3) than they do regulation losses (2). Oh, and both of those regulation losses were by just one goal. They made more roster moves than any other team in the division this offseason and so far this season it has paid major dividends. The additions of forwards Aaro @xAaro89x Aarvala and Eetu @Launonexx Launonen have proven to be two of the biggest transfers of the Elite division this season, as Aaro is 5th in the league in points with 54 and 2nd in goals with 34. Launonexx on the other hand is the team's leader in assists with 27, which ranks Top 10 among all players. They also have arguably the frontrunner for Rookie of the Season and a candidate for Goaltender of the Season in Veeti @LatveX Laitinen, who has an 83.74 SV% and a 1.95 GAA in 20 starts. He also has put together four shutouts this season, which is the most of any goalie in the division. 6 of their last 8 games will be against fellow playoff teams, including Parasite who they currently sit one point behind and are potentially battling for the #1 or #2 seed. That'll undoubtedly be the biggest test for this team, as they already have played Tohtorit during the first week of the season and lost both of those games. However, they actually swept both of their games against Voittamaton last week in a pair of one-goal victories, so they're 2-1-1 against teams the other three teams in the Top 4 of the standings. Regardless, Mustaa Kultaa looks like they are here to stay, and they could very well be the next success story of teams in the ECL who make the long climb to the top of the Elite division. Even if they drop those games to Parasite, I think that they've more than proven that they're amongst the best in Europe and should be considered a genuine title threat as of now. Goal Scoring In The Elite Division Is At An All-Time High So far this season, teams in the Elite Division are averaging 2.72 goals for per game. If this number sticks, it would break the all-time Elite Division record which was set in ECL 4, at 2.64. This comes after Elite teams averaged 2.39 goals for last season and 2.55 in the '24 Winter season. As one could imagine, this has naturally affected the numbers that we have seen from goaltenders, with their stats being down slightly from what we saw during the ECL '24 seasons. Last season in the Spring, we saw 16 goalies with 10 or more games played have a save percentage of 80% or higher during the regular season, with the highest being 88.24% from Sebastian @FINSeRe Remes of Valokuitunen Esports. In the Winter season, this number was up to 18 goalies, with the highest save percentage being owned by Oskari @Zande95 Grönroos with an 88.13% with Tunnel Vision. So what about this season? So far, just 10 goalies with 10 or more games played reached the 80% mark. This could potentially be bumped, as there are a few goalies who would need to play just two more games and maintain their current save percentage to qualify for this stat, and goalies that are hovering around 78-79% that could have good weeks and crack the 80% mark. The highest save percentage of any goalie so far this season is the 86.94% of Stan @Stammer70 Adamus of Tohtorit. The moral of this story? Though the collection of goalie talent is just as good as it always has been in the Elite Division, the change in gameplay for NHL 25, in combination with the skill and parity of Elite this season has opened up more goal-scoring opportunities for teams compared to past seasons. It is also not uncommon to see Winter seasons be a little bit more high-scoring than Spring seasons, though not by a wide margin. Enjoy what you read? Make sure to check out our next piece coming out tomorrow (Sunday) that takes a look at the current ECL Elite Division playoff picture!

Hi and welcome to the annual mid-season report of the second-highest division of the ECL – the premier virtual eHockey league in Europe. We’ve officially hit the halfway point of the season, and as we look back at the action so far, there’s plenty to talk about. From standout teams to players making a name for themselves, and others who still have a lot of work ahead of them, this report will provide an in-depth look at how things are shaping up in the league. If you haven’t already, check out the Sportsgamer Wraparound here👇🏻where @Tougie24 takes a look at all the divisions in a well-rounder Youtube video! SportsGamer Wraparound | Ep4 | ECL '25: Winter - Week 3 Before we jump in, here are a few points to be aware of: This article was written based on the standings as of 01:00 EEST 7th of December 2024. When referring to standings we have referred to the PPG (point-per-game). We remind everyone that some of these comments are opinions, and not to take them too seriously. As these articles are written in a short time frame, we try to include as many teams as possible, so those teams that were mentioned in the “Week 1 & 2 recap” article will not be getting a deep dive in this article. ECL Pro - Group 1 As the final weeks of the group stage approach, Group 1 is starting to heat up, and the intensity is rising. With just a handful of games remaining, teams are beginning to show clear patterns, and the standings are starting to take shape. The picture is becoming clearer, and it's now evident who’s in the mix and who’s struggling to keep pace. For many teams, the next few weeks will be make-or-break, as they look to solidify their positions and make a strong push for the playoffs. Every point counts, and with so much at stake, the competition is expected to be fierce. Teams that have been hovering around the middle of the standings will be jockeying for position, while those at the top will be battling to maintain their lead and secure a favorable spot heading into the postseason. As we close in on the end of the group stage, it's clear that the race is on. Teams are hitting their stride, while others are feeling the pressure of the approaching finish line. This is the time when players need to step up and teams must dig deep if they want to secure a spot in the playoffs. The final stretch is always the most exciting, with playoff hopes on the line and every game feeling like it could be the difference between success and disappointment. 🔥 HOT 🔥 Gotham Knights 🔥 Gotham is a team that is heating up at exactly the right time, and their recent form has made them a team to watch as the season heads into its critical stages. With a remarkable six-game win streak, Gotham has surged to the top of their group, overtaking Zenegeim and now sitting at the top with an impressive 2.29 points per game (PPG). Their momentum is undeniable, and if they can continue their dominant run, they will be a formidable force come playoff time. One of the key factors in Gotham's incredible run has been the standout play of their star goalie, @Kussan82. In the midst of this six-game win streak, Kussan has been absolutely stellar between the pipes. With a sparkling goals-against average (GAA) of just 1.33, Kussan has been nearly unbeatable, giving Gotham the kind of defensive stability that is crucial for a deep playoff push. Whether it’s stopping high-danger chances of making crucial saves in the final moments of games, Kussan has shown time and time again that he belongs among the league’s elite goalies. Important games coming up: Vs The Oldtimers Vs Otukset Player to watch: @Rimpe The Oldtimers 🔥 With a few more games played than some of their competitors, The Oldtimers have managed to take a solid step towards securing a playoff spot, and that’s what matters most as the regular season begins to wind down. They’ve been consistently effective in all areas of the game, and their position is a reflection of their hard work and strategic focus. One of the key components of The Oldtimers' success has been their emphasis on defense. As any experienced player will tell you, getting into the playoffs and making a deep run starts with a strong defensive foundation. Keeping the puck out of their own net has clearly been a priority for The Oldtimers, and it’s paying off. Currently, they sit second in the league in goals against per game (GA/GP) with an impressive 1.95. Their ability to play tight in their own zone and limit opposing teams’ scoring opportunities has been a hallmark of their style. By focusing on sound positioning and smart puck management, The Oldtimers have become a difficult team to break down, making life easier for their goaltender and preventing high-quality chances from getting through. Speaking of their goaltender, @TiSuLiNo has been a key factor in their defensive success. With solid performances game in and game out, TiSuLiNo has become a cornerstone of The Oldtimers' push for the postseason. Not only does TiSuLiNo sit near the top of the league in shutouts, with 4 on the season, but the consistency of their play has given The Oldtimers the confidence to focus on their game plan without worrying about giving up soft goals. TiSuLiNo’s ability to step up and make critical saves has been instrumental in keeping the team in games, especially during tight matchups where every goal counts. Important games coming up: Vs Gotham Knights Vs Zenegeim Player to watch: @japi_kuittaa Devilz 🔥 A team that was widely predicted to struggle this season has proven exactly what predictions are—just that: predictions. Against all expectations, they have made a strong case for themselves, sitting in 8th place with a solid 1.63 points per game (PPG). With three wins in their last four games, they’ve shown a positive trend that is unfolding at precisely the right time, and they’re not done yet. Much of the team’s recent success can be attributed to the stellar performances of @Bugimir and @xcurhed, who have taken the offensive reins and put up impressive numbers. Together, they have combined for 62 points, demonstrating that they are more than capable of carrying the offensive load. Their chemistry and ability to produce when needed have been pivotal in the team's resurgence, and they’ve proven that, given the opportunity, they can lead the charge and put points on the board. The team has now become a force to reckon with, as these two offensive powerhouses continue to play at a high level, igniting their team’s chances of making a deep run. While the offensive players are stepping up, there is still work to be done if the team wants to continue their upward trajectory and secure a playoff spot. One area that needs immediate attention is discipline. The team has found themselves in the penalty box too often, which has put unnecessary pressure on their penalty kill unit. Their current penalty kill (PK) efficiency of 85.71% is respectable but not invincible. If the team continues to take penalties at this rate, it’s only a matter of time before they face a team that can exploit this weakness. The players know that if they want to keep the positive momentum going, they must find a way to limit the penalties and give their penalty killers a break. Important games coming up: Vs The Oldtimers Vs BlackBirds Player to watch: @LTorro Dilac 🔥 After starting the season with three straight losses, this team has shown incredible resilience, winning six of their last seven games. They've managed to tilt five of those games in their favor, all of which were one-goal decisions, proving that they can battle through tight situations and close out crucial moments when it matters most. This resilience, combined with their growing confidence, has them on a positive trend as the season progresses. A key factor in their turnaround has been the addition of @punt1la98, who joined the team just weeks before the season began. The experienced left winger has made an immediate impact, contributing 31 points (18 goals, 13 assists). His goal-scoring touch is clearly still intact, and his ability to find the back of the net has given the team a significant boost offensively. His leadership and experience have helped stabilize the lineup, providing both scoring and a calming presence in tight games. With punt1la98 leading the charge, this team looks poised to continue their upward climb, showing that early setbacks don’t define their season. Important games coming up: Vs Gotham Knights Vs SSK esports Player to watch: @kim_johan ❄️ COLD ❄️ Nordic Stars ❄️ The Nordic Stars have been one of the more surprising teams this season. After showing flashes of their former glory, their recent form has been concerning. With eight losses in their past 11 games, they find themselves on a slippery slope that could very well lead them into the relegation zone if they don’t turn things around soon. One of the biggest issues for the Nordic Stars seems to be their lack of consistency, both in their performance on the ice and in the roster. Throughout the season, their lineup has undergone multiple changes, and it appears that the team has yet to find the chemistry needed to compete at a high level consistently. With key players coming in and out of the lineup, it’s been difficult for the team to build any momentum or settle into a rhythm that would help them climb up the standings. A prime example of this inconsistency is @jezbaru, who has played just 10 games out of a possible 18. Despite his limited appearances, the skilled forward has been one of the team’s brightest spots, recording 24 points (13 goals, 11 assists) in those games. His offensive production has been strong, but the fact that he hasn’t been available for more games has put additional pressure on the rest of the squad. For the Nordic Stars to get back on track and remain in playoff contention, jezbaru’s availability and contribution will be crucial. If the team can get him back into the lineup more regularly and build some stability around him, they might have a shot at turning their season around. Important games coming up: Vs Otukset Vs Dilac Player to watch: @Macentoitunu SSK eSports ❄️ Another experienced team struggling to find their form this season, raising the question: is this becoming a trend? Are seasoned teams beginning to show signs of age, or is it just a matter of tough luck and inconsistency? While the jury is still out, one thing is certain, this team is not out of the race just yet. Despite their challenges, they’ve proven they can still compete at a high level, especially in key areas like defense and special teams. Their strong defensive structure has allowed them to stay in games, and their special teams have kept them competitive in tight matchups. With a solid foundation in these areas, they are only a few wins away from finding themselves on the right side of the playoff line. One of the positives for this team has been their ability to compete against some of the higher-ranked teams in the standings. While their overall record may not reflect it, they’ve shown they can go toe-to-toe with the league’s best, which bodes well for their playoff push. How they perform in the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether they can make up ground and position themselves for a postseason berth. In terms of goaltending, this team has leaned on a two-man rotation, with @Brokenrice2000 and @Jonte05_ splitting the season thus far. Both have had their moments, but the question remains: which one will step up and take the reins as the team’s possible playoff goalie? Both have shown flashes of brilliance, but consistency will be key as they enter the most important part of the season. The players will have to make a decision soon on who they trust to lead the team through the stretch run. Important games coming up: Vs Nova Vs Otukset Player to watch: @zuppe_29 Serpentes ❄️ Serpentes currently sit dead last in the standings, and with the playoff line seeming so far out of reach, one has to wonder if they’re heading for a season of irrelevance.. The gap between them and the teams above the playoff line is substantial, and the road to recovery is looking increasingly difficult. At this point, their primary focus should be simple: getting back on track and scraping together some much-needed wins. With each game that passes, their margin for error shrinks, and they can’t afford to keep digging themselves deeper into a hole. The good news, however, is that hockey is a game of momentum, and a few strong performances could help them turn things around. But they need to act quickly. Important games coming up: Vs Kymmenelta Clubille Vs Deadly Phantoms Player to watch: @RookieLIAMOVIC ECL Pro - Group 2 As the group stage nears its conclusion, the competition in Group 2 is reaching a boiling point. With only a few games left, the dynamics are becoming increasingly clear, as teams reveal their true form and the standings solidify. It’s now apparent which teams are in contention and which are struggling to stay afloat. The coming weeks will be crucial for many teams as they fight to cement their positions and make a decisive push toward the playoffs. Every match carries significant weight, and with so much on the line, the intensity is expected to reach new heights. Teams lingering in the mid-table will be scrambling to climb higher, while those at the top aim to protect their lead and secure an advantageous position for the postseason. As the group stage winds down, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Some teams are hitting their peak performance, while others feel the mounting pressure as the finish line approaches. This is the moment when players must rise to the occasion, and teams need to deliver their best if they hope to stay in the hunt for the playoffs. The final stretch promises thrilling action, with playoff dreams hanging in the balance and every game potentially deciding the difference between triumph and heartbreak. 