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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

In an effort to boost our editorial coverage outside the realm of division-specific ECL content, we've enlisted NHL.com/sv writer, and long-time ECL player, Hampus Duvefelt (l-Furyan-l) to provide a series of special columns for SportsGamer.GG throughout the NHL 26 cycle. This is the first edition. KEEPING A TEAM TOGETHER If there is one thing I’ve learned during all my years in the NHL community, it is that keeping a team together for any duration of time is hard work. Whether it be due to arguments, fading chemistry, personal reasons or just a need for a fresh voice in the party, teams rarely look the same at the end of a game cycle as they did at the beginning of it. In some ways, change is the one constant in the unpredictable world of NHL gaming. In fact, one could argue an “NHL Year” is not entirely unlike a dog year, where in one game cycle, it can feel like you’ve lived through multiple years’ worth of transfers, roster changes and teams disbanding. Having been a captain or assistant captain for the majority of my soon-to-be decade on this platform, I’ve seen my fair share of exists – good and bad. I’ve been caught blindsided by players leaving at the worst possible times, I’ve had to tell unsuspecting players they were being let go (for various reasons) and I’ve had heartfelt interactions with players where we both agreed it was time for a change. I’ve also had a hand in closing down teams entirely, same as I’ve been a part of starting new projects. I’ve had players “poached” from me, with them agreeing to join other teams when they were still on my roster – sometimes even mid-tournament. And, in the interest of full disclosure as to not try and portray myself as some type of saint; I’ve agreed to join teams – or made plans for new projects – while I was still part of another team. The NHL scene has historically flirted with professional organizations and guaranteed contracts but as it stands that is the exception and not the norm. So, in a business that is... not really a business, but more like a (semi-professional) hobby where a contract is signed through a virtual handshake over Discord and a transfer is never more than a well-timed DM pitch away, how do you go about keeping a team together? Here’s what I’ve learned The main thing is to create an environment where players feel comfortable, enjoy “coming to the rink” and feel like their expectations are being met. Whether those expectations are on-ice success, a high level of activity or just a positive gaming experience, it is important to tailor your approach to the players you have. Are you with a group of IRL friends with no previous EASHL experience who are just starting out together? Perhaps don’t yell at them on a daily basis to get their shit together and to up their playing level (sorry, FCM teammates of ECL 1-3)... Are you with a group of hungry, talented 18-year-olds who want to win a championship and are willing to put in the time to do so? Make sure you keep both activity levels and accountability high. And if you’re with a group of (slightly) older players, with jobs, families and other responsibilities that take up their time, make sure to listen to their feedback and try to tailor your gaming sessions to their availability. But the main thing I wanted to share, and really the reason why I decided to write this whole thing, is some advice I received a few years ago from one of the greatest leaders I ever played with. Advice that I listened to at the time, but didn’t fully understand until more recently. And I’m paraphrasing here because it has been a while. He told me to always try and create a team environment where players want to be. Where they feel like they are achieving something just by being a part of the roster. A team that others scramble to play for. A team whose reputation – at least as spread by the players on it, past and present – is undeniably great. There will always be haters on the outside, but if you can create a team environment where starters, backups and loan players alike all feel like they are having the time of their lives, you’ve set yourself up for success. But his most important lesson was this; learn to accept that players are going to want to move on – and cheer them on when they do. Even in the best team environment humanly possible, you are going to have players move on. And here’s the kicker, it doesn’t matter what their reasons for wanting to leave are. It doesn’t matter if it’s wanting more success, wanting a less ‘tryhard’ environment, wanting to play with IRL friends or just wanting a fresh start. In a world without guaranteed contracts, you can never keep a player from leaving, so don’t get frustrated or judge them for it when they do. Learn to let go Of course, it is never a bad thing to ask a departing player why they are leaving or to ask for their feedback if there is something you or the team could have done differently. Listen, and learn from it. But if they’ve decided to leave, that’s that. And that’s okay. Sure, there are both good and bad ways to exit a team, and no one is immune to having an emotional reaction to a player transfer. I certainly am not. But in the end, if you know in your heart of hearts you’ve done the absolute best you can in trying to create a team environment that people want to be a part of, then there is no point in dwelling on it. Or... you could just, you know, win title after title after title. After title. I hear that’s a neat trick too!

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

🏒 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

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. ❤️

ECL 26’: Winter - Pro l Season Preview Another ECL Winter, another Pro division full of storylines. This year brings a mix of familiar faces and new challengers, each with their own ambitions — promotion, redemption, or simply proving they belong. As always, we’ve gone through the groups, looked at the returning cores, offseason moves, and early-season form to get a sense of who might surprise us and who has the potential to go all the way.   Group 1  Greatest A new team with a few Pro division greats on their roster, former Elite Rookie of the year @xLeikku and his partner in crime @localhefe team up once again in the Pro division looking to wreak havoc on opponents, it’ll be seen who plays what position as they have been active in the offseason. Big expectations always come served with big pressure. Some of the guys on the roster are known to not play great under pressure, we'll see how it goes for them as the games get tough, they'll be a lock for playoffs, but how far can they go?   Player To Watch: @Wpaanane Season Prediction: Title Contenders   Unique Last season for Unique wasn’t the best. Now they’re looking to bounce back to their own level, with a few departures, they shuffle things up, and long-time Elite player @LE1PAKONE (Nordzman) signs for Unique. It remains to be seen where he plays and how he fits in Unique's plans. They have high hopes for this season, no doubt, but putting pen to paper might not be that simple. Unique needs to start gathering points early; if they can’t string together wins, it will be a long season.   Player To Watch: @Jakeexh Season Prediction: No-man’s land    Brynäs IF Esport Brynäs makes a returnto the Pro scene this year, adopting some key players of former Herlev Eagles, with @Vibholm_10 & @el_tacobag leading the offense as usual, with a few additions to round out the squad. Having finished 12th in the group last season, the squad played their way back through the Pro Qualifiers. With a playoff spot just out of Herlev Eagles' reach last season, they’re looking to make it this season, which would require the big boys to show up and get those wins against tough opponents.   Player To Watch: @Henka0009 Season Prediction: 1st round of playoffs    Puck Over Glass In a similar situation last season as Herlev Eagles: a few more wins, and they clinch the playoffs, with a few more tweaks, that should be the case this season for Puck Over Glass. With the start of the season, all eyes will be on their star forward @Hydeee_24, with a magnificent pre-season behind him, his team is now looking to him to carry them to the playoffs. Big boots to fill for Hyde, can he do it?   Player To Watch: @Hydeee_24 Season Prediction: No-man’s land   MoDo Hockey After a great season in Lite, where MoDo managed to dominate all aspects of the game, and grab the title, they now enter the Pro division. MoDo will be facing teams with greater skill, tougher defense, and better goalies. One name to remember is their long-time scorer, @Mathiasgamer_07, who has been with MoDo since the beginning and has been top of the pont-scoring leaderboard every year. Look out for him to be their go-to guy on the power play. Player To Watch: @Mathiasgamer_07 Season Prediction: No-man’s land    Reiviluola Reiviluola enters the Pro division as one of the favourites to go the whole nine yards, considering more than half the team played in Elite last season, it’s not far off. But we’ll see how the new guys mesh with the guys who have played on the same team for years. One name to keep an eye out for is former goalie and now center, @Tope0090(mestari_tikku). He has all the ability in the world to succeed, and has the talent surrounding him to succeed. We’ll see how that goes as we’re going to keep a close eye on Reiviluola this season. Player To Watch: @ItzPoro Season Prediction: Title Contenders    Otukset Otukset just can't seem to break that Elite curse they've been having for a while now. They came close this year as well with Elite qualifiers, but totally slumped and couldn't get their game together in time. They finished last (5/5) in the Elite Qualifiers and claim a spot in Pro. Now they try to turn the ship around, and hopefully captain @Miguli36 has revamped his playbook for the season. The same players, but a different story? With all the talent in the world and a defensive pair that can move the puck well, @juhkis96 tops the defensemen's points leaderboards year after year and hopefully next season in Elite. Player To Watch: @Pursuitti Season Prediction: 2nd round of playoffs    SSK Prospects   After a decent season in Pro where they finished in No-man's land, SSK Prospects head to their second season and aim for the playoffs, this could be only a dream for a team that struggled against teams higher up in the standings last season and will fight for every single point this season, if they can shape up defensively they could see the playoffs in the spring.  They can be seen as a development project by their Elite counterpart, and hope to see some start to develop, but it's highly unlikely as this team is destined for the No-man's land or relegation. Player To Watch: @I-Sjogren-I Season Prediction: Relegation   Group 2    F0CUS FOCUS is a squad packed with big names from @jm98II to. This team has all the tools in its belt to take home the Pro division trophy, one of the favourites ahead of the season, as they dominated the qualifiers and advanced with ease. With a star-studded squad always come big expectations, and their captain @jm98II has high expectations for their team and doesn’t shy away from that. In a small interview, he mentioned that he expects their tight-knit group to win the Pro division this year, and that they had originally planned to play in the Neo division; the rest couldn’t be posted in this article. Player To Watch: @Anhel_Kuru Season Prediction: Title Contenders    Deadly Phantoms The Germans were just a few wins away from glory last season in the Lite division finals; they couldn’t quite beat the Swedish team MoDo, who emerged as victors. A team with lots of history will try and make their mark in the Pro division this season, still some great players on their roster, and they will surely have a bone to pick with MoDo from last season. With their quick-tempo play, they will look to catch teams on the break, as their explosive wingers try and make magic happen. If they can get a goal or two ahead, their lockdown defense will handle the rest. Player To Watch: @RPH_31 Season Prediction: No-man’s land   Aspyre Aspyre has now made the playoffs for two seasons in a row, and both times crashed out in the 1st round. They’ve made some changes and hope to break the curse and advance to the second round, their additions @Jondeezz & @koleslaav_ will surely boost their offense, but the big question will be their goalies this season with @priima-namu(feikkinambo) as their starter.   Player To Watch: @koleslaav_ Season Prediction: - (Writer plays for Aspyre)   Including Me Including me has been playing in the Lite division since ECL 22, where they advanced from their inaugural season in Core the year before, and now their time has come to show that their dues have been paid and that they belong in the Pro division. That being said, remaining in the Pro division is no easy task, as the bottom two teams get relegated, Including Me captain @toomanyville needs to get creative with how they approach the season. One long slump and their playoff hopes are over.   Player To Watch: @Jusa Season Prediction: No-man’s land    NOSTREETSPORTS It wasn’t many seasons ago that Nostreetsports took the Pro regular season by storm and shocked everyone with their offensive ability, scoring 142 goals in the regular season. Their fairytale season came to an abrupt end in the first round, falling to eventual finalist SSK. Now they face the expectations from that season, and look to get back to their ways, spearheading that comeback is @Bot_hene, who has always been a thorn in the opposing sides on the ice, he knows what it takes to string wins together, and what it means to win, it’ll remain to be seen how this team will stack up in a tough group. Player To Watch: @1mmu9 Season Prediciton: 1st round of playoffs    vNexs ll The Swedes pair up with their Elite counterpart and take on an “AHL” type of deal, where good performances could potentially lead to a call up next season. By no means is this team an underdog this season, with high-end Pro players and veterans, mixed in with young, exciting talent. With a few additions from Sunne IK, this team immediately throws in their hat for a playoff spot this season. @Putteekiing and @benjamint737 bring experience and a set of cool heads, while youngster @Maaacki brings explosive offensive power and a knack for scoring highlight reel goals. Player To Watch: @Maaacki Season Prediction: 2nd round of playoffs  Nova The former Elite team found themselves in the Elite Qualifiers, losing to Vizio, who advanced to the Elite division after a hard-fought battle. Now Nova is back in the Pro division and eager to prove to everyone and themselves that this is their season. The Russian side has the talent to go far, but they need to sort out their roster and find chemistry before it's too late. With their new roster and new players, a connection to look out for is @xDekko-_- & @vlxddyy, they can form an uncanny duo this season, but if they can't click with the rest of the group, it'll be tough to make the playoffs. Player To Watch: @Baranizer Season Prediction: 1st round of playoffs    Finnish Roosters This Finnish Rosters have been around for a long time (ECL 2), played between Pro and Lite for the most part, and now back again in Pro after a short hiatus. Their game plan has always been soli,d and their roster too. Now they aim to be a threat for the playoffs and without a doubt will be firing on all cylinders for this season. With a new season upon us, eyes will turn to ECL icon @J0HTAJA who has a game or two under his belt. He managed to put up 21 points (11+10) in stage 1 of the Pro qualifiers as he led his team to a Pro division spot. Player To Watch: @Ernottii Season Prediction: 1st round of playoffs  