🔥 HOT 🔥 Sawolanche 🔥 With no expectations weighing them down, some teams seem to thrive, and Sawolanche is proving to be one of those teams. Entering their first season in the Pro division with minimal fanfare and little belief from analysts or players that they could contend for the playoffs, Sawolanche appears to have embraced their underdog status. This chip-on-the-shoulder mentality might just be the fuel they needed to excel. Now sitting in 7th place with an impressive 1.65 points per game (PPG), they are in prime position to secure a playoff berth, a feat that seemed improbable just weeks ago. A major reason for their success has been the stellar play of their young winger, @I_LaiTi_I, who has emerged as one of the team's most valuable assets. Over the course of 20 games, he has racked up an incredible 42 points, with 20 goals and 22 assists to his name. These numbers are a testament to his skill, vision, and consistency on the ice. His ability to generate offense has not only lifted his team’s fortunes but also put him on the radar as one of the breakout stars of the season. However, while his numbers are remarkable, the challenge now is maintaining this momentum as the playoffs loom. The postseason is an entirely different beast, and opponents will no doubt be strategizing to shut down Sawolanche’s most potent weapon. For I_Laiti_I, this means proving he can perform under heightened pressure and continue to deliver when it matters most. His ability to rise to the occasion will be pivotal not just for his individual reputation but also for his team’s chances of making a deep playoff run. Important games coming up: Vs HC Lugano Vs Golden Sticks Player to watch: @Mrantonn Herlev Eagles 🔥 The Herlev Eagles didn’t get off to the strongest start this season, but they’ve managed to turn things around in spectacular fashion. With an incredible 9 wins in their last 10 games, they’re proving they have what it takes to compete with the best. Momentum is firmly on their side, and the team shows no signs of slowing down as they aim to solidify their position in the standings. At the heart of this resurgence is none other than @Dreamickie, who has been the backbone of the Eagles' offense. Leading the team with 28 points and topping the goal charts with 12, he’s been a relentless force on the ice. His leadership and consistency in generating scoring opportunities have been instrumental in the Eagles’ mid-season revival. However, the true standout aspect of this team has been their defense, which has been nothing short of phenomenal. The Eagles now boast the league’s best goals-against average per game (GA/GP) at a stingy 1.79. This defensive discipline has been a game-changer, providing the solid foundation needed to turn narrow contests into victories. While their defense has been rock solid, the team knows they’ll need more offensive firepower to make a serious playoff run—and they may have found the perfect solution. Recently, the Herlev Eagles made a key signing in @MartindalexC, and he’s wasted no time making an impact. In just four games, he’s already racked up an eye-popping 13 points (6 goals, 7 assists), showcasing his elite skill and wealth of experience from previous seasons in other divisions. His seamless transition into the lineup has brought a new dimension to the Eagles’ attack, making them even more dangerous as the season progresses. With this newfound balance between an airtight defense and a bolstered offense, the Herlev Eagles are shaping up to be a team that no one wants to face in the postseason. If they can continue this level of play and integrate MartindalexC fully into their system, their ceiling is sky-high. For a team that has been trying to break through for quite some time, this might finally be their moment to go all the way. Important games coming up: Vs Nostreetsports Vs Poggers Player to watch: @MartindalexC Ismon Valinta 🔥 Currently holding 5th place in the standings, Ismon Valinta has outperformed expectations so far this season. However, with the race for the playoffs tightening and numerous teams nipping at their heels, they can’t afford to let up now. Consistency and momentum will be crucial in the coming weeks as they aim to secure one of the coveted postseason spots. One of the most interesting aspects of Ismon Valinta’s season has been their roster flexibility. With 9 skaters on the roster, the team has had the opportunity to experiment with different lineups, searching for the perfect combination to maximize their potential. While this approach has brought some ups and downs, it seems they may finally be closing in on the ideal setup. One player who has been a constant and reliable presence throughout the season is @Jusu121. With 11 goals and 20 assists to his name, he has been the team’s offensive cornerstone, consistently creating scoring opportunities and driving play. If Ismon Valinta can find him a partner who can match his production, they could significantly increase their chances of locking in a playoff spot. Building chemistry and establishing a dynamic duo in the lineup could be the game-changer they need as the competition intensifies. Important games coming up: Vs Björklöven Vs Ryhtic Player to watch: @lycki10 ❄️ COLD ❄️ Golden Sticks ❄️ After a strong playoff showing last year, it’s been a tough road for the Russian side this season. While their performance has taken a noticeable dip, their respectable points-per-game (PPG) average of 1.45 keeps them in the conversation. They’re not out of the race yet, but time is running out to turn things around. The key will be winning those pivotal matchups against teams sitting just above them in the standings, games that could make or break their season. Offensively, the team has struggled, ranking near the bottom of the table in scoring. This lack of firepower has made it difficult for any single player to stand out, leaving a noticeable void on the stat sheet. However, the defense has managed to keep them in games, providing a silver lining in an otherwise challenging campaign. A significant bright spot has been the play of their goaltender, @iStrong_rus, who has been a steady presence in net. With a goals-against average (GAA) of 1.91, he’s given the team a chance to compete even in low-scoring affairs. For the Russian side, the formula for success is clear: the offense needs to step up. If they can find a spark to complement their solid defensive foundation, they might just claw their way back into playoff contention. The pressure is on for the team to rediscover their form and rise to the occasion in this critical stretch. Important games coming up: Vs Sawolanche Vs Ismon Valinta Player to watch: @peppenntur Cheeky Grinders ❄️ The Cheeky Grinders have had a season to forget so far, a stark contrast to their solid performance in last year’s ECL campaign. Their slow start has left them struggling to find their footing, and while they’re not at the bottom of the standings, they’re a long way from playoff contention. With a points-per-game (PPG) average of just 0.9, there’s little for the team to celebrate at the moment. The light at the end of the tunnel feels dim, and time is running out to turn things around. The team’s lackluster performance has made it difficult for any individual player to stand out, with underwhelming statistics across the board. However, one player who has been trying to spark some life into the lineup is @Yaredhagos, who has been making his presence felt in the physical game. With an impressive 60 hits so far this season, he’s leading by example, bringing energy and grit in an effort to wake up his team. While hits don’t translate directly to goals, his determination and physicality are a testament to his commitment to fighting for his team’s resurgence. For the Cheeky Grinders, the path forward is steep, but not impossible. They need to dig deep, find their cohesion, and start delivering on both ends of the ice. If they can channel the passion and effort shown by players like Yaredhagos into a collective team effort, they might just rediscover the spark that made them a competitive force in the past. The season may feel like it’s slipping away, but with the right mindset and a willingness to fight for every point, the Cheeky Grinders can still salvage their campaign. It’s an uphill battle, but as they’ve proven in previous seasons, they have the resilience to overcome adversity, it’s just a question of whether they can summon it in time. Important games coming up: Vs Refuse Too Lose Vs Golden Sticks Player to watch: @Leppadinho Finnish Roosters ❄️ The Roosters, a team that stood out last season with their cohesive play and strong special teams, now find themselves in an uneasy position. Sitting in 10th place, they’re on the wrong side of the playoff line, not entirely out of the race, but not where they need to be either. While their current standing is neither disastrous nor encouraging, it’s clear that they’ll need to elevate their game if they want to make a late-season push for the playoffs. One undeniable bright spot for the Roosters this season has been their standout goaltender, @xKeskitalo. His performance has been nothing short of stellar, leading the league in several key categories. With 4 shutouts, a jaw-dropping 87.07 save percentage (SV%), and a league-best goals-against average (GAA) of 1.5, he’s been a rock between the pipes. These numbers aren’t just impressive, they’re elite, highlighting his ability to keep the Roosters competitive even in tough games. However, as strong as their goaltending has been, the Roosters’ offense has yet to step up and provide the support their star netminder deserves. To climb the standings and make a real playoff push, they’ll need more consistency and firepower from their forwards. Unlocking their scoring potential will be the key to complementing xKeskitalo's heroic efforts and putting the team in a position to win more close games. Important games coming up: Vs Ismon Valinta Vs Poggers Player to watch: @Ernottii

Are you and your team ready to take center stage? For the upcoming ECL ’25: Winter season, we’re offering teams and select players from all divisions the chance to be a Featured Team & Player. This opportunity is perfect for teams passionate about content creation, who love interacting with the community, and who aren’t afraid to put themselves out there! As a Featured Team, you may: • Stream regularly on the SportsGamer Twitch channel every few weeks, showcasing your journey through the season. • Get highlighted in interviews and special features across our platforms. • Work closely with us to promote the content you create, whether it’s gameplay highlights, behind-the-scenes moments, or anything that captures your team's spirit. We’re looking for teams who aren’t afraid to dive in, have fun, and embrace the spotlight—those willing to fully commit, throw themselves into the experience, and create memorable moments for our community. The more creative and engaging, the better! If this sounds like your team, apply now, and let’s make this season unforgettable together! We’re looking to develop this new concept together with you. The teams and players participating will shape the exact direction and outcome, making it a truly collaborative effort. Your creativity and commitment will help define what it means to be a Featured Team or Featured Player this season. While we’re excited to collaborate with as many teams and players as possible, there is limited availability in how many we can feature at the same time. Don’t be discouraged if you’re not selected right away! We encourage everyone to apply, as there will be more opportunities in the future, and we’d love to see your passion and creativity in action. Apply to Be a Featured Team in ECL ’25: Winter! Apply to Be a Featured Player in ECL ’25: Winter!

Ahh, Spring. The birds are chirping, the flowers are growing again and the ECL Elite Division is back for another season. The last time we were all here, Parasite lifted the Elite Division trophy at Winter Assembly; capping off what will go down as one of the most dominant campaigns in ECL history. Now, they will hope to defend their crown against 15 contenders, each of them hoping to be crowned champions of the Elite Division for the Spring season. With the season officially getting underway this week, let's take a look at each of the division's 16 teams and catch up on some of the changes that we saw over the offseason. Also, though my name may be on the post, I have to thank @Mozjayh for helping put this piece together. Now without further ado, let's get into our Elite division preview. Blackbirds Last Season: Competed in Pro Division, ECL Pro Division Champions IN: - OUT: - After a Winter season where we saw multiple recently promoted teams make their name known in the Elite Division, Blackbirds are hoping to be the next breakout team in ECL's top tier after winning the Pro Division title in February. Despite not having a single game of Elite Division experience on its roster, Blackbirds returns its entire starting lineup from last season's championship team. What they lack in experience, they make up for in continuity and chemistry. This is a young and very skillful group who have a good philosophy in their game and have been able to use their individual skill as an advantage. Though the adjustment to playing Elite competition will be a viable concern for this team, many have said that they could be a dark horse in this season, certainly a team that I think no one expects to go down or be even close to it. I wouldn't expect this team to make a similar run as Mustaa Kultaa did last season in its inaugural Elite season, but their individual skill combined with their chemistry as a unit will help ease its transition in playing against the best teams that Europe has to offer. Though making it into the Top 8 feels like a lofty expectation, I do expect Blackbirds to catch a few teams by surprise this season. A successful season would be staying competitive and keeping themselves safe from the relegation zone; giving themselves something to build on for ECL '26. EXEN Last Season: Finished 7th in Regular Season standings, lost in Quarterfinals vs Tohtorit in 5 games IN: @x-_-BoBi-_-x from Mythix @h3rmu__ from FA OUT: @benuh_ to Falun Coal Miners @Mozjayh to Heimo @Lxndstrom to Last Dance EXEN's NHL 25 run has been one of the most fascinating stories there is. In last season's preview, I said that it was EXEN's most talented roster to date and that they should be a championship favorite. Six weeks later, EXEN barely made the playoffs and were ousted after just five games in the Quarterfinals. This team's biggest problem last season was goal-scoring and this showed up in the largest way in the playoffs. In their Quarterfinals series against Tohtorit, EXEN were outscored 8-2 and were shut out twice. Despite solid play on their own end, a lack of offense sealed this team's fate. This was an unmitigated disappointment for a group with championship-level talent, and arguably one of the biggest letdowns that we've seen in the Division in years. For whatever reason, things just never clicked for this group. This meant for multiple significant changes to the roster over the offseason to shake things up, as benuh_, Mozjayh, and Lxndstrom each departed to separate teams. To replace, them EXEN brought in one of the league's better point-producers in BoBi & an interesting signing in Hermu, who joins the team as a free agent after not playing since ECL 23 Spring in the Pro Division with Polski Boys. It would seem odd to sign someone like Hermu from an outside perspective, but he is a talented and mechanical winger who has so far fit in fine with the rest of the roster. Hermu will be making his Elite debut having only a total of 4 appearances in the lower Pro division. The loss of benuh also makes it clear that kaz_zu is the now uncontested starter at goalie for this team, as the two split times last season in both the regular season and playoffs. This group did play in the recent FCL, where they lost to Tohtorit again in the Round of 16, so the group has had some practice already. The expectations for this team are much more tame than they were six months ago, but they should still be a playoff team that should aim for a Top 4 finish in the standings. GOONS Last Season: Finished 8th in Regular Season standings, lost in Quarterfinals vs Parasite in 4 games IN: @Sakkem from Heimo @MrNipsuli from RYHTIC @LeiskaViis7 from Kymmenelta Clubille OUT: @sisu33_ to Almost Famous @Easychasniper2 to N0VA GOONS has been the rollercoaster team of the ECL for the past three years. They've seen the highs of an Elite Division Semifinals appearance, and the lows of being relegated to the Pro Division and having to earn their way back to Elite through a Qualifier last season. Considering that they had just hit what felt like rock bottom, many were surprised to see GOONS make the playoffs last season after not even being a lock for the Division just weeks before. GOONS are known for their unique, run-n-gun style of playing; powered by high-hitting numbers which has resulted in high-scoring games on both ends. Where they struggled however was in special teams, as besides Tohtorit, GOONS had the worst combined PP/PK in the division last season. GOONS returns most of its core from a season ago, but after a shockingly disappointing display in FCL, their young defensive pairing of Sisu and Easychasniper decided to go their own ways and leave the team. Replacing the duo are two experienced defenders in Sakkem and MrNipsuli, who each boast multiple successful seasons in the Elite Division. The team also added to their defense in Leiskaviis, a rookie who though has had some successful seasons in the Core and Lite divisions, played as a forward with Kymmenelta Clubille, who finished last in the Pro Division last season. Though to his credit, he was the team's leader in points with 42 and assists with 22. Thie biggest question for this team will be whether of not they can replicate last season. With increased parity and stiff competition in the mid-table, it'll be a tougher challenge for GOONS to find their way into the Top 8. I don't see this team elevating much more than it did last season, but they should be in the playoff conversation again and will hope to avoid the relegation battle. Heimo Last Season: Finished 12th in Regular Season standings IN: @Mozjayh from EXEN @KingOfApes_ from N0VA OUT: @xHatsi to FA @Sakkem to GOONS The last time we saw Heimo make the playoffs was two years ago in the ECL ’23: Spring season, back when they were under the JANO name. They switched to the Heimo name and brand after that season and haven’t made playoffs since, though core members of that team in SadaPoika, Eemil, and Vamoux have remained with the group during that time and are back again with the team this season as captains. Despite three straight disappointing finishes, Heimo made two key acquisitions in acquiring KingOfApes and Mozjayh. KingOfApes is back where he belongs in the Elite Division after spending last season in Pro, where he was instrumental in helping N0VA get promoted to Elite. It doesn't feel like long ago that KingOfApes was undoubtedly viewed as one of the best defenders in Europe and was an anchor for hREDS during their run of three straight Elite Division titles. I still believe that he has a level of form in him, though lack of team success since departing hREDS has hindered him over the last few seasons. Expect him to be a vocal point of this team and a frontrunner for Comeback Player of The Year throughout the season. Similarly to KingOfApes, Mozjayh was a key piece to a championship group, winning back-to-back championships with Tunnel Vision in ECL 23 and a third championship. with hREDS in the ECL 24 Winter Season. He spent the past two seasons with EXEN, but struggled to find his form last season with just 37 points in 28 games during the regular season. The former champion is now being given a fresh start with Heimo and will look to bounce back from what was a disappointing Winter. Any time you can bring in two players who were key pieces to a championship team, you do it. These are the type of moves that Heimo has needed for a while. Players that have skill, ambition, and championship pedigree. These two will bring exactly that as highly-demanding and accomplished players who will be motivated to make their way back to the very top where they were not long ago. I'd expect this team to be in the playoff hunt if all goes according to plan, with the potential to even make some noise if they can make it there. Last Dance (formerly Voittamaton) Last Season: Finished 4th in Regular Season standings, lost in Semifinals vs Parasite in 5 games IN: @NikkeDangles from Parasite @Puantso from Tiki Talk @Lxndstrom from EXEN OUT: @FlyerKungen to Golden Buffalos @Patzlaf to Golden Buffalos @temppanen to Mythix After multiple seasons of speculation and disappointing playoff exits, Last Dance decided to completely revamp most of its core for the first time in a while. As much as it may hurt, a shake-up for this team was needed. Formerly Voittamaton, Straikers, and Frolunda HC, the previous just wasn't able to get over the hump, as it had fallen in the Semifinals each of the last four seasons and last made the Finals in ECL '23, where it fell short to Tunnel Vision in both the Winter and Spring season. The departure of the most iconic duo in league history Eki and Patzlaf and a long-accomplished player in FlyerKungen is one that sent shockwaves around the league. The addition of NikkeDangles, who has been one of the best players in the scene for many, many years, caused even more. Puantso, a former long-time forward of this team, makes his return to the lineup after a short stint with TIKI TALK during the Winter campaign. This will give Eki - one of the league's most consistent players no matter the situation - a familiar face to pair with the new acquisition in Nikke at the wings. Is it actually the Last Dance? The team's name and the statement in its bio would suggest yet. Outside of NikkeDangles, this group has been long-starved for championship gold. Its last ECL Championship was in ECL 11. Time (apparently) is running out for this team to make it back to the top. Though it won't be easy, anything less than a Finals appearance would feel like a disappointment considering the circumstances. They'll hope that their "Last Dance" includes one more trophy. Mustaa Kultaa Last Season: Finished 3rd in Regular Season standings, lost in Elite Finals vs Parasite in 6 games IN: @Wpaanane from PANIC ON ICE @karlssonadam_ from Unwanted OUT: @xAaro89x to Parasite It's been a long time since we've seen a team rise as radially as Mustaa Kultaa has over the past two years. After the magical run and a great effort in the Elite Finals against Parasite, Mustaa Kultaa is back and hoping to make it one step further than it did in the Winter. A ton of credit has to got to Allupekkaz for the work he has done as the team's primary captain over the past year. It'll be interesting to see if they build on what was a dream debut season; especially considering that their leading scorer and point-getter, Aaro, transferred to Parasite over the offseason. Replacing him is wpaananen, who returns to the Elite division after a two-year stint with teams in the lower divisions. In his last Elite season in Spring 23, he finished fourth in the division in points with 71, helping lead JANO to a playoff birth and the division's third-highest scoring offense. Mustaa Kultaa did well with this acquisition considering the circumstances and how late in the offseason it was. This group also added another goalie in Karlssonadam, who was really able to prove himself in NHL 24 with Purification and Unwanted. It'll be interesting to see how the ECL 24 Winter Rookie of the Season will pair with last season's top rookie Latvex, as the two will likely split time despite both playing like unquestioned starters over the past year. We also have to note that the removal of golden abilities, particularly "One Tee", will be something to watch with this team, as it takes away what is a considerable part of Mustaa Kultaa's game. I’m sure that they will be able to adapt with this group having high-level players across the roster, but it's still something to keep in mind; especially during the earlier stages of the season. Though it'd be easy to view this team as "championship or bust" after falling just two wins short a season ago, I wouldn't expect them to surpass last season, nor would I put much pressure on them to do so. It's not that they aren't a playoff threat, but the only way this team could truly move up is by winning the championship, which feels like a considerable ask from a team that lost its most productive skater from its roster from a season ago. With that being said, this is still a team that can challenge for a Semifinals spot and potentially earn their way back into the Finals if everything clicks. Mythix Last Season: Finished 5th in Regular Season standings, lost in Quarterfinals vs Voittamaton in 5 games IN: @Sokkelo__ from Roots Gaming @temppanen from Last Dance (previously known as Voittamaton) @Akunkku from FA (Played ECL ’24 Spring in Heimo) OUT: @koleslaav_ to BLEGI @x-_-BoBi-_-x to EXEN @Valee__ to Almost Famous Coming into the season as the newly crowned Finnish champion, Mythix will look to carry over the momentum and form to the ECL season. This team has surprised some people as a consistent playoff threat in its first two Elite Division seasons; finishing 6th and 5th in the standings, but being bounced in the Quarterfinals each time. This season will be much different though than the last. Mythix returned all six of its starters for the Winter season, but lost multiple key players over the offseason and have undergone a significant roster revamp. Temppanen was one of the bigger additions in the offseason, as he joins Mythix after putting up 54 points and 27 goals with Voittamaton last season. He will replace Bobbi who has proven to be a high-productive forward with Mythix the last two seasons. The team also brought in Sokkelo who joins from the relegated, and now-defunct Roots Gaming team. Sokkelo is a good player who has unfortunately made history in the Elite Division for the wrong reasons unfortunately, as he has yet to make a single playoff appearance despite having 11 seasons in the Elite Division under his belt. Can he finally break the streak? This certainly felt like one of the best opportunities so far. As quietly as it's kept, he scored 32 goals last season with ranked sixth in the Elite division. Kunkku will join WeDux at defense and are hoping to prove themselves as a top defense pairing in the Division. They have shown that the potential is there and will be key if Mythix want to elevate to the next tier of teams within the division. This team and its form feel like it's improved over the past month. They brought in multiple skilled players and carried in more momentum than any team in the division to start the season. They even brought home their first trophy in club history. Now it's time for Mythix to take the next step in the ECL; proving themselves as a serious contender. NOVA Last Season: Competed in Pro Division, lost in Semifinals vs Blackbirds in 5 games, won Elite Relegation series vs Roots Gaming in 4 games IN: @Easychasniper2 from GOONS @Motzzyy from Renascor @LaxenHD from Unwanted OUT: @KingOfApes_ to Heimo @Nester4343 to Rusty X @letsgoat to Aspyre @XxKapUstaxX to MISSCLICK @Shaitan_Batyr to HC NAMOTKA After its best run as a club in the Pro Division last season, NOVA was able to break through and earn its way into the Elite division in their fourth season of competition. With promotion, however, comes the need for improvement, and NOVA got quite busy in the transfer window to try and make those improvements possible. Vlxddy and Dekko are the only skaters who remain from the previous season's promoted side, with Dekko moving himself to defense after spending last season at LW. Outside of the loss of KingOfApes, who was second on this team in points last season and led the team in assists. His departure will be considerable, as NOVA would've loved to have his experience and skill in their first season up, but the rest of its departures were players without previous prior Elite experience though, and their additions were all players who have played at this level for multiple seasons. Motzzyy will be a name to watch for NOVA. He'll likely be one of the more puck-dominant players in the league and looks to replace the production left behind by KingOfApes. He'll be a key part of NOVA's success this season. Easychasniper has the potential to be a great winger in this league. He's one of the best 1v1 players in Europe and his success in that scene has translated well to 6v6 so far. He comes over from GOONS after spending the prior two seasons at defense. It will be a significant adjustment for him, but the talent and potential are there. He will pair with another transfer in Laxen, who though playing just one game last season with Unwanted, was a solid player for Purification in his rookie season prior to that. This team feels like one of the more unpredictable groups in the field. With the additions they've made to their roster, they have the individual skill level to compete and play a high-tempo style of play. But is that enough in a long 30-game season? How much will their team game (on both ends) evolve and improve in that time period? That remains to be seen, but NOVA has the potential and the roster to potentially catch some people by surprise. ONSE Esports (formerly Ismon Valinta) Last Season: Competed in Pro Division, lost in Quarterfinals vs Blackbirds in 5 games, won Elite Qualifier vs Herlev Eagles in 4 games IN: @aJuti from Kolikot Esports @Sagee95 from RHYTIC @LucePro from Gotham Knights @Lakritsipiippu from DILAC @JoJuzz01 from FA OUT: @Ikavalko to Almost Famous @Jalkkin-- to Almost Famous @Hulkkoo to Almost Famous @xrikardo55 to Almost Famous @lycki10 to ROBE Esports @JoakimOilers to AFTERLIFE Earning it place in the Elite Division just days before the start of the season, ONSE Esports will look to make a name for itself in the ECL's top tier. Formerly Ismon Valinta, this group is captained by Jusu121 and have competed in the ECL 23 Spring season, where they began in the Core division. They spent the last two seasons in the Pro division and despite being just the 13th seed, made a run to the Quarterfinals before being ousted by Blackbirds, the eventual champions. Considering the amount of roster turnover that we saw from this team over the offseason, with five players entering and six exiting, ONSE Esports is presented with a unique challenge. Not only will they have to make th adjustment to the Elite division as a team with zero Elite experience on its roster, but it will also have to adapt to each other, as just three players return from last season's Ismon Valinta team. On a positive note, ONSE do return its to leading goal scorers from last season in Jusu and Puosu, who combined for 44 of Ismon Valinta's 82 goals during the regular season. They also have some positive momentum heading into the season, as not only did they win the qualifier to earn their spot into Elite, but they also had an impressive FCL run on top of it. ONSE Esports finished first in their Group which included an Elite division team in TIKI TALK (much of Vapor's roster was on that team). They eventually made it to Round 3 of the playoffs before being eliminated by Lemmenvelhot. Admittedly, it's tough to truly predict where the ceiling for this team could be with there being so many unknowns. They have multiple talented players from the