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

The Spring season has come to an end in the Pro division, with ROBE eSports sweeping Vizio in 4 games in the finals in a commanding fashion. With a championship, they claim an Elite division spot for next season, whereas Vizio still has an opportunity to qualify for a spot through the Elite Promotion Battle.   The '25 Spring season has seen a lot of good teams, and now a team assembled by captain @Tihizu not many months ago takes down team after team, including teams with more experience, more seasons under their belt, but none better than this ROBE team. Now his team prepares for a tough season in Elite and will surely get stronger as months go by before the next ECL season begins.   ROBE's season started well; they started off with 7 wins out of a possible 9, they took down some heavy names in Otukset and Blegi, split with POGGERS after a 12-1 loss, and also split with their eventual finals opponent, Vizio. ROBE's regular season was capped with some tough losses that eventually got them to the championship. In round 1, they faced a tough Aspyre team that took them the whole nine yards to a full seven games. While losing a series 3-1 lead, ROBE won the decisive game 7 in a dominating manner. In the quarterfinals, ROBE faced one of the Pro division favourites in Almost Famous, a well-fought 6 games in which ROBE showed their true colors, the colors of champions; they shut down the star-studded former champions and marched on to the next round. The semifinal was a battle against Golden Buffalos, who were probably the favourites for this Pro season and the #1 seed going into the Playoffs.  ROBE faced the Buffalos with a hunger to show the entire Pro division what they are made of and it took 6 games for ROBE to beat the giants - and the giants fell hard indeed. In the finals, they faced their statistically easiest foe; they swept Vizio, beating them 3 times in a one-goal game, even once in overtime.   ROBE's roster really stood out in the playoffs, with @punt1la98 leading the way in the regular season (38+46) and the Playoffs (27+23). They played almost the entire season with the same line-up, @XD_Jacke, their backup netminder played 4 games in the regular season, going 1-2-1. The most impressive thing about this roster was the fact that they never relied on only one guy; if someone was having an off day, there was always someone else to step up. @Tihizu, the captain who built this team was impressive as well, with 19 goals in the playoffs. The defense pairing of @aaksu17 & @lycki10 were numbers 1 & 2 in points for defensemen in the Playoffs. Their chemistry stood out with both being responsible on both sides of the puck, and a force to be reckoned with offensively, scoring 16 goals between them (8 each). And the glue that held their dreams alive, center @jyrki456 really shone this season, as their talented center scored 16 goals in the Playoffs. Goalie @Viltzup had a stellar season as well; the experienced goalie was exactly what ROBE needed to be crowned champions, with a save percentage of 82,62%, he stole a lot of games for ROBE that could have been lost with any other goalie between the pipes.     ROBE esports road to the Championship: Regular season: 18-4-2-8 (64pts) - 4th in group 2. Round 1: 4-3 vs Aspyre Quarterfinals: 4-2 vs Almost Famous Semifinals: 4-2 vs Golden Buffalos Finals: 4-0 vs Vizio   ROBE eSports’ ECL 25: Winter - Pro Championship Roster Forwards: #4 Santeri @punt1la98 Niemi #89 Jaakko @Tihizu Tihinen (C) #98 @jyrki456 (A) Defense: #8 Aleksi @aaksu17 Mäkinen #28 Lucas @lycki10 Lindkvist (A) Goalies: #7 Ville @Viltzup Poutiainen # 37 Jack @XD_Jacke Åkerberg     Congratulations to the team and all the players, see you in Elite! Thank you, all teams and readers, for this season! 