Pro ranks, but lack experience at this level and were a mid-pack team in their group in the Pro Division last season, and it's not often that a team in that situation stays in Elite for very long. I don't think it means that they can't, as we saw TIKI TALK manage to stay up and even compete for a playoff spot despite similar circumstances, but the lack of experience that ONSE is a real concern. Their goal will be similar to many first-time teams in the division. Grow, be competitive, and fight to stay out of the relegation zone. If ONSE Esports can do that, their first season in the division will be considered a successful one. Parasite Last Season: Finished 1st in Regular Season standings, ECL Elite Division Champions IN: @xAaro89x from Mustaa Kultaa OUT: @NikkeDangles to Last Dance The defending champions are back and return the majority of their dominant core from a season ago. Their one loss however was the biggest of any team this season. The departure of NikkeDangles is a significant one. He's one of the best players in the world and has been a key part of the team since ECL 11, winning multiple championships and individual awards in the process. Despite the change though, Parasite was able to replace one of the scene's best forwards with another, acquiring Aaro from Mustaa Kultaa, who Parasite faced in last season's Finals at Assembly Winter. Aaro was a key piece to Mustaa Kultaa's magical Winter season and proved that he belongs among the top players of the Elite division, notching a career-best 69 points and 40 goals. He will be switching from LW to RW this season, which is notable considering that he has played on the left side for his entire 6s career. We will see how quickly he can make the adjustment, though playing with fellow MVP-level talents in Beniittto and Vattu will certainly ease that transition. Outside of this, it was an uneventful offseason, which is a great thing for a defending champion. Parasite did lose 2-3 in the Finnish championship Final against Mythix over the weekend, though with a different RW and ruleset (no abilities allowed to be used). It would be unfair to expect them to match their performance from last season. Parasite won 27 of their 28 games in the regular season and finished it as the highest-scoring team in Elite division history, putting up a mind-lowing 5.32 goals for per game. In the playoffs, they never went further than six games in a series and defeated three totally different styles of teams and some of the better players in the scene on those rosters. Parasite are the championship favorites until proven otherwise. Polski Boys Last Season: Finished 9th in Regular Season standings IN: - OUT: - As weird as it is, I could almost copy and paste what I typed in last season's preview and it would apply. Polski Boys are still looking for their breakthrough moment in the Elite Division, finishing in no-man’s land in each of their first three seasons, but steadily improving during their time in the ECL's highest tier. Few teams have had more roster continuity than Polski Boys. They return their entire lineup from last season's team and they only made one move prior to the Winter season, adding Tunkeilija. Last season this team finished 8th in the division in both goals for and goals against; all while flexing the league's best PK at 95.8%. Despite statically being one of the Top 8 teams last season, Polski Boys missed the playoff cutline by just three points, as they fell down the table at the end of the season after finishing 4-5-1 in their last 10 games, while EXEN, Mythix and The Black Jacks all passed them in the standings. This team is experienced, together and has steadily improved since winning the Pro Division title in ECL 23 Spring. They've been widely predicted to make the playoffs for the last two seasons, but just not been able to get over that line, is it finally time? It feels like it has to be. If not, questions will begin to form on whether this group will ever be able to become a playoff team without a significant shake up to the roster. SSK ESPORTS Last Season: Competed in Pro Division, lost in Finals vs Blackbirds in 4 games, won Elite Relegation series vs Falun Coal Miners in 5 games IN: @bystrom___ from Unwanted @Demski_ from Serpentes OUT: @jojjep- to vNexs Academy @Jonte05_ to vNexs Three months ago, no one would've predicted that SSK ESPORTS would be playing in the Elite Division. The Swedish lineup made the Pro Division playoffs by just one point after ending the regular season with a 7-2-1 record in their last 10 games. During their postseason run, they knocked off three of the top eight teams, including the #1 overall seed and a former Elite division team. Their Cinderella run came to an end in the Finals via a sweep, but they were able to earn their way into the Elite division the next week by knocking off Falun Coal Miners in a relegation series; giving SSK their first Elite season in club history. This team will need for that magic to be replicated, as four of its starters from that run have returned this season. They made an experienced addition to their defense in Bystrom, who was a steady defender for Purification two seasons ago before playing eight games as a forward with Unwanted last season. Outside of Bystrom, the only other players on the roster with Elite division experience are Rubituss and Demski. Rubituss spent three seasons with Farjestad BK and two seasons with HV71. His most recent season in the division was in ECL 24 Spring with Purification, where he and Bystrom were teammates. He'll be slotting in at center for this team. Demski spent two seasons in Elite with HV71 during the ECL 22 Winter and Spring season. He played eight games last season with Sepentes in the Pro division and will slot in at forward for this team. He's played sparingly over the last few seasons, but is familiar with the competition level and will be a welcome piece to the team's forward group. Though few will view this team as a playoff threat, the expectation for this group should be to continue growing and improving while adjusting to Elite division competition; giving them the opportunity to avoid relegation and build on their progress for ECL 26. The Black Jacks Last Season: Finished 6th in Regular Season standings, lost in Quarterfinals vs Mustaa Kultaa in 5 games IN: @ProfaneKiss from Deadly Phantoms @Houddel_RBM from Red Bull Munich eSports OUT: @kkostiiii to Almost Famous @Keuschemisch After three consecutive seasons of making the playoffs, The Black Jacks are back after falling in the Quarterfinals last season and undergoing a turbulent, and controversial end to their season. Though the group has become an established playoff team and is coming off of its best regular season finish in Elite, they enter the Spring season without their most creative and maybe feared offensive player in Keuschemisch; putting this experienced Central European powerhouse into quite an interesting position. Losing Kermit takes away TBJ's most consistent and productive player, as he led The Black Jacks in points in each of the last four seasons. Replacing Keuschemisch this season is ProfaneeKiss, an experienced player who was a long-time staple for Deadly Phantoms for many years. Though many of the Phantoms' recent seasons were in the Pro Division, Profane has some Elite Division experience, playing at this level in ECL 9, 10, and 11. He also put up multiple 60+ point seasons at forward during his time in Pro for a team that though wasn't able to make its way back to the Elite division during his time there, did get close several times. Along with the loss of Kermit is the team's starting goaltender from last season, Kosti, who departs to Almost Famous in the Pro Division after posting a 79.6sv% and starting every game for the team last season. His shoes will be filled by rookie goalie THE EAGLE, who spent a few seasons with HC Lugano eSports before transferring to The Black Jacks midseason after just four games in the Pro Division. This team also has plenty of form going for them, as they're still currently participating in the German Championship Playoffs and had an undefeated regular season in Division I. The Black Jacks have a certain style of play, but Keuschemisch was able to put his own spark into it and make it work which certainly was shown in the results. This will be a significant gameplay adjustment for TBJ to undergo, and it'll take more than just Profane to make up for the loss of Keuschemisch's production. If they can do it, they'll be a fringe playoff team again. If not, then it could see their season end in no man's land. Tohtorit Last Season: Finished 2nd in Regular Season standings, lost in Semifinals vs Mustaa Kultaa in 5 games IN: - OUT: - Last season, Tohtorit proved that the ECL 24 Spring season was no fluke. This team is legit, and are likely here to stay. They finished in the Top 4 in the regular season for each of the past two seasons and won their first playoff series in the Elite division after knocking out EXEN in January's Winter season quarterfinals. Combine that with their run to the Semifinals in the FCL (fell to the eventual champions Mythix), and Tohtorit have proven that they belong in the conversation of Europe's top teams. In terms of play style, Tohtorit plays compact, shutdown defense and pair it with one of the best goalies in Europe with Stammer, who won Goaltender of the Season in the Winter. Offensively, they are able to either counter very fast, or fully reset and take their time with possession. They're able to frustrate many high-puck possession teams and have unpredictable forwards who utilize deception to create quality scoring chances. They also have Kkarkas on defense, who has proven to be one of the best puck-handling defensemen in the league, as he led the division in time with the puck last season with over 200 minutes. He also finished second in that state in the Spring 24 season, placing only behind Tombo. Tohorit made zero roster changes for the second offseason in a row and has as much chemistry as any team in the Division. They've proven that they can consistently in this division and have done so well beating other top teams. Tohtorit should be squarely in the championship conversation come playoff time and should aim for another Top 4 finish in the regular season. Vapor (formerly TIKI TALK) Last Season: Finished 10th in Regular Season standings IN: @dzouvi from FA @Nieppii from Vizio @Jemmuuu from Gotham Knights OUT: @itspardytime to HC Lugano eSports @TeMeX to Kokemus Puuttuu @Puantso to Last Dance After a strong return to the Elite division and a great end of the regular season to secure 10th, Vapor hopes to take the next step in their return to prominence; earning its way into a playoff spot for the Spring. This team had unfortunately had one of the more impactful departures of the offseason in longtime captain ItsPardyTime, who currently sits as a free agent and likely seems to be stepping away for the season. Pardy was a critical key to the group's success last season and was the heart and soul of TIKI TALK for many seasons. He had a career season in the Elite Division with 75 points, 33 goals, and 42 assists; which each ranked Top 5 in the division and earned him Comeback Player of the Season honors, as well as being a nominee for Forward of the Season. Along with Pardy's departure was TeMex, who was the team's second-leading point-getter at 54 points. Losing these two forwards is a considerable loss for a team that was tied for third in the division in goals per game at 3.11, so this will be the biggest question mark for them this season. Vapor was able to acquire Vesa Pompa's long-time servant and a highly skilled center in Dzouvi, who returns after taking last season off. Expect him to likely be in the running for Comeback Player of the Season. Searching for a new home alongside the other experienced winger Nieppii, who after his comeback to the scene hasn’t really found a long-term home yet. He spent last season with Vizio in the Pro division and will play his first season in Elite since ECL 23 Spring when he was with Växjö Lakers. They also added Jemmu to the roster. The 17-year-old rookie only has 1 ECL season under his belt which was in Pro, but he played with TIKI TALK in the recent FCL and was impressive through his 16 games, putting up 59 points. Vapor's fate this season will likely be decided by whether or not it can improve defensively and/or replicate its offensive production from last season despite losing its top two forwards. Despite being one of the division's highest-scoring teams, TIKI TALK was also one of its worst teams in its own end, allowing 3.46 goals per game. Only Root Gaming and Falun Coal Miners allowed more, and both were relegated at the end of the season. They were able to add some proven names to its roster which is encouraging, but with many of them being new to each other, we will have to wait and see how quickly they can mesh. This feels like a team that can either make the playoffs, or end up in a relegation battle depending on the answers that they give to these questions. vNexs (formerly Vesa Pompa) Last Season: Finished 11th in Regular Season standings IN: @iSvamp from FA @Ttv_ahnbergs99 from Bjorkloven Esport OUT: @Eken45jr to Golden Buffalos @SebbeLarsen86 to FA vNexs is an interesting team for a lot of reasons. The past two seasons have been a bit of a disappointment for Vesa Pompa. They haven't been a bottom-of-the-barrel team, but they've found themselves stuck in mediocrity as of late; finishing 12th and 11th in the ECL 24 Spring and ECL 25 Winter season. On top of that, two of its most experienced players, the team's long-time captain Eken and SebbeLarson are both no longer with the team. It doesn't mean that this team doesn't have talent, as it return four of its starters from a season ago, including two of its three forwards vNexs' revamped backline will be the biggest story to follow this season. Vesa Pompa allowed 3.04 goals per game last season, so they will hope that a new pairing and a new brand will help them improve in that area. Ahnbergs, the 14 year-old phenomenon, will be a player to watch. The young Swedish defenseman makes the jump to the Elite division after an impressive Pro campaign with Bjorkloven Esport last season. If he's in the lineup consistently, look out for him to be contender for Rookie of the Season. He'll pair up with iSvamp, who joins the team as a free agent after taking the Winter season off. He was a key piece to the Leksands IF team that made it to the Pro Division finals in ECL 23 Winter before falling to Tohtorit. He's played sparingly in the Neo division since, but he has multiple seasons of Elite division experience, last playing in ECL 9 with Miracle, so he should provide a steady, veteran presence with the young rookie by his side. This team is a bit of a mystery and slow starts to the season have plagued them in each of the past two campaigns. It'll be important for this team to collect points consistently rather than play catch-up like they've had to in the two seasons prior. If they can do that, then they have the talent to be in the playoff race at season end, but they will need to show some improvement from what we've seen from them over the past calendar year. Predictions # @Mozjayh (Excluding Heimo) @bMaJuH 1 Parasite Parasite 2 Last Dance Last Dance 3 EXEN Tohtorit 4 Mythix Mustaa Kultaa 5 Tohtorit EXEN 6 Mustaa Kultaa Mythix 7 Blackbirds Heimo 8 Polski Boys The Black Jacks 9 The Black Jacks Polski Boys 10 vNexs Vapor 11 N0VA Blackbirds 12 Vapor vNexs 13 GOONS N0VA 14 ONSE ESPORTS GOONS 15 SSK ONSE ESPORTS 16 - SSK ECL Elite Format: 1 Group - 16 Teams Team license required: Yes Player license required: Yes Gamedays: Mon, Wed & Thu Regular season starts: 7.4 Transfer deadline: 25.4 23:59 CET ⚠️ Regular season ends: 8.5 Playoffs (BO7) Quarterfinals Monday 26.5 - 20:00 CET | 4vs5 & 1vs8 | Games 1-2 Wednesday 28.5 - 20:00 CET | 3vs6 & 2vs7 | Games 1-2 Thursday 29.5 - 19:30 CET | 4vs5 & 1vs8 | Games 3-4 Sunday 1.6 - 19:30 CET | 3vs6 & 2vs7 | Games 3-4 Monday 2.6 - 19:30 CET | 4vs5 & 1vs8 | Games 5-7 Wednesday 4.6- 19:30 CET | 3vs6 & 2vs7 | Games 5-7 Semifinals Sunday 8.6 - 20:00 CET | 2vs3 & 1vs4 | Games 1-2 Monday 9.6 - 19:30 CET | 1vs4 | Games 3-7 Wednesday 11.6 - 18:30 CET | 2vs3 | Games 3-7 Finals Saturday 14.6 - TBC Want to keep up with everything happening ECL in the this season? Make sure to follow/subscribe to SportsGamerGG on Twitch, YouTube and X.

As the regular season comes to an end, it's time to analyze how each team performed and what to expect in the upcoming playoffs. The competition was fierce, with teams battling for the top spots and securing their place in the postseason. From dominant offensive powerhouses to strong defensive squads, every team brought something unique to the ice. This season was exhilarating as WECL 4 introduced many new teams from different countries, making the competition more diverse and unpredictable than ever before. With fresh talent and unique playstyles, these new teams challenged the established powerhouses and added an extra layer of intensity to the league. In this article, we’ll break down the key statistics, highlight the best performers, and assess each playoff team’s chances of winning the championship. Which team has the best shot at the title? Let’s dive into the numbers and find out.   Top Performers of the Season  Owned Hexa (1st place) Owned Hexa dominated the regular season with 19 wins in 24 games, securing 45 points. Their goal-scoring ability was outstanding, with 131 goals (5.46 goals per game), while their defense remained solid, allowing only 52 goals (2.17 goals per game). Their strong penalty kill (82%) and power play efficiency (22.22%) were crucial in maintaining their top position. Best player on the team: #10 Super @Ryan68lmt Ryry Points: 97 (51 goals, 46 assists) An elite scorer who leads offensively, providing both exceptional goal-scoring and valuable assists, making him a decisive factor in nearly every game. Shooting Percentage: 50% Demonstrates remarkable precision and finishing capability, turning half of his shot attempts into goals and consistently maximizing scoring chances. Hits: 143 Dominates physically, regularly imposing his presence on opponents, significantly influencing game momentum and creating opportunities through his aggressive play. Takeaways/Giveaways (TA/GA): 61/221 Effectively maintains puck control, frequently reclaiming possession and minimizing turnovers, showcasing reliability in critical moments.    Three Stars (2nd place) Three Stars finished just behind Owned Hexa with 43 points. They had a slightly better goal-scoring rate (5.75 GF/GP) but conceded more goals (2.17 GA/GP). Their power play was a major advantage, operating at 36.36%, the best in the league. Strong faceoff performance (55.93%) helped them control possession. Best player on the team: #8 Juris @snipeLVcelly8 Lopatko Points: 77 (30 goals, 47 assists) A strong scoring presence coupled with notable playmaking ability, contributing consistently on offense. Shooting Percentage: 33.7% Demonstrates precision and effectiveness, reliably capitalizing on scoring chances. Hits: 58 Provides solid physical play, regularly challenging opponents and making his presence felt. Takeaways/Giveaways (TA/GA): 46/154 Exhibits responsible puck management, effectively gaining possession while limiting turnovers.    Pirates eSports (3rd place) Pirates eSports secured third place with 42 points. They had a balanced offense and defense, scoring 150 goals (6.25 GF/GP) while allowing 63 goals (2.63 GA/GP). Their special teams were efficient, with a 27.03% power play success rate and a solid penalty kill of 87.23%. Best player on the team:  #68 Adrien @AdriF_23 Frinkelin Points: 115 (59 goals, 56 assists) Dominant offensive force whose impressive goal-scoring combines seamlessly with exceptional playmaking, making him pivotal in the team's attack. Shooting Percentage: 41.8% Exceptionally accurate shooter who consistently turns shots into goals, maximizing offensive opportunities. Hits: 66 Provides dependable physical play, contributing actively to the team's physical presence and disrupting opponents effectively. Takeaways/Giveaways (TA/GA): 54/258 Reliable puck handler who regularly regains possession, strengthening the team's control during crucial phases of play.    Silver Sword Griffins (4th place) The Silver Sword Griffins showcased a solid all-around performance with 36 points. Their defense was strong, allowing just 59 goals (2.46 GA/GP), while their offense was effective at 4.71 GF/GP. Their penalty kill was among the best in the league (87.5%). Best player on the team: #17 Kristaps @CapinsH-LV Zirg-Abols Points: 79 (40 goals, 39 assists) A versatile offensive talent, delivering balanced scoring and playmaking, consistently sparking the team's attack. Shooting Percentage: 33.3% A reliable scorer, efficiently turning shooting opportunities into valuable goals, reflecting his accuracy under pressure. Hits: 38 Plays a disciplined physical game, effectively challenging opponents while maintaining strategic positioning. Takeaways/Giveaways (TA/GA): 52/175 Consistent at winning back possession, skillfully managing puck control, and limiting turnovers to enhance team stability.    Pylsais (5th place) Pylsais finished with 28 points, showing a decent offensive output of 4.25 GF/GP. However, their defense struggled, conceding 3.29 goals per game. Their power play (42.86%) was the most effective in the league, but their penalty kill (79.41%) was not as reliable. Best player on the team: #95 Sweini @Sweini999 Rohdonski Points: 72 (17 goals, 55 assists) An elite playmaker who significantly boosts his team’s offensive power, effectively setting up scoring chances with exceptional vision. Shooting Percentage: 21% A dependable shooter who converts his opportunities efficiently, capitalizing consistently during critical game moments. Hits: 39 Contributes strategically through targeted physical play, actively disrupting opponents without compromising his positioning. Takeaways/Giveaways (TA/GA): 65/193 Demonstrates excellent puck control, reliably reclaiming possession and minimizing errors, enhancing his team’s ability to maintain offensive pressure.    Valence Hockey (6th place) Valence Hockey had a balanced season with 27 points. Their goal-scoring was average (3.25 GF/GP), but their defense was stable, allowing only 3.13 goals per game. Their penalty kill (90.91%) was a key factor in their success. Best player on the team: #58 - @ChakaFR Dylan Points: 56 (31 goals, 25 assists) A dynamic forward with excellent scoring instincts, adept at finding the net himself and creating opportunities for teammates. Shooting Percentage: 32.6% Highly efficient shooter who regularly capitalizes on opportunities, demonstrating precision and confidence in front of goal. Hits: 31 Delivers focused physical play, effectively applying pressure and challenging opponents to gain strategic advantages. Takeaways/Giveaways (TA/GA): 64/192 Shows disciplined puck handling, consistently reclaiming possession and carefully managing the puck to limit turnovers.    Wildcats esport I (7th place) Wildcats esport I finished with 26 points, relying on a decent offense (3.83 GF/GP) but a weaker defense (3.46 GA/GP). Their penalty kill (71.11%) was one of the worst in the league, which could be a concern in the playoffs. Best player on the team: #8 Maximilien @multimiliar88 Haller Points: 63 (30 goals, 33 assists) An impactful forward with balanced offensive output, excelling equally at scoring and setting up teammates for success. Shooting Percentage: 26.8% Reliable accuracy, consistently turning shot attempts into meaningful goals, enhancing his team's scoring depth. Hits: 102 Plays with noticeable physicality, often shifting momentum through strong and effective body checks. Takeaways/Giveaways (TA/GA): 49/223 Demonstrates solid puck-handling discipline, efficiently regaining control and minimizing costly turnovers.    Brothers in Gaming (8th place) Brothers in Gaming secured the last playoff spot with 25 points. They had a strong offensive game (3.58 GF/GP) but struggled defensively (3.79 GA/GP). Their penalty kill (77.14%) was not the strongest, but they compensated with physical play, leading the league in hits (946). Best player on the team: #98 Jean-Michel  @Xx_Vador_98 PROBEURRE Points: 62 (29 goals, 33 assists) Consistently contributes to the offense with a balanced ability to score and generate key opportunities for teammates. Shooting Percentage: 35.4% A highly efficient shooter who capitalizes regularly on scoring chances, displaying strong finishing ability. Hits: 15 Engages in precise, tactical physical play, effectively disrupting opponents without sacrificing defensive coverage. Takeaways/Giveaways (TA/GA): 50/260 Manages puck possession responsibly, effectively recovering control and minimizing turnovers to sustain offensive momentum.   Teams That Missed the Playoffs The bottom teams, including EKH GLEBOGRYZARKA, HC UKRAINE, Hawks HC, HK Bricks, and Brothers in Gaming 2, were unable to secure playoff spots due to poor offensive output and inconsistent defensive play. These teams struggled with scoring, with HC UKRAINE and Brothers in Gaming 2 posting the lowest goals per game (2.21 and 1.67, respectively).   Playoff Teams Analysis by ChatGPT: Owned Hexa (1st) Strength: Best defensive record (52 GA), consistent gameplay (82% PK), and highly disciplined (low PIM: 100). Key Player: LvExT4ZzYLVv6810, with high points (97) and extraordinary shot accuracy (50%).    Three Stars (2nd) Strength: Balanced attack (138 GF), physical play (267 Hits), high face-off win rate (55.93%). Key Player: JurajLV, highly efficient (77 points, balanced offense-defense).    Pirates eSports (3rd) Strength: Highest offensive output (150 GF), aggressive (456 Hits), strong special teams (87.23% PK). Key Player: AdriF_29, league-top points (115) and dominant offensively.    Silver Sword Griffins (4th) Strength: Strong power-play (39.53%), balanced defense (59 GA), reliable physicality (345 Hits). Key Player: CapinsH-LV, reliable scorer (79 points).    Pylsais (5th) Strength: Decent offensive/defensive balance, strong hits (448), average special teams. Key Player: Sweinii999, dominant playmaker (72 points).     Valence Hockey (6th) Strength: Disciplined special teams (90.91% PK), physical (393 hits). Key Player: Chaaka-_-, solid scorer (56 points).    Wildcats esport (7th) Strength: Moderate special teams performance, balanced hits (389). Key Player: multimiliar88, physical offensive threat (63 points).    Brothers In Gaming (8th) Strength: High physicality (313 Hits), balanced in special teams, but struggle offensively. Key Player: Xx_Vador_98, team’s reliable offensive player (62 points).   Playoffs Prediction: Quarterfinals (1/4): Owned Hexa (1) vs Brothers In Gaming (8) Winner: Owned Hexa (4-1) Owned Hexa’s superior defense and offense easily overcome Brothers In Gaming. Three Stars (2) vs Wildcats esport (7) Winner: Three Stars (4-2) Three Stars' balanced attack, led by JurajLV, neutralizes Wildcats' moderate offense. Pirates eSports (3) vs Valence Hockey (6) Winner: Pirates eSports (4-0) Pirates' dominant offensive line overwhelms Valence Hockey swiftly. Silver Sword Griffins (4) vs Pylsais (5) Winner: Silver Sword Griffins (4-3) Close, physical series; Griffins’ special teams edge helps secure victory in game 7.   Semifinals (1/2): Owned Hexa (1) vs Silver Sword Griffins (4) Winner: Owned Hexa (4-2) Owned Hexa’s disciplined and structured gameplay withstands Griffins’ physical style. Three Stars (2) vs Pirates eSports (3) Winner: Pirates eSports (4-3) High-scoring and tightly contested series; AdriF_29’s offensive dominance clinches a game 7 victory. Finals: Owned Hexa (1) vs Pirates eSports (3) Winner: Pirates eSports (4-3) The finals go the distance; Pirates' relentless attack, driven by AdriF_29, narrowly outpaces Owned Hexa’s structured defense to secure the championship. Reasoning: Although Owned Hexa has a slightly stronger defense, Pirates eSports’ overwhelming offensive firepower (150 GF), coupled with the highest individual scorer, AdriF_29 (115 points), gives them a critical advantage. Pirates’ aggressive playing style (456 hits) can pressure Owned Hexa’s disciplined defense, creating turnovers and scoring opportunities. AdriF_29’s elite scoring ability could ultimately prove decisive in high-pressure playoff games, giving Pirates eSports the edge in an intense, closely contested series. 🏆 ChatGPT Predicted Champion: Pirates eSports (4-3) 

Today it's finally time to crown ECL '25: Winter - Elite Champions and therefore we will also give recognition again to individuals who had bthe rightest performances throughout this season. This season our nominees were selected by our council including writers, staff, and casters who have been observing the accomplishments of our teams and players precisely. It's time to make your voice heard! Who deserves these awards? Tell us your personal favorites or even hot takes below or on social media @SportsGamerGG #ECL25Winter Winners will be announced today on the ECL Elite Finals Broadcast, starting at 18:00 CET at https://twitch.tv/SportsGamerGG! Below you'll find a list of nominees in each category: Forward of The Season The Top Forward award is awarded to a player who has excelled above the competition in their forward position. Niklas @NikkeDangles Tukiainen, Parasite Aaro @xAaro89x Arvala, Mustaa Kultaa @itspardytime, TIKI TALK Perttu @Beniittto Kemppainen, Parasite Valtteri @Vattuyy Virtanen, Parasite Defender of The Season The Top Defender award is awarded to a player who has excelled above the competition in their defenseman position. Oliver @Pensasmies Litokorpi, TIKI TALK Teemu @Teemuyy Polttila, Parasite Tomi @txmbo999 Laitinen, Parasite Mico @Miseee96 Pulli, Mustaa Kultaa Niklas @xPsykoSkills Schmitz, The Black Jacks Goalie of The Season The Top Goalie award is awarded to a player who has excelled above the competition in their goaltender position. Niklas @uhNikke Nieminen, Parasite Stan @Stammer70 Adamus, Tohtorit Veeti @LatveX Laitinen, Mustaa Kultaa Johannes @Gresu__ Gressmann, Renascor Sebastian @FINSeRe Remes, Parasite Rookie of The Season The Rookie Of The Season award is awarded to a player in their rookie ECL Elite season, who has excelled above the competition regardless of position. Veeti @LatveX Laitinen, Mustaa Kultaa Oliver @Pensasmies Litokorpi, TIKI TALK Leo @Lekxsa_70 Hämäläinen, GOONS J-J @NuariJamal Raatikainen, Mustaa Kultaa Aleksi @xSnaipperi Honka, Heimo Transfer of The Season The Transfer Of The Season award is awarded to a player who after a transfer is deemed to have been the most impactful player for their new team. Valtteri @Vattuyy Virtanen, Parasite Aaro @xAaro89x Arvala, Mustaa Kultaa Eetu @Launonexx Launonen, Mustaa Kultaa Tomi @txmbo999 Laitinen, Parasite Jimi @J-_-Jamaltheman Rönkkönen, Voittamaton Comeback Player of The Season The Comeback Player Of The Season award is awarded to a player who after one or more seasons away from ECL Elite competition, makes an impactful comeback to the highest level. Teemu @Teme Sainio, TIKI TALK Juuso @Xkeineri Latvala, GOONS Niklas @uhNikke Nieminen, Parasite Jimi @J-_-Jamaltheman Rönkkönen, Voittamaton @itspardytime, TIKI TALK