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

Hello, ECL Community! The debate around X-Factors, abilities, and player builds in competitive EASHL continues to be one of the most discussed topics within our community. Over the past month after the NHL 26 release, we’ve followed your conversations closely — in Discord threads, party chats, and private messages — and we want to thank everyone who has contributed to this discussion. This season, our goal has been twofold: To maintain a fair and consistent competitive environment for all divisions, and To strengthen alignment with our North American counterparts so that competitive 6v6 hockey moves forward together on both sides of the Atlantic. We’ve been in regular contact with our North American counterparts to share experiences, discuss balancing, and explore ways to create a more unified competitive environment. In addition, SportsGamer and other league representatives will take part in an upcoming conversation with EA SPORTS to exchange insights on gameplay balance, abilities, and the overall direction of EASHL. These discussions are part of an ongoing effort to ensure that community feedback from both regions is heard and considered as the game continues to evolve. We believe that sharing unified feedback and experiences from both regions will help shape the next steps for the entire EASHL ecosystem. ECL ’26: Winter Restrictions (updated October 29th) After extensive discussion and testing, the League Administration has decided to continue restricting several player Abilities and Builds that were found to have a disproportionate impact on gameplay. The following restrictions apply across all ECL divisions for the ECL ’26: Winter season. 🛑 Banned Abilities All tiers (Gold, Blue, and Red) of the following abilities are banned: Big Rig Big Tipper Elite Edges Hipster No Contest Pressure+ Spark Plug Truculence Unstoppable Warrior (Added October 29th) Wheels These abilities have shown to create unbalanced or unintended gameplay advantages, reducing the importance of player skill and positioning. Specifically, as a category, we have wanted to slow down the gameplay by prohibiting abilities that add significant speed boosts. The bans help ensure that all players compete on an even playing field, where awareness and execution matter most. ⚔️ Position-Based Build Restrictions To further preserve role balance and gameplay authenticity: Forwards cannot use defensive classes: Defensive Defender, Enforcer Defender, Offensive Defender, Two-Way Defender, Puck Moving Defender Defenders cannot use forward classes: Dangler, Enforcer, Grinder, Playmaker, Power Forward, Sniper, Two-Way Forward Additionally, skaters and goalies cannot use special characters or custom character builds. 🧾 Enforcement Violations of the above bans will be handled as follows: 1st Infraction – Team captain warning + player suspended for 2 games + potential WO loss* 2nd Infraction – Second captain warning + full lineup warning + player suspended for 4 games + potential WO loss* 3rd Infraction – Captain suspended for 2 games + player suspended for 4 games + 2-point deduction + potential WO loss* *A Walkover (WO) loss will only apply if the offending team was clearly informed and continued to use banned Abilities or Builds afterward. Clear video evidence is required when reporting violations. You can view the full ECL '26: Winter - Official Rules here. Looking Forward While the overall ability structure remains similar to previous seasons, the addition of position-based build restrictions represents another step toward a stronger global standard. As always, we’ll continue to monitor gameplay trends and community feedback throughout the Winter season and forward your feedback directly to EA SPORTS. Thank you once again for your ongoing passion and input — it’s what continues to drive the ECL forward. Best regards, League Administration

Hey Gamers, After community feedback, and internal testing, we have decided to add Warrior to the list of banned traits. This decision is based on the idea that using Warrior leads to situations where players are unfairly given an advantage, for example where a player is hit and recovers faster than the player who made the hit. Additionally, there is the possible meta interaction to consider where banning Truculence, but leaving Warrior available could, and from observation of recent games has, lead to a large increase in Warrior use due to it not having a natural 'counter' available to players – tilting the scales in favour of forwards vs. defenders. As stated previously, we have been monitoring the community discussion and while there is an active ongoing discussion about the banning of other traits, especially Sponge, at this time we have only received concrete evidence of Warrior exhibiting game-altering behaviour, and as such we have elected to not include any additional traits in this latest ban update. Our intention by implementing this change before the start of the ECL pre-season is to provide teams with as stable a base as possible in their ongoing preparations for the upcoming ECL ’26: Winter season. As far as other traits go, we will of course continue to examine community feedback, as well as gameplay balance, and revisit if need be, but at present the evidence in front of us leads us to believe that no other remaining unbanned traits are in the game altering position that Warriors holds. ECL ’26: Winter Restrictions After extensive discussion and testing, the League Administration has decided to continue restricting several player Abilities and Builds that were found to have a disproportionate impact on gameplay. The following restrictions apply across all ECL divisions for the ECL ’26: Winter season. 🛑 Banned Abilities All tiers (Gold, Blue, and Red) of the following abilities are banned: Big Rig Big Tipper Elite Edges Hipster No Contest Pressure+ Spark Plug Truculence Unstoppable Warrior Wheels These abilities have shown to create unbalanced or unintended gameplay advantages, reducing the importance of player skill and positioning. Specifically, as a category, we have wanted to slow down the gameplay by prohibiting abilities that add significant speed boosts. The bans help ensure that all players compete on an even playing field, where awareness and execution matter most. ⚔️ Position-Based Build Restrictions To further preserve role balance and gameplay authenticity: Forwards cannot use defensive classes: Defensive Defender, Enforcer Defender, Offensive Defender, Two-Way Defender, Puck Moving Defender Defenders cannot use forward classes: Dangler, Enforcer, Grinder, Playmaker, Power Forward, Sniper, Two-Way Forward Additionally, skaters and goalies cannot use special characters or custom character builds. 🧾 Enforcement Violations of the above bans will be handled as follows: 1st Infraction – Team captain warning + player suspended for 2 games + potential WO loss* 2nd Infraction – Second captain warning + full lineup warning + player suspended for 4 games + potential WO loss* 3rd Infraction – Captain suspended for 2 games + player suspended for 4 games + 2-point deduction + potential WO loss* *A Walkover (WO) loss will only apply if the offending team was clearly informed and continued to use banned Abilities or Builds afterward. Clear video evidence is required when reporting violations. You can view the full ECL '26: Winter - Official Rules here. Looking Forward While the overall ability structure remains similar to previous seasons, the addition of position-based build restrictions represents another step toward a stronger global standard. As always, we’ll continue to monitor gameplay trends and community feedback throughout the Winter season and forward your feedback directly to EA SPORTS. Thank you once again for your ongoing passion and input — it’s what continues to drive the ECL forward. Best regards, League Administration

Hello everyone, We’ve received a number of questions about the private game passwords that have been used in recent years for organizing competitive training games within the community. As we head into the upcoming tournaments, we’d like to share a quick reminder of the current passwords to use when applying for daily competitive training games: ECLPro – for Elite / Pro and Pro / Elite Qualifying teams ECLLite – for Lite / Core teams ECLNeo – for Neo teams While we understand the desire to challenge yourself and want to play tougher teams, please respect the divisions as mentioned above for use with each password. The whole point of the password system is diminished if, for example, Core teams use the Pro password, and so on. Please also remember to use only the currently permitted abilities and builds when playing these training games. This helps ensure fair and consistent gameplay across all divisions. Thank you for your cooperation — and have fun out there!