It's time for the Pro playoffs. Here we'll be taking a short look at each matchup and how their regular season went. The first round will be featured on the SportsGamer broadcast on Tuesday, January 7th, where we'll have Gotham Knights and RYHTIC finishing their series (games 3-7). Pro Division Playoff schedule (BO7) Round of 16: January 6th – 9th Quarterfinals: January 13th – 16th Semifinals: January 20th – 23rd Finals: January 29th – 30th (1) DILAC (19-3-2-6) - (8) Herlev Eagles (11-4-5-10) DILAC managed to top Group 1 after a strong finish to the season. They seem to have found a very good balance within the team with each and every player contributing and the statistics are showing that. Their offense was led @punt1la98 with 39 goals. Another key for their success was their ability to turn tight games in their favor: Out of the 15 games decided by one goal they won 10. Herlev Eagles made their season interesting with a losing streak at the halfway of the season but just managed to get the wins needed to get to the playoffs. They picked up @MartindalexC mid season and he's been a crucial part of their offense and they will need him to produce in this series. DILAC definitely has the edge defensively in this series so Herlev defense and goaltending have to be on top of their game. Predictions: @hifk_FANI 4-0 DILAC @Vamoux 4-2 DILAC @Pekedipeks 4-1 DILAC @Pensasmies 4-1 DILAC (1) NOSTREETSPORTS (23-4-1-2) - (8) SSK ESPORTS (12-3-3-12) NOSTREETSPORTS as the number 1 seed going into the playoffs was not something we had in our cards but after dominating their group here we are. @Toivone_ led the whole league in points and @Tumuttaja (xxHise) scored 50 goals to top the league. There are though some big question marks around this team and the lineup going into the playoffs. With @Bot_hene starting his military service @Tappu will be taking the center spot and @Gaabrielii will play his first games of the season in defense. This means an even bigger role for the league leading defenseman @Azzez_88 (8+51=59). Whether they can overcome these changes will be seen but it will be a tough challenge. Against them will be stepping up the best defensive team in the league in SSK Esports. Their offense is lead by @Rubituss and @zuppe_29 who both bring lot of experience to the table. SSKs keys for the series will be to limit the scoring chances of NOSTREETSPORTS, attacking effectively and capitalizing on the mistakes that the roster changes of their opponent will eventually bring. Predictions: @hifk_FANI 4-1 NOSTREETSPORTS @Vamoux 4-2 NOSTREETSPORTS @Pekedipeks 4-3 SSK ESPORTS @Pensasmies 4-2 NOSTREETSPORTS (2) Zenegeim (21-0-2-7) - (7) Ismon Valinta (10-6-5-9) Zenegeim core group of players have been together for a quite a while now and they played a great regular season. They got a balanced offensive output from all their players and got solid defense and goaltending. @rakkauspakkaus- was leading the way with 68 points and @MCH_98 continued his impressive scoring numbers as defenseman. And we all know never to bet against @imosi as he scored 41 goals leading the team. Their goalies split the games this season but I'm expecting @jubex0r to get the starting role heading into playoffs. Ismon Valinta was one of the teams I was hoping a bit more from in the regular season. They were tied for the most overtime games with 11 and won 6 out of those. Playing quite low scoring hockey their leading scorer was @Jusu121 with 52 points. Their lineup shuffled quite a bit during the season and if their best players are available they could make a surprise run in the playoffs. Predictions: @hifk_FANI 4-0 Zenegeim @Vamoux 4-2 Zenegeim @Pekedipeks 4-2 Zenegeim @Pensasmies 4-3 Zenegeim (2) POGGERS (17-2-4-7) - (7) The Oldtimers (14-2-0-14) Poggers played very high scoring hockey finishing the season second in goals but also letting in the most goals out of any playoff teams, and by a large margin. @JaKurrii (47+47=94) and @Migo_boona (34+48=82) were their top scorers and @Terodee (LaurinHaavi) supported from defense with 51 points. There should be no question that this team will be able to adjust to the playoff style hockey with their experience. With the adjustment they'll be hoping also to bring the goalie numbers up a bit. The Oldtimers were leading their group at the start but slowed down towards the end of the season having won only 4 out of their last 12 games. Lot of their offense has gone through @Werppi with @japi_kuittaa being the main goal scorer. They've been strong defensively, tied for league best GAA, but they will need to step up for this new challenge. @TiSuLiNo had a good regular season in goal and will need to have a very strong series if they want to compete against POGGERS. Predictions: @hifk_FANI 4-0 Poggers @Vamoux 4-0 Poggers @Pekedipeks 4-1 Poggers @Pensasmies 4-1 Poggers (3) Gotham Knights (15-5-2-8) - (6) RYHTIC (13-4-4-9) It is somewhat surprising to see these team facing off already on the first round and it will be a very disappointing season for the team coming out on the losing side of this matchup. Gotham Knights were looking to secure group victory but lost their last 6 games and slipped to third place. They did play against some of the top teams in their group but the opponent isn't getting any easier now. If their record 3-5-2 from last 10 games tells anything from their form they'll be in for a tough matchup. @Rimpe (40+29=69) will be their main guy to look out for in offense and he led the team in shots by a very large margin. @Kussan82 had a strong season in goal and he's hoping to bring that form into his first Pro playoff games. RYHTIC was one game away from making it into Elite before the season and now find themselves placing sixth in Group 2 and having a tough bracket. @Limbe65 had a strong season for them scoring 40 goals and he needs to get support from his offensive partners. They will also need a strong showing from their goalie in @JussinSisko and he's proven to able to do that. Tune in to this series and its decisive moments on Tuesday, January 7th on the SportsGamer broadcast. Predictions: @hifk_FANI 4-2 Gotham Knights @Vamoux 3-4 RYHTIC @Pekedipeks 4-2 Gotham Knights @Pensasmies 4-1 Gotham Knights (3) HC Lugano eSports (15-4-4-7) - (6) NOVA (15-4-0-11) For a long time it looked like HC Lugano eSports would be battling for the last playoff spots but their amazing end to the season lifted them all the way to third in Group 2. A lot of that is thanks to @xEispiratx who could arguably be the best goalie of the regular season. @jasomnajlepsi led the team with 40 goals with @CMB-wf- doing lot of the playmaking. The biggest question for this team is their defense. @Yasu39x played most of the season but he has had three different defensive partners throughout the season. He hasn't been the strongest with the puck and that is something that NOVA could be trying to take advantage of. NOVA is to no ones surprise led by @KingOfApes_ who finished second in defenseman scoring and does most of the playmaking in the team with @Nester4343 being their main offensive guy to finish those chances. They'll be wanting to play with lot of pressure and if they manage that it could turn the series in their favor. Predictions: @hifk_FANI 4-1 NOVA @Vamoux 4-3 HC Lugano eSports @Pekedipeks 4-1 NOVA @Pensasmies 4-2 NOVA (4) Otukset (15-4-2-9) - (5) Bjorkloven Esport (13-5-5-7) Otukset find themselves exactly where most people expected to find them. Playoff success has avoided them in the past and they'll be looking to turn that around. They had all around a solid season with every player performing well. @Roisto999 had a terrific season in goal with 82.5%, 2.27GAA and 5 shutouts. They also got great goalscoring numbers from all over the ice and that will be a key if they want to have a long playoff run. Bjorkloven Esport went into the season with high hopes but the reality of Pro division brought them down a little bit. @Alpha borje is a key player in their offense and he posted 40 goals and 73 points in the regular season. It looks like they haven't been able to find that last piece to the puzzle and that could hurt them down the way. They're though a team full of young and skilled players and if everything goes right they could find themselves far in the playoffs. Predictions: @hifk_FANI 4-3 Bjorkloven Esport @Vamoux 4-2 Otukset @Pekedipeks 4-3 Otukset @Pensasmies 4-2 Bjorkloven Esport (4) Aspyre (16-3-0-11) - (5) Blackbirds (13-5-5-7) Aspyre could be considered another surprise of the season and they were one of the best offensive teams in the league. @Tihizu (41+49=90) is the heart and soul of the team and the game mostly runs through him. His time with puck, 191.5 minutes, tops the league, and rest of the team being around 90 minutes tells you who to watch out for. @IJepuxI and @Jomppe78 gave strong support with 78 and 75 points. If they can take this offensive form to the playoffs they could be a dark horse to look out for. Blackbirds played lot of tight games during the regular season and managed to turn enough of them in their favor. @aomyo6195 scored 41 goals which was half of the teams goals. They will need to find some secondary goalscoring support if they want to take the next step. @Jeerik17 in goal is able to steal a game for them but they'll need strong defense to support him along with stronger special teams. This is definitely a team to look out for in the future but whether they're up to the task now, will be seen. Predictions: @hifk_FANI 4-0 Aspyre @Vamoux 4-3 Aspyre @Pekedipeks Plays for Aspyre @Pensasmies 4-3 Aspyre Follow the Playoff streams: Please post dates, times and links for streams in the comments of this news story and social media, to help everyone find your team streams. You can watch SportsGamer's live coverage of the first round matchup between RYHTIC and Gotham Knights on Twitch, YouTube, and X on Tuesday, January 7th. Who do you think will win each series? Let us know in the comments!

Last Week of the Regular Season The regular season ends on Thursday, December 19th, which is the final day for scheduled gameplay. Teams are encouraged to ensure all matches are completed and reported before this deadline. If you are facing difficulties scheduling or completing your games, please reach out to Support for assistance. Additionally, please be aware that players with 10 games played on a Backup Player License must ensure compliance with license rules. Upgrading to a Full Player License may be necessary to continue participation. Playoff Dates by Division Below are the playoff schedules for each division. Be sure to review the dates that apply to your division and plan accordingly. Neo Division (BO5) Round of 32: January 5th – 9th Round of 16: January 12th – 16th Quarterfinals: January 19th – 23nd Semifinals: January 26th – 30th Finals: February 9th Core Division (BO7) Round of 32: January 5th – 9th Round of 16: January 12th – 16th Quarterfinals: January 19th – 23rd Semifinals: January 26th – 30th Finals: February 2nd – February 3rd Lite Division (BO7) Round of 32: January 5th – 9th Round of 16: January 12th – 16th Quarterfinals: January 19th – 23nd Semifinals: January 26th – 30th Finals: February 4nd – February 5th Pro Division (BO7) Round of 16: January 6th – 9th Quarterfinals: January 13th – 16th Semifinals: January 20th – 23rd Finals: January 29th – 30th Elite Division (BO7) Quarterfinals: Monday 6.1: #4 vs #5 & #1 vs #8 | Games 1-2 Wednesday 8.1: #3 vs #6 & #2 vs #7 | Games 1-2 Thursday 9.1: #4 vs #5 & #1 vs #5 | Games 3-4 Sunday 12.1: #3 vs #6 & #2 vs #7 | Games 3-4 Monday 13.1: #4 vs #5 & #1 vs #8 | Games 5-7 Wednesday 15.1: #3 vs #6 & #2 vs #7 | Games 5-7 Semifinals: Sunday 19.1: #2 vs #3 & #1 vs #4 | Games 1-2 Monday 20.1: #1 vs #4 | Games 3-7 Wednesday 22.1: #2 vs #3 | Games 3-7 Finals: February 20th, LIVE @ Assembly Winter 2025 in Helsinki, Finland Need Help? If you have any questions or concerns about scheduling, licenses, or playoffs, please don’t hesitate to contact Support. Good luck to all teams in this critical final week of the regular season and in the playoffs!

SportsGamers, The newest update to the ECL '25: Winter rulebook is now live and can be accessed through the league pages. Generally speaking, the rulebook is a revised and improved version of the rulebook used in ECL '24 Spring. Find the new rulebook here. Here's a snapshot of some of the major adjustments / additions compared to ECL ‘25: Spring:  Added link to ECL Essentials: Guide to the ECL in the Preface 11.7.: Player ability bans have been updated 9.2.1: Timeouts are now allowed again 11.1:  Grudge Match setting is to be turned off   We ask every team and it's members to familiarize themselves with the rulebook before taking the ice for the ECL '25: Winter season. Please refer to the rulebook in case of any issues that may arise throughout the season. If you have any questions, please get in touch with support.

Welcome to ECL Essentials! Here you’ll find a concise guide on how the European Championship League (ECL) operates. This includes important information on scheduling and reporting games, transfer rules, and communication best practices. Whether you’re a new team or a seasoned player, these guidelines will help ensure smooth participation in the league. Dive in and get familiar with the essentials! Game Scheduling & Reporting Guidelines Scheduling Games Contacting Opponents: Mandatory: Reach out to your opponents 12-24 hours before the default scheduled game time. Use the SportsGamer.gg Private Message system or, if necessary, other platforms like Discord. Default Schedule: The default schedule is set by the league. DO NOT schedule games on top of your default opponent without prior agreement with said opponent to move the games. Rescheduling: After agreement, use the rescheduling tool on SportsGamer to update the schedule. Only one postponement is allowed per matchup. If you need to move a matchup a second time, please contact support with an explanation and a suggested date immediately. Deadline for Postponements: Notify the opponent by 12:00 CET on the game day if rescheduling is required. Reporting Games Winning Team’s Responsibility: Use the API Reporting Tool for normal games. For disconnected games, use the manual reporting tool for accurate stats submission. Submission Deadline: Reports must be submitted immediately after the games due to EA’s limited game history available online (5 most recent games). Accurate Stats: Maintain screenshots of all stats (overview, events, and individual stats) for the entire tournament for verification. Contacting Opponents Essential Communication: Do not assume opponents will show up without prior communication - always reach out well ahead of the scheduled games, at the very latest before 12 CET of the scheduled gameday Always confirm the game time and servers in advance. Missed Communication: If opponents are unresponsive, notify League Administration (LA). For advice on how to write Support, please read this article. Transfer Rules Transfer Deadline: The deadline for all player transfers is December 6th at the end of the day. Licenses Are you still missing your license? A valid license is required before stepping on the ice. Purchase your license here. Need help with your license? Please contact Support. SportsGamer Placeholder Team If you're wondering what the Placeholder team in the standings are at the start of the season: This is a temporary extra team added to the group as a failsafe. This is not a real team and with an 80% probability will not become a real team, so if you're scheduled to play against this team, please ignore it unless told otherwise by the administration. Placeholder teams are removed during the first few days of the season. Did we miss something? Please see our Frequently Asked Questions. Still need help? Please contact Support.