Hey SportsGamers! The Summer Cup has always been our go-to for some chill competition during the summer. It’s been a while since we ran it like this, but it’s finally back! You’ve been asking for it, so here it is! Last time was back in 2019, with over 450 players and 31 teams joining in. Now, after a few years off, we’re pumped to bring it back for the 25th edition in Europe! 🇪🇺🏒 What is the Summer Cup? The Summer Cup is a casual draft tournament designed to welcome both experienced players and newcomers to the SportsGamer community. It’s a perfect opportunity to network, find new teammates, and get ready for future ECL seasons. For rookies, this is a fantastic and low-pressure entry into the competitive scene. Focus on Fun and Community In this 2025 edition, the focus is purely on community building, networking, and having fun - meaning there will be no prize pool this time around. It’s all about enjoying the off-season together through the spirit of competition and camaraderie. Schedule The last day to sign up for the Cup is July 17. After that, the draft will take place on the afternoon of Sunday, July 20, and captains will need to be available to pick their teams. The regular season will kick off right after, starting on July 21. Team Structure and Draft Rules Each team will consist of 12-14 players, and the teams will be split into groups of 10. To ensure diversity and balance, no more than two regular teammates (from the same club team) will be allowed on the same Summer Cup roster. Players will be seeded into baskets based on their perceived skill level, using data from the most recent season across Elite, Pro, Lite Core, and Neo divisions. Playing Time and Format All players are guaranteed to play at least four games during the Summer Cup, to ensure an inclusive and engaging experience for everyone. Matches will be played in dedicated EASHL clubs, with all team names carrying the “SG” prefix - for example, SG Golden Knights. Are you Captain material? We’re looking for players to fill the boots of the captains putting together the teams - so if you’re even a little bit interested, go for it! It’s one of the best ways to get involved and make the Summer Cup experience even better. As a captain, you’ll be in on the action during the draft on Sunday (July 20) afternoon, picking your own squad. After that, you’ll help run the team, keeping things organized, scheduling games, and making sure everyone’s having a good time. It’s a chance to meet new people, show some leadership, and just have fun running your own team. We’d love to see as many of you as possible sign up! We’re excited to bring this tradition back — and we hope you are too. Let’s make Summer Cup '25 a tournament to remember! 🌟 All tournament communication will be handled through Discord, so if you haven’t already, please join here: https://sportsgamer.gg/discord SIGN UP HERE