A champion has been crowned in the Pro Division for the ECL '24: Spring season, as Almost Famous defeated Falun Coal Miners in five games to win the ECL Pro Championship and have now clinched their place in the Elite Division for the start of the ECL '25 season. Almost Famous's ECL 24' Spring Pro championship roster pictured from left to right: @Ikavalko @jezbaru @Oxdoggi @grontti88 @Jalkkin- @xrikardo55 This championship is the first for Almost Famous in their long history in the ECL. The club was established in 2018 and has participated in 444 games, compiling a record of 252-145-46 over the years in various competitions. The team made the Lite Division Finals in ECL 5 and the Pro Semifinals in ECL 6. They would later qualify for the Elite Division and compete there from ECL 7-10. However, the club was never able to find sustained success in the ECL's top division, as they stayed there for four seasons before finishing last in the division in ECL 10 and disbanding a season later. The club was defunct until this past season when it made its return after over three years. They attempted to qualify for the Pro Division, but fell short after losing in the semifinals of the Pro qualifier. This led them to the Lite Division, where they did make a Semifinals appearance before losing to the eventual champions Bone Breakers in seven games. They would however win the Bronze matchup to take home third-place in Lite and earn automatic promotion to the Pro Division for this season. Not only does this title victory mark for an amazing comeback story, but it also makes for a bit of league history as well. With this championship, Almost Famous are the first team in ECL history to win the Pro Division championship after failing to qualify for the division the season prior. They are also the first team to win the Pro Division championship in their first season after being promoted from a lower division. Following their Game 5 victory to clinch the title, we got to speak with Almost Famous' captain and center Aaro @Ikavalko Ikävalko, who has been a captain of the team since its beginnings in 2018 and spoke with us about their amazing playoff run, player's that stepped up for the team and his excitement to finally be crowned a champion in the ECL with the team that he helped build. Ikavalo Interview: Almost Famous' Road to the Championship: Regular Season: 14-3-5-8 (53pts) - 4th in Group 1, 8th overall in Pro Division Round 1: 4-2 series win vs (5) Supernatural Quarterfinals: 4-1 series win vs (3) Deadly Phantoms Semifinals: 4-2 series win vs (7) RYHTIC Finals: 4-1 series win vs (1) Falun Coal Miners Almost Famous' ECL '24: Spring - Pro Championship Roster 🇫🇮 Aaro @Ikavalko Ikävalko (CAPTAIN) 🇫🇮 Miikka @grontti88 Gröhn (CAPTAIN) 🇫🇮 Eren @Jalkkin- Yalçin (CAPTAIN) 🇫🇮 Teukka @Oxdoggi Niemistö 🇫🇮 Riku @xrikardo55 Ojala 🇫🇮 Jesse @jezbaru Ruuskanen

Last week we saw six teams battling it out for three spots in the Elite division for the ECL '25: Spring season. Blackbirds already secured their spot by winning the Pro Championship,  but the teams placed 2nd-4th had to battle for promotion against the Elite teams seeded 13th-15th. In the end, SSK ESPORTS and NOVA were able to claim their spot in Elite, while Renascor was able to hold on to their spot in the highest division.      SSK ESPORTS rebound from the Pro Finals and will play in Elite, Falun Coal Miners relegated  After a disappointing result in the Pro Finals against Blackbirds, SSK ESPORTS were able to bounce back in the relegation series against Falun Coal Miners. The series, which was played in one night, ended 4-1 in favor of SSK after a mostly tight series. FCM were forced to play the series with their backup defender, LastMandalorian, who hadn't played tournament games in almost two years. They were able to win the first game 4-3 after a late winner but from there it was all downhill. Their offensive struggles from the regular season continued as they were able to score only seven goals in the remaining games. Zuppe_29 stayed in hot form and led SSK with 12 points. PSchibra scored three game-winners in the series and Janikka- had a very strong showing with 3 goals and 10 points from the left defender spot. For Falun, it is a tough loss as they were able to stay in Elite for only one season since their rebuild. After a good first week of the season truly nothing went their way and they will see themselves back in Pro for the Spring season. SSK ESPORTS vs Falun Coal Miners | 4-1 (3-4 OT, 2-1, 7-3, 2-1 OT, 3-2)    Renascor survive - Heartbreak for Otukset  After losing game seven in overtime against SSK in the semifinals, Otukset went into the relegation series with high hopes. Renascor was able to win the first game in double overtime with a game-winner from Virusactive. After that, Otukset took control of the series both on ice and on the scoreboard. They won three games straight, all by a one goal margin, and were just one step away from Elite. In game five Renascor got two quick goals but Otukset managed to tie it in the second period. Otukset were controlling the game but were unable to take advantage of their scoring chances and powerplays while Renascor used theirs and stayed alive in the series. Game six was the same story all over again, Otukset controlled but Renascor was the one on the scoreboard. A 21-save shutout from Gresu__ took the series into game seven. In game seven Otukset seemed to crumble under the pressure after giving up an early goal in the first. After surrendering a second goal, Miguli36 was able to bring some hope for them but that was all they got. Renascor shut the door and scored two more goals in the third, securing their spot in Elite. Fire_cats88 scored 8 goals and 12 points in the series but the MVP for the series has to be Gresu__ with his 88.14% save percentage and 2 GAA. For Otukset, miguli36 finished with 11 points but they would've needed more scoring, especially from Pursuitti who finished the series with 3 goals, 6 points, and a shooting percentage below 10. Otukset vs Renascor | 3-4 (3-4 OT, 3-2 OT, 3-2, 2-1, 2-3, 0-2, 1-4)   NOVA steamroll through Roots Gaming - End of an Era  Roots had been in this position many times before but this time it just wasn't meant to be. NOVA won the series straight in four games and we will see them in Elite for the first time. For Roots, games 1 and 3 were definitely something that could've turned the series the other way around. They were leading game one 2-1 heading into the third period, but 22 seconds before the end of regulation time NOVA was able to find the tying goal and eventually the winning goal in overtime. In game three Roots lost a two-goal lead in the last period and NOVA again found the winner at the end of the first overtime. That seemed to be the last straw for Roots as they looked very lost in game four and NOVA got to start their celebrations. NOVA will have to get straight back to work though as they announced that two of their star players in Nester_43 and KingOfApes will not continue with the team. It will be an interesting off-season for the team and we're left to wait what kind of lineup they will bring to the Spring season in Elite. This series loss also marks the end of an era for Roots after seven straight seasons in Elite. Roots Gaming announced that they will be stepping away from the scene with a few of their players hanging up the skates and the rest looking for a new home. NOVA vs Roots Gaming | 4-0 (3-2 OT, 4-1, 3-2 OT, 3-1)

Intensity Reaching Its Peak in ECL '25 Winter Lite The final stages of the ECL '25: Winter - Lite group phase are here, and the pressure is mounting with every passing game. Teams are locked in fierce battles for playoff positions, and the competition has been nothing short of extraordinary. Dominant frontrunners like Toukokuu and MoDo Hockey have lived up to their billing. At the same time, dark horses such as Sunne IK Esport and Setelikerho have delivered shocking upsets and climbed the standings. As favorites aim to cement their dominance and underdogs fight to keep their postseason hopes alive, the Lite division has become a proving ground for both rising stars and established talent. From record-breaking scoring runs to game-saving goaltending performances, every moment matters as teams face the ultimate test of skill, determination, and strategy. The drama is far from over, and the answers to who will rise, who will stumble, and who will shine brightest are waiting to be written in the thrilling games to come. If you haven’t already, check out the Sportsgamer Wraparound here👇🏻where @Tougie24 takes a look at all the divisions in a well-rounder Youtube video! SportsGamer Wraparound | Ep4 | ECL '25: Winter - Week 3 This report is based on the standings and stats as of December 9th end of the day. Group 1: Playoff Race Overview The competition in Group 1 is heating up as teams battle for the top eight spots, which secure playoff berths. With intense rivalries and standout performances, every game matters as the standings solidify. 🔒 Playoff Locks Puck Over Glass Currently leading the group with a remarkable 23 points from 10 games, Puck Over Glass boasts both offensive efficiency (4.3 GF/GP) and defensive stability (2.5 GA/GP). Key players such as Hydeee_24(27 points) and knuzon (21 points) anchor their scoring, while their 90% penalty kill highlights their disciplined defensive play. Their record of 8-1-1 in the last 10 games cements their status as a favorite for a deep playoff run. MoDo Hockey With 32 points from 16 games, MoDo Hockey combines a balanced offense and defense to maintain a strong presence. Players like Mathiasgamer_07 (43 points) and Jesper_er_meg (36 points) drive their offense, while goaltender Aleksalt1122 (79.27% save rate) provides reliability in net. Despite slightly inconsistent results (6-3-1 in the last 10), their ability to score (4 GF/GP) keeps them a strong contender. Farmalaget Farmalaget has shown consistent performances with 25 points in 14 games, averaging 3.93 GF/GP. Their offense is led by Disctrasan- (39 points) and Jarvinder_ (36 points), while their disciplined defense (83.33% penalty kill) ensures they remain competitive. They are poised to secure a playoff spot barring a late-season slump. German Ice Gladiators German Ice Gladiators match Farmalaget with 25 points in 14 games. The offensive firepower of Fire_019 (37 points) and the steady contributions from BackStyla (24 points) have been crucial to their success. Their power play (22.22%) and defense are strong assets, and a 7-1-2 record in their last 10 games indicates they are peaking at the right time. ⚔️ In Contention ACEsquad ACEsquad sits at 31 points after 18 games, relying on a potent power play (30.43%) and offensive depth led by Dehliiin (51 points) and Tredsko88 (44 points). However, their inconsistent defense (3.61 GA/GP) leaves them vulnerable to mid-table teams. Their ability to tighten up defensively will determine their playoff success. DEG eSports With 20 points from 12 games, DEG eSports remains competitive, supported by strong special teams (26.67% power play, 93.75% penalty kill). Goaltender MEAZZA1704 (87.6% save rate) has been a standout, and their consistent contributions from players like Daaiim0n (32 points) keep them in the playoff hunt. HC VADELMA HC VADELMA’s 25 points in 16 games reflect a team capable of big wins but vulnerable defensively (2.94 GA/GP). Offensively, juuhen25 (34 points) and Awesome_Zone_ (34 points) drive their scoring. Their defensive improvement will be key as they push for a higher seed. ⚠️ On the Fringe Kolikot Esports With 12 points in 8 games, Kolikot Esports shows promise, especially with dynamic playmaker offside04_ (14 points) leading their charge. Their defensive consistency will be critical in staying competitive for a playoff spot. Team Infernus Team Infernus, sitting with 18 points in 14 games, has struggled offensively (2.14 GF/GP). Despite this, players like daen85 (22 points) provide hope for a late-season surge. They need a strong finish to break into the top eight. Black Sharks Black Sharks have 22 points from 18 games but are hampered by defensive issues (3.83 GA/GP). Standout performances from saschayeahh_98 (43 points) have kept them in the mix, but they’ll need stronger team play to secure a playoff spot. ⌛ Likely to Miss the Playoffs Carolus Icemen With 18 points from 18 games, Carolus Icemen are on the edge of contention. Key contributors like mj_slam (26 points) and eckesen (15 points) have carried the load, but inconsistent performances leave their playoff hopes hanging by a thread. SSK Academy SSK Academy struggles at the bottom with 13 points from 18 games. Despite the efforts of Dippen04 (29 points), their leaky defense (3.56 GA/GP) and inconsistent special teams have made playoff qualification an uphill battle. Summary The race for the top eight in Group 1 is fierce, with Puck Over Glass, MoDo Hockey, and Farmalaget looking like clear playoff contenders. ACEsquad and DEG eSports have solid chances but must stay consistent, while teams like Kolikot Esports and Black Sharks are fighting hard to break into the top eight. The final games will determine who advances and who falls short, making for a thrilling conclusion to the group stage. Group 2: Playoff Race Overview Group 2 has been one of the most competitive divisions in the Lite season, with teams vying for the eight playoff spots. Strong performances from the top teams have set the pace, while the mid-tier and bottom teams scramble to secure critical points in the final stages. 🔒 Playoff Locks Toukokuu Leading Group 2 with 45 points from 18 games, Toukokuu boasts an explosive offense (5 GF/GP) and a disciplined defense (1.67 GA/GP). Star players JusaSoLow (72 points) and Teemu_Underdawg (66 points) dominate the scoring charts, making them the team to beat. With BobbyPython (87.85% save rate) in net, Toukokuu is poised for a deep playoff run. Project X Sitting at 42 points, Project X has displayed a consistent all-around game, led by the dynamic duo Jessel2002 (52 points) and Konsuk05 (51 points). Their defensive stability (1.89 GA/GP) and strong penalty kill (94.74%) ensure they remain a top contender. Ruuti Ruuti matches Toukokuu with 45 points in 20 games. Their elite special teams 40% power play and 96.43% penalty kill make them a well-rounded powerhouse. Players like anttiko10_2 (55 points) and Mikse94 (53 points) lead the charge, ensuring Ruuti’s dominance continues. ⚔️ In Contention VitosVitja At 22 points from 12 games, VitosVitja showcases high-scoring games with an average of 4.5 GF/GP. Offensive leaders like tuhma-tarmo (37 points) and JamboLow13 (36 points) anchor the attack. However, defensive concerns (3.25 GA/GP) leave them vulnerable in tight matchups. HC Pustertal eSports With 26 points from 15 games, HC Pustertal eSports remains in the mix. Their offensive contributions are led by PetmanGOAT (33 points) and tj_tomaz1 (26 points), while defensive adjustments are necessary to push higher in the standings. SCB eSports SCB eSports holds 28 points in 18 games. Their offense, led by brianabey(35 points), keeps them competitive, but inconsistent performances (6-4-0 in the last 10) highlight the need for stronger defensive efforts as the playoffs approach. ⚠️ On the Fringe Eisbaeren Lauf Gaming Eisbaeren Lauf Gaming has 25 points from 18 games but struggles with defensive issues (3.72 GA/GP). Players like Meiha (29 points) provide offensive sparks, but the team needs a stronger collective effort to secure a playoff spot. Woodhands Woodhands sits at 17 points in 14 games. Despite the defensive brilliance of ANIMALpak82 (78.95% save rate), their offense (3.21 GF/GP) lacks consistency. They need strong performances in their remaining games to stay in contention. KohKae Esports With 19 points in 16 games, KohKae Esports remains within striking distance. Joona41 (31) and Royalecombat96 (28 points) lead the scoring, but their defensive lapses (3.44 GA/GP) must be addressed to make the playoffs. Coup de Grace Coup de Grace sits at 21 points after 18 games. Players like Matth3ws34 (45 points) and IronF1st__ (42 points) keep them competitive offensively, but their league-worst penalty kill (56.67%) puts them at a significant disadvantage. ⌛ Likely to Miss the Playoffs BOOMERS At 21 points in 18 games, BOOMERS’ defensive struggles (5.06 GA/GP) overshadow their occasional offensive successes, led by IKarkkiI (28 points). Their playoff hopes are slim unless they find immediate improvement. Iserlohn Roosters eSports With only 10 points in 18 games, Iserlohn Roosters eSports has had a difficult season. Their defensive issues and lack of offensive output (1.89 GF/GP) have left them all but eliminated from contention. Taisto Taisto, sitting at the bottom with just 6 points from 15 games, has struggled on both ends of the ice. Their league-low 2.07 GF/GP highlights their inability to convert chances, effectively ending their playoff aspirations. Summary In Group 2, Toukokuu, Project X, and Ruuti are clear playoff favorites, with VitosVitja, HC Pustertal eSports, and SCB eSports holding strong positions. Eisbaeren Lauf Gaming and Coup de Grace have slim chances if they improve defensively. Meanwhile, BOOMERS, Iserlohn Roosters eSports, and Taisto appear destined to miss out, barring miraculous turnarounds. The final stretch promises high stakes as teams vie for the top eight spots. Group 3: Playoff Race Overview Group 3 has been highly competitive, with teams fighting for the top eight spots to secure playoff berths. The standings show a clear divide between the dominant top teams and those struggling to keep their postseason hopes alive. 