After a quarterfinals that saw each of the favorites move on to the semifinals, four teams remain in the ECL Elite division playoffs, and just eight wins separate them from championship glory. With each of these teams having their own unique storylines and each series being first-time playoff matchups between the two teams, let's dive deeper into each matchup and give you an inside look at how each side stacks up heading into the series. A big thank you goes to @Mozjayh, @Allupekkaz, @antoniomannen004 and @sopulii_ for contributing to this! (1) Last Dance vs (4) EXEN Regular Season Series (April 16th): - Last Dance 4-2 W - Last Dance 4-1 W Last Dance Last Dance has carried over their dominant regular season into the postseason, as the #1 seed was able to make quick work of Tohtorit in the Quarterfinals by knocking them out in five games. Despite playing a Tohtorit team that was likely one of the most "complete" #8 seeded teams that we have seen in some time in this division, Last Dance looked every bit the part of a true, championship favorite. They saw four different skaters reach at least 9 points, with Niklas @NikkeDangles Tukiainen leading the way with 13 points and 9 assists. Even their lone player who didn’t reach 9 points led their team in goals, as Ilmari @Puantso Lehkonen tallied 6 goals, which accounted for all of his points in the series. Along with a balanced offensive attack that saw everyone in their lineup score, they also were able to play a complete game in their own end. Last Dance only allowed 11.4 shots per game in the series, and the always-steady Hannes @Hansulinho Kettunen was phenomenal in net, posting an 85.96 % and 1.6 GAA. Last Dance have yet to really face any adversity this season. They were dominant in their quest for the #1 seed and never felt much danger of losing their series against Tohtorit (aside from a late two-goal lead blown late in Game 2). There aren’t a lot of reasons to pick against this team other than really believing in their opponent. The effect of a “Last Dance” is a legitimate thing. They don’t want this ride to end with anything short of a championship. Not making the Finals would be a bitter disappointment for this group; they’ll do everything in their power to ensure that doesn’t happen. EXEN From a team that was questionable to make the playoffs, to one that just knocked out one of last season’s finalists. That is the story that EXEN has written for themselves over the past month and a half, and it’s one that has seen them also emerge as arguably the hottest team in the Elite Division. Their battle with Mustaa Kultaa lasted six games, and was capped off with an overtime game-winning goal from their star transfer, Kristian @kriketski17 Veijola, who tallied 8 total goals for 9 points, including 3 game-winning goals. Väinö @Pikkarii Pikkarainen was also a standout performer, tallying 7 points with 5 of them being assists. In that series, EXEN were able to not only come up with critical, game-changing plays, but they were also great at limiting Mustaa Kultaa’s opportunities offensively. EXEN allowed more than two goals just once in the series, and only surrendered 1.67 goals per game in the series and an average of 12.5 shots per game in the series. Much of this had to do with the team’s phenomenal play in their own zone, especially by Kasper @Kaz_zu Ramstedt in goal, who managed a strong 86.67 SV% through all six games. EXEN have found their stride and have continued to grow in it. They may not be a team that wins games in blowout fashion, but they keep games tight and always seem to show up with timely plays. It’ll take a complete series from all six positions for EXEN to pull off the upset, but as a significant underdog who no one expected to be here, what do they have to lose? That’s a dangerous thing to play against, especially when that team has the form to back it up. EXEN does, so don’t count them out. Prediction Hot vs Consistent is always a fun matchup, especially when you have a spot in the Finals on the line. When these two teams played on April 16th, EXEN was a completely different team than they are today. Sure, their roster was the same outside of Krike, but the team was in the midst of a considerable losing spell at that time, losing 7 of their first 8 games of the season. Ever since that series, EXEN has a record of 21-5-2 (including playoffs). On the other hand, Last Dance has been as steady as ever since opening day. They were the best team in the division offensively during the regular season, and they’ve paired that with elevated play in their own end (which was already Top 3 in the division). Based on what we saw between these two in the regular season, this series could go a variety of different ways, and as much as I love EXEN’s ability to stay close in games and the way that their experienced playmakers have stepped up, Last Dance have the feeling of a team of destiny. That’s a tough thing to overcome, but EXEN has already defied large odds this season. We’ll see which of those two stories holds true. @bMaJuH: Last Dance in 6 @Mozjayh: Last Dance in 7 @Allupekkaz: Last Dance in 5 @antoniomannen004: Last Dance in 6 @sopulii_: Last Dance in 7 (2) Mythix vs (3) Parasite Regular Season Series (May 7th): - Parasite 2-1 OTW - Mythix 1-0 OTW Mythix Mythix was able to knock off a tough SSK ESPORTS team in relatively quick fashion, ending the series in a gentleman’s sweep. However, I’d be remiss if I didn’t say that this series was much closer than what the five-game ending would make you believe. Three of the five games were decided in overtime, with Mythix taking two of those games, including the series-clinching Game 5. Despite how close this series was in nature, though, Mythix was able to separate themselves from SSK in the way of offensive opportunities and neutral zone defense. Mythix had more shots on goal and time on attack in every game other than Game 5 and they were able to hold one of the division’s most dangerous offenses to just 1.4 goals per game in the series (SSK came in averaging 3.07 GF/GP, which ranked 5th in Elite). This group saw many of its regular-season producers continue to make an impact in the Quarterfinals. Teemu @temppanen Karvonen led the way with 11 points and 7 goals, while Miika @zMikkeez Kauppila and Eemil @Sokkelo__ Soikkeli each earned 8 points of their own. Jani @TeikDaun Honkasaari also had the most successful playoff round of any goaltender, flexing an 88.89 SV% and 1.4 GAA on 63 shots. He also registered a shutout in Game 4. This team has proven they are a legitimate championship threat, no matter what happens from this point forward. The next step is proving that they can become a Finals team. It’ll be a tall order to do so against the defending champions, but anyone counting out this team could very well regret it. Parasite After eliminating an upset-minded Heimo team in six games, Parasite now find themselves just 8 wins away from successfully defending their championship crown. I’ve been on record saying that I don’t feel that this group is as overwhelmingly dominant as they have been in seasons past, and while you could argue that going to a six game series against a heavy underdog in the Quarterfinals would back that logic, the actual games themselves showed that Parasite is still a team that elevates their game in the playoffs. In a series that saw four one-goal games, including two in overtime, Parasite was able to take over the flow of the game at many different points in this series. Heimo played spectacular defense throughout the series and had stellar goaltending to boot, but it still wasn’t enough to stop Parasite from getting the chances that they always look for. There’s multiple players that you could point to in terms of impressive individual performances. Valtteri @Vattuyy Virtanen led the team in points with 10 while tying for the team-high in assists with Teemu @Teemuyy Polttila, with each of them earning six. Aaro @xAaro89x Aarvala played arguably his best hockey of the season in this series, notching 7 goals on 8 points, while scoring on 35% of his shots. Perttu @Beniittto Kemppainen also continues to prove why he’s one of the best playoff performers in the scene, as though his 7 points in six games may not immediately jump out at you, his numbers outside of his offense show you exactly how crucial his impact is. In the series, he posted a 56.4% face-off percentage, had 8 blocked shots, 20 interceptions, and even showed his physicality with 24 hits. To summarize all of this simply, Parasite is still Parasite. They’re undoubtedly one of the best teams in the division, and until there is a team that can beat them in a best-of-seven series, it’s a risky choice to pick against them. There’s just so little margin for error against this team, and they themselves don’t seem to make many mistakes. They’re the defending champions for a reason, and they continue to prove why time and time again. Prediction This is such a tough series to predict, and I truly believe that this is a series worthy of a championship final, but only one can advance to that final stage, and whoever does will certainly be battle-tested by the time they get there. Mythix is the lower seed and has everything going for them. Multiple dangerous scoring threats, a reliable defense pair that makes plays in all three zones of the ice, a special teams that is amongst the best that we have seen in the Elite division over the years and a goaltender in net who will likely be a candidate for Goaltender of the Season. Parasite, on the other hand, are the defending champions. Sure, they may not be breezing through teams the way they were a season ago, but they’re still winning no matter the circumstances, and they’re still a team with some of the best players in Europe at every position on the ice, including two different starting-caliber goalies. I’d be stunned if this series goes any less than six games, and I think there are plenty of valid reasons to pick either of these teams to win. @bMaJuH: Mythix in 7 @Mozjayh: Parasite in 7 @Allupekkaz: Parasite in 6 @antoniomannen004: Mythix in 7 @sopulii_: Mythix in 7 Want to keep up with everything happening in the ECL this season? Make sure to follow/subscribe to us on Twitch, YouTube, and X.