🔒 Playoff Locks Hopfensmoothie HC Leading the group with 19 points from just 8 games, Hopfensmoothie HC has been a model of efficiency. Their offense (4 GF/GP) and disciplined defense (2.63 GA/GP) highlight their balanced play. Offensive leaders like I_Alex28_I (6-1-1 record) and their standout penalty kill (93.75%) make them a formidable contender. Sunne IK Esport Sitting at 38 points from 18 games, Sunne IK Esport is the group’s most consistent team. Their potent offense (4.44 GF/GP) is spearheaded by forreberra (55 points) and Prolane (46 points). Their 10-game winning streak cements their status as a playoff lock. Kertoimia Vastaan Kertoimia Vastaan leads the group with 40 points in 20 games. Their balanced play is supported by standout performances from Playmeikkeri (48 points) and strong goaltending from Masamone30 (1.7 GAA). With a 95.45% penalty kill, they are poised for a deep playoff run. Macho HC With 26 points from 14 games, Macho HC combines effective special teams (31.82% power play) and solid defense (2.29 GA/GP). Offensively, Strandis96 (33 points) and D4nzk80 (26 points) drive their success. They’re well-positioned for a playoff berth. ⚔️ In Contention Setelikerho Setelikerho holds 37 points in 20 games. The dynamic duo of tbnantti (64 points) and Timotei_97 (57 points) leads their offense, while their defense and penalty kill (94.44%) provide a solid foundation. Consistency will be key to maintaining their spot. Darra Stars With 29 points from 16 games, Darra Stars show promise with balanced contributions from players like Sennaatori (34 points). Their power play (23.81%) and disciplined play make them a solid playoff contender if they maintain form. UnderRated UnderRated sits at 32 points after 18 games. Their offense, led by tzon93 (58 points) and ePsych0- (59 points), is among the group’s best, but defensive lapses (3.28 GA/GP) could threaten their playoff hopes. Seinajoki Noms With 28 points in 18 games, Seinajoki Noms relies on contributors like Simbee434 (43 points) and zteeli (34 points). Their defense (3.33 GA/GP) needs improvement to solidify their playoff position. ⚠️ On the Fringe Saucer Hockey Saucer Hockey sits at 25 points from 20 games but struggles with consistency. Despite standout players like Ronttisakke (34 points), their low power play efficiency (12.9%) hampers their ability to capitalize on opportunities. Gleumes Hockey Krefeld With 14 points from 14 games, Gleumes Hockey Krefeld faces an uphill battle. While Red09Dragon08 (29 points) and Sm0kez13_ (21 points) provide offensive sparks, defensive issues (5.43 GA/GP) leave them vulnerable. ⌛ Likely to Miss the Playoffs Moscow Capitals At 7 points in 18 games, Moscow Capitals have struggled offensively (2.06 GF/GP) and defensively (4.67 GA/GP). Despite efforts from players like Akimka_RUS (15 points), their playoff chances are slim. Game Over Esports Anchored at the bottom with just 5 points from 16 games, Game Over Esports has faced a challenging season. With a league-low offense (2.06 GF/GP) and defensive struggles (5 GA/GP), their playoff hopes are effectively over. Summary In Group 3, Hopfensmoothie HC, Sunne IK Esport, and Kertoimia Vastaan are locks for the playoffs. Teams like Macho HC, Setelikerho, and Darra Stars are well-positioned, while UnderRated and Seinajoki Noms must maintain consistency to stay in contention. Meanwhile, Moscow Capitals and Game Over Esports are likely to miss out, barring dramatic turnarounds. With tight competition among the mid-tier teams, the playoff race in Group 3 promises to be fiercely contested. Group 4: Playoff Race Overview Group 4 has delivered a mix of dominant performances and tightly contested battles. With only eight playoff spots available, the pressure is on for teams to secure critical points and stay in contention. 🔒 Playoff Locks Six Sticks Misfits Sitting at 39 points from 18 games, Six Sticks Misfits excel with a balanced approach. Their offense, driven by Lamsa (55 points) and ROUHEEE (44 points), and a solid defense (2.5 GA/GP) make them a formidable playoff contender. Their power play (23.33%) adds another layer of threat. Kikkakirja With 43 points from 20 games, Kikkakirja showcases consistent performances. Players like j1mppa_ (51 points) and Jerettaja13 (21 points) lead their offensive charge, while their strong special teams (29.63% power play) keep them competitive in tight games. SSK Prospects SSK Prospects holds 44 points in 22 games, making them one of the group’s strongest teams. Their standout scorer, sveti- (54 points), and dependable goaltending by therozz94 (82.31% save rate) anchor their success. A strong penalty kill (89.47%) makes them a tough opponent. ⚔️ In Contention Including Me Including Me, with 33 points in 18 games, features offensive leaders like Lotiseva (56 points) and Thounimeister (38 points). Their solid scoring and competitive defense (3 GA/GP) position them as a strong playoff contender, but consistency will be key. Wida Wida has 31 points in 18 games, with standout players like nikitikitin (48 points) and SeoSteve (39 points) driving their offense. Their power play (21.74%) is decent, but defensive improvements will be crucial for a deeper playoff push. Hockeyholics Hockeyholics sits at 27 points from 16 games, supported by players like ViSiOnZ97_ (38 points). Their effective power play (30.77%) gives them an edge in close games, but their defense (3.13 GA/GP) must tighten up to secure their playoff spot. VBO STARS VBO STARS, with 26 points in 16 games, rely on balanced contributions from l-Bror-l (51 points) and oggezed (44 points). Their offense (4.19 GF/GP) keeps them competitive, though defensive consistency remains an issue. ⚠️ On the Fringe Technical Disaster With 29 points in 20 games, Technical Disaster has been inconsistent. Offensive contributions from Kaapo13 (40 points) and a perfect penalty kill (100%) provide hope, but they need stronger all-around performances to stay in contention. Jurricanes At 22 points in 18 games, Jurricanes have struggled offensively (2.56 GF/GP) despite efforts from players like Revitty-stiga (39 points). They must improve their special teams to climb into the playoff spots. Pata Hellalla With 13 points from 12 games, Pata Hellalla has shown flashes of promise, driven by goaltender oranssipoika (85.43% save rate). However, their scoring (2.17 GF/GP) remains a concern. ⌛ Likely to Miss the Playoffs Trojans At 11 points from 14 games, Trojans have struggled on both ends of the ice, with a low-scoring offense (2 GF/GP) and a leaky defense (3.79 GA/GP). Their playoff hopes are slim. Calippo HC With 10 points from 16 games, Calippo HC’s defensive struggles (4.13 GA/GP) have overshadowed efforts by players like SWE_KARLSSON16 (24 points). They are unlikely to make the playoffs. Belissimo Belissimo sits at the bottom with just 2 points in 12 games. Their lack of scoring depth (1.58 GF/GP) and defensive vulnerabilities (5 GA/GP) have effectively ended their playoff aspirations. Summary In Group 4, Six Sticks Misfits, Kikkakirja, and SSK Prospects are locks for the playoffs, with Including Me and Wida in strong positions. Teams like Hockeyholics and Technical Disaster have realistic chances but must maintain consistency. Meanwhile, Trojans, Calippo HC, and Belissimo are likely to miss out, barring extraordinary turnarounds. The final stretch will be decisive as mid-tier teams battle for the remaining playoff spots. 🏆 Championship Contenders Puck Over Glass Strengths: Known for their balanced play, Puck Over Glass combines offensive efficiency (4.3 GF/GP) with defensive solidity (2.5 GA/GP). Players like Hydeee_24 lead their offensive efforts, while a disciplined penalty kill (90%) makes them a nightmare for opponents in special teams. Outlook: Their consistency makes them a top contender capable of grinding out tough playoff wins. MoDo Hockey Strengths: MoDo Hockey relies on dynamic offensive contributors like Mathiasgamer_07 (43 points) and Jesper_er_meg (36 points). A strong mix of scoring (4 GF/GP) and reliable goaltending from Aleksalt1122 positions them well for playoff success. Outlook: If they maintain their scoring touch and tighten up defensively, MoDo could go deep. Toukokuu Strengths: The league’s most dominant team offensively, Toukokuu boasts top scorers JusaSoLow and Teemu_Underdawg, alongside strong goaltending from BobbyPython. With a lethal power play (32.43%) and a league-best GA/GP (1.67), they are clear favorites for the title. Outlook: With their all-around dominance, it’s championship or bust for Toukokuu. Project X Strengths: A defensively sound team (1.89 GA/GP) with depth in scoring, led by Jessel2002 (52 points) and Konsuk05 (51 points). Their penalty kill (94.74%) is among the league’s best. Outlook: Project X’s combination of defense and consistent team play gives them an edge in close games. Hopfensmoothie HC Strengths: The most efficient team in Group 3, Hopfensmoothie HC boasts a balanced attack and disciplined defense (2.63 GA/GP). Their standout penalty kill (93.75%) and solid play in all zones make them tough to beat. Outlook: Their ability to control games could make them a surprise finalist. Sunne IK Esport Strengths: Sunne IK Esport has one of the most explosive offenses in the league, led by forreberra and Prolane. With a 10-game winning streak and a GA/GP of 2.83, they are peaking at the right time. Outlook: If their offensive stars deliver, they have a real shot at the championship. Six Sticks Misfits Strengths: A well-rounded team with consistent scoring from Lamsa (55 points) and ROUHEEE (44 points). Their defensive game (2.5 GA/GP) and solid power play (23.33%) set them apart. Outlook: A consistent contender with the tools to compete at every level of the playoffs. Kikkakirja Strengths: With key players like j1mppa_ (51 points) and strong special teams (29.63% power play), Kikkakirja has built a reputation as a steady performer in crucial moments. Outlook: Their scoring depth makes them a dangerous opponent for any team. SSK Prospects Strengths: The team’s balanced approach is led by sveti- (54 points) and bolstered by goaltender Lidman1 (1.5 GAA). Their strong penalty kill (89.47%) is a major asset in tight playoff games. Outlook: A disciplined, consistent team with championship potential. 🐴 Potential Dark Horses Setelikerho Strengths: With elite scorers like tbnantti (64 points), Setelikerho has the offensive firepower to surprise higher-seeded teams. Their strong penalty kill (94.44%) gives them an edge in special teams. Outlook: If they shore up their defensive game, Setelikerho could make a deep playoff run. UnderRated Strengths: High-scoring players like ePsych0- and tzon93 make UnderRated a dangerous opponent offensively. Outlook: Their ability to outscore opponents could lead to key upsets, but defensive lapses remain a concern. ⭐ Top 10 Players of the Lite Division JusaSoLow (Toukokuu) – 72 points (44 goals, 28 assists) The undisputed leader in scoring, JusaSoLow’s offensive dominance has been pivotal for Toukokuu’s success. His ability to find the net and set up teammates makes him the league’s most dangerous player. Teemu_Underdawg (Toukokuu) – 66 points (27 goals, 39 assists) A playmaking wizard, Teemu_Underdawg excels at creating scoring opportunities. His vision and precision passing make him an integral part of Toukokuu’s lethal offense. tbnantti (Setelikerho) – 64 points (39 goals, 25 assists) A natural goal-scorer, tbnnatti consistently delivers in high-stakes moments. His finishing ability has made Setelikerho a formidable offensive team. stretsii (Toukokuu) – 60 points (14 goals, 46 assists) A pure playmaker, stretsii’s 46 assists lead the league. His ability to control the pace of the game and find open teammates has been crucial for Toukokuu’s balanced attack. ePsych0- (UnderRated) – 59 points (22 goals, 37 assists) A dual threat on offense, ePsych0- combines scoring prowess with exceptional playmaking. His contributions have been key to UnderRated’s competitive season. tzon93 (UnderRated) – 58 points (40 goals, 18 assists) As one of the league’s top goal-scorers, tzon93 is a constant threat in the offensive zone. His scoring ability has kept UnderRated in the playoff race. Timotei_97 (Setelikerho) – 57 points (23 goals, 34 assists) A balanced offensive force, Timotei_97 contributes in all areas of the game. His combination of scoring and playmaking is vital for Setelikerho’s playoff aspirations. Lotiseva (Including Me) – 56 points (36 goals, 20 assists) Known for his scoring ability, Lotiseva is one of the top offensive players in the league. His contributions have kept Including Me competitive in a tough group. forreberra (Sunne IK Esport) – 55 points (28 goals, 27 assists) A consistent offensive presence, forreberra is a key reason for Sunne IK Esport’s strong position in the standings. His ability to produce in crucial moments sets him apart. Lamsa (Six Sticks Misfits) – 55 points (24 goals, 31 assists) A reliable contributor, Lamsa’s balanced play has been essential for Six Sticks Misfits. His dual ability to score and create opportunities makes him a standout. These players represent the elite of the Lite Division, combining skill, consistency, and game-changing ability. Their performances have not only lifted their teams but also set a high standard for excellence in the league. 🥅 Top 5 Goaltenders of the Lite Division Masamone30 (Kertoimia Vastaan) – 88.44% save rate, 1.7 GAA The league leader in save percentage, Masamone30 has been a wall in net for Kertoimia Vastaan. His consistency and ability to deliver clutch performances have been instrumental in his team’s success. BobbyPython (Toukokuu) – 87.85% save rate, 1.67 GAA With the best goals-against average among the top goalies, BobbyPython’s reliability and stellar positioning make him the backbone of Toukokuu’s playoff run. MEAZZA1704 (DEG eSports) – 87.6% save rate, 1.6 GAA MEAZZA1704 combines agility and composure under pressure, helping DEG eSports remain competitive in tight games and securing crucial points in the standings. Temetti (Ruuti) – 86.96% save rate, 1.95 GAA Temetti’s strong positional play and ability to handle high-pressure situations have made him a standout for Ruuti, anchoring their defensive efforts. Lidman1 (SSK Prospects) – 86.49% save rate, 1.5 GAA The goaltender with the lowest GAA among the top five, Lidman1’s efficiency and calmness in critical moments have been key for SSK Prospects’ strong performance.

ENCE and Eki are organizing the world’s largest NHL 2v2 tournament on SportsGamer this November. Led by Eki, ENCE addresses the previously unmet demand for a 2v2 mode in the NHL game series. The Voittamattomat Änäris (=Undefeated in NHL) tournament begins in early November. The competition includes two online qualifiers (Nov 3 & 10) and a final event held at ENCE’s new office in Helsinki on Sunday, November 17th. Registration starts today, October 16th, and closes the day before the qualifiers. The tournament is primarily created for a Finnish audience, but participation is additionally available to the following countries: Austria, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Latvia, Norway, Slovakia, Sweden and Switzerland. The tournament will be played here on SportsGamer, and you can sign up using the links below: Sign up for Qualifier 1 Sign up for Qualifier 2 "During spring we came up with the idea that this kind of tournament would certainly be in demand among the players, and something like this has never really been organised before. So we decided to put on our gloves and get to work," says ENCE's NHL star and content producer Erik @Eki Tammenpää. Qualifier Details The qualifiers for the tournament will be held on Sunday, November 3, and Sunday, November 10. The top two teams from each qualifier will advance to the finals, where they will be joined by Eki’s team and three invited guest teams. A total of eight duos will compete in the finals. Prize Pool The tournament features a prize pool of 5 000 euros, with the winner taking home 3 000 euros. Prizes can be won simply by participating in the qualifiers—a raffle among all Finnish tournament participants will award three (3) product prizes: two (2) sets of two tickets to a Liiga game of choice two (2) ENCE product packages More Information Rulebook (in Finnish) Sign up for Qualifier 1 Sign up for Qualifier 2 The tournament is made possible by Red Bull and Astro A50.