It has been three months since the start of the ECL '25: Winter season and now it all has come down to this, the Finals of the Elite division. Taking place live at Assembly, Mustaa Kultaa will be taking on Parasite in a mighty showdown between the two best teams ECL has seen this season. Three months ago these teams were starting their seasons in very different positions. Of course, we have all learned to know the strength and power of Parasite, a team that not only has seen it all but has also won it all, multiple times. After making some key additions they have only gotten better and have been the favorites long before the season even started. On the other side, Mustaa Kultaa came into the season as what many would've considered a dark horse to battle for playoff spots. After getting promoted to the Elite division, the team went through big changes in their lineup and those changes have really hit the spot. Will Parasite finish what everyone expected of them or will Mustaa Kultaa be able to pull off one of the biggest upsets we've seen in recent years? The ECL '25: Winter - Elite Finals are played live at Assembly on Thursday 20th of February. Join us in Helsinki or watch the stream on twitch.tv/SportsGamerGG, starting at 18:00 CET. (3) Mustaa Kultaa Regular season 17-1-3-7, 56 points Quarterfinals 4-1 vs The Black Jacks (6) Semifinals 4-1 vs Tohtorit (2) Predicted Lineup Left Wing: Aaro @xAaro89x Aarvala (15+5=20) Center: Eetu @Launonexx Launonen (8+10=18) Right Wing: Alex @Allupekkaz Buntsel (A) (4+11=15) Left Defender: J-J @NuariJamal Raatikainen (A) (3+9=12) Right Defender: Mico @Miseee96 Pulli (0+12=12) Goaltender: Veeti @LatveX Laitinen (8-1-1, 85%, 1.8 GAA, 1 SO) Regular season After successfully qualifying for the Elite divisions in the "fastest BO7 series we've ever witnessed" Mustaa Kultaa had a stormy offseason all the way until a few weeks before the season start. They ended up bringing back only two starting players from their Pro campaign in Allupekkaz and LatveX, with Launonexx also making a return to the team after a successful rookie season in Elite. They added a new defensive pairing in NuariJamal-_-, last season's point leader in Pro, and Misee96 from the Gotham Knights. Completing the team was xAaro89x, who has managed to take his game to a whole another level this campaign after looking for a home from a few different teams in the Elite division. The team had a very strong start to season losing only three games through nine matchups, and were leading the league for some time. From the last 10 games though they only managed to grab three wins, which saw them finishing the regular season in third place, tied in points with second place Tohtorit. Playoffs In the Quarterfinals they were challenged by The Black Jacks, who had been in a similar situation many times, hoping to finally make it through the first round. Mustaa Kultaa started the playoffs with a big 5-1 victory and made a comeback down from 0-3 to take it in overtime in game 2. They went into the deciding night with all the momentum on their side and The Black Jacks riddled with lineup changes could not change the series around. Mustaa Kultaa continued to the Semifinals with a convincing 4-1 series victory to face Tohtorit. Tohtorit were coming from a strong first-round performance against Exen and had @Stammer70 put up what could be one of the best playoff series ever for a goalie. The first games were tight but Mustaa Kultaa seemed to always be a bit ahead, and most importantly were able to solve Stammer. Game two was one of the most exciting games we've seen this season. Being down 0-4 with 18 minutes on the clock, Mustaa Kultaa was able to pull of the unthinkable and took the game to overtime, where Launonexx gave them the 2-0 series lead with his hat trick goal. The second night started rough for Tohtorit and after scoring 3 goals on 4 shots in game 3, Mustaa Kultaa found themselves 3-0 up in the series and just one step away from the finals. Tohtorit put all they had into game 4 and managed to take it in the overtime, but that push seemed to be all they had as Mustaa Kultaa got off to a strong start in Game 5. Even though they controlled the gameplay, they found themselves down 1-2 in the last period, but they showed their resilience tying up the game. Only two seconds before the end xAaro89x was able to find the series winner which put them through to the finals. Aaro has really managed to turn around his image as a weak playoff performer this season. He's leading the team with 15 goals, 4 of which are game-winners, in the playoffs and he's led the team through the first two rounds. Launone has been the unsung hero of this team with his 18 points and is crucial for this team's success. Allupekkaz has had some trouble finding the back of the net, but with 15 points he's still doing great. Misee96 and nuarijamal both have 12 points and form a strong backline with Latvex, who's elevated his game after a great regular season and is looking like one of the lead candidates for Rookie of the Season. (1) Parasite Regular season 24-3-0-1, 78 points Quarterfinals 4-0 vs GOONS (8) Semifinals 4-1 vs Voittamaton (4) Predicted lineup Left Wing: Valtteri @Vattuyy Virtanen (13+13=26) Center: Perttu @Beniittto Kemppainen (C) (9+12=21) Right Wing: Niklas @NikkeDangles Tukiainen (A) (12+14=26) Left Defender: Tomi @txmbo999 Laitinen (0+10=10) Right Defender: Teemu @Teemuyy Polttila (4+15=19) Goaltender: Niklas @uhNikke Nieminen (88.14%, 1.75 GAA, 1 SO) Regular season Is this the best lineup we've ever seen put up on the ECL ice? There are very strong arguments to say that after how dominant their season has been. Adding the star players from Tunnel Vision in Vattuyy and txmbo999 this Parasite team has been the clear favorite to win the title and possibly dominate the scene seasons to come. They had a record-breaking season scoring 149 goals with an average well above 5 and Vattuyy broke the goalscoring record with 65 goals, even with the season cut out by two games. NikkeDangles, had a personal record in points with 96, finishing second in the league, and formed a deadly playmaking duo together with Beniittto. They lost only one game during the regular season and took the first seed with an impressive margin of 22 points. Their dominance did not stop to only offense, as they also allowed the least goals, had the best powerplay (46%), and were second on the penalty kill while also taking the least penalties. FINSeRe shared playing time in goal with their other new addition UhNikke and they both, not surprisingly, had a great regular season. Playoffs In the Quarterfinals they were faced against the number eight seed GOONS. In the first game, GOONS did a good job keeping the scoring down but in the end, it was not enough as Parasite dominated the game with the puck and took home a 2-1 win. Things did not get any easier after that with Parasite being able to find more and more opportunities to score. After some wild offensive games, Parasite swept the series. The 8-5 score from Game 4 tells the whole story from the series which did not really test the Parasite squad. In the Semifinals Parasite took their second loss of the season in Game 1 against Voittamaton, but they were able to tie the series after a shutout from UhNikke. Voittamaton had their chances in the third game of the series but did not get the result with Parasite taking the win in the overtime. After that,t it was all Parasite as they dominated games four (5-1) and five (7-1) and booked their ticket to the finals. Their offensive trio Vattuyy, NikkeDangles, and Beniittto have continued from where they left off in the regular season and are taking up the top three spots in the playoffs. Teemuyy is even more dominant in the scoring for defensemen while Tombo has been handling more of the defensive duties. The goalie tandem has continued to share playing time and they will have two stars to choose from for the Finals series. Points to watch Can Parasite be beaten? That has been an almost impossible task for any team this season and Mustaa Kultaa will now have the task of doing that on the big stage. Regular season matches between these teams went to Parasite 5-3 and 6-2. Mustaa Kultaa will need to do a much better job defensively if they want to have any chance of taking it home. Rookie Goalie vs a seasoned veteran. While LatveX has had a great Rookie season and has been even better in the playoffs, he will still be facing a highly accomplished veteran in UhNikke. Parasite will create lots of offense and LatveX will be put in the toughest test of his young career. LAN experience is all on the side of the Parasite but at the same time, it will be interesting and at the same time exciting to see how this young Mustaa Kultaa squad can handle the pressure. "Hockey is a momentum game" as Finnish coach Juhani Tamminen once said. The start of the series will be important, but especially Mustaa Kultaa will need to make the most out of it and get into that flow state. If Parasite do that, it can be a very quick one. Rumors flying around about the Mustaa Kultaa squad and possible transfers. It is definitely not the ideal way to prepare for the biggest matchup of their career but maybe a good performance in the Finals could change things around? One thing is for sure, we're in for a hell of a show and we want everyone to join us, whether it is live at Assembly or on our live stream. Thursday, 20th of February 18.00 CET (19.00 local time in Finland).

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)

* This article is written as of June 1st Introduction The ECL Pro Division Quarterfinals have arrived, bringing a high-stakes showdown of elite teams vying for a spot in the semifinals. Expect a whirlwind of jaw-dropping plays, strategic masterclasses, and fierce rivalries reigniting on the virtual ice. From powerhouse lineups battling for supremacy to dark horses looking to upset the odds, these matchups are loaded with intensity. In this preview, we dive into each series, spotlight key players, uncover tactical advantages, and share bold predictions from the community’s top analysts. Get ready — the path to ECL glory is heating up! 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. Golden Buffalos (1) vs. Falun Coal Miners(11) The ECL Pro Division Quarterfinals are in full swing, and one of the most intriguing matchups pits the top-seeded Golden Buffalos against the battle-hardened Falun Coal Miners. After a grueling first round, both teams are primed for a clash that promises a blend of star power, defensive tenacity, and high-stakes drama on the virtual ice. The Buffalos, regular-season juggernauts, barely survived an upset scare, while the underdog Coal Miners are riding a wave of momentum after a stunning first-round victory. This series is shaping up to be a classic battle of offensive firepower versus disciplined defense. Let’s break it down. Series Overview Golden Buffalos: Surviving the Scare The Golden Buffalos entered the playoffs as the team to beat, having dominated the regular season with their dynamic offense and stout defense. However, their first-round matchup against Realistic was anything but a cakewalk. The underdog Realistic pushed them to the brink in a seven-game thriller, exposing vulnerabilities in the Buffalos’ game. Despite the rocky start, the Buffalos showed resilience, leaning on their star players to secure the series win. Heading the charge for the Buffalos is their assistant captain and offensive dynamo, @Patzlaf, whose availability was in question heading into the playoffs due to off-ice commitments. Patzlaf silenced doubters by suiting up for all seven games, delivering clutch goals and playmaking that kept the Buffalos alive. On the blue line, @FlyerKungen emerged as a postseason standout, racking up an impressive nine assists in the first round. His ability to quarterback the power play and neutralize opposing forwards will be critical against Falun’s disciplined system. However, the Buffalos’ depth was tested, and questions linger about whether their motivation to play in the Pro division will be tested against a tighter defensive unit. Falun Coal Miners: The Upset Kings The Falun Coal Miners, seeded 11th, are no strangers to defying expectations. In the first round, they stunned the heavily favored Three Stars, dispatching them in just five games. Falun’s success was built on a suffocating defensive structure and lights-out goaltending from @benuh_, who posted an astonishing three shutouts in the series. The Coal Miners’ blue line was a brick wall, limiting high-danger chances and frustrating Three Stars’ high-octane offense. Offensively, Falun proved they can keep pace with the best. Their top line, led by @Buffy, was a force, with the sniper potting eight goals in five games. The Coal Miners’ forward group is a balanced attack, with all three forwards contributing near-evenly in the points column. This depth, combined with their defensive prowess, makes Falun a dangerous opponent, even as underdogs against the top-seeded Buffalos. Key Matchups Goaltending Battle: @McSavid vs. @benuh_ The goaltending duel in this series could be the deciding factor. The Buffalos’ @McSavid was solid in the first round, posting insane numbers but facing criticism for allowing soft goals in critical moments against Realistic. Meanwhile, Falun’s @benuh_ was a revelation, recording three shutouts in the playoffs so far, and a jaw-dropping 89,87% save percentage. Benuh’s ability to steal games gives Falun a slight edge in net, but McSavid’s experience in high-pressure situations could level the playing field. Whichever goalie can outduel the other in tight games will likely tip the series. Offensive Firepower vs. Defensive Discipline The Golden Buffalos thrive on their high-octane offense, with @Patzlaf and company capable of turning games into track meets. Their ability to generate quick-strike goals and capitalize on power plays will test Falun’s defensive core. However, the Coal Miners’ team defense is their calling card. Led by their cohesive blue line and supported by @Buffy’s two-way play, Falun excels at clogging passing lanes and forcing turnovers. This series will hinge on whether the Buffalos can solve Falun’s defensive puzzle or if the Coal Miners can frustrate their opponents into costly mistakes. The X-Factor: Depth Scoring @xSauron_96 (edgard-ecn), a relatively inexperienced forward, needs to step up and contribute offensively to alleviate pressure from the top forwards. For Falun, their balanced scoring attack means they don’t rely on a single star, but their entire forward group must continue to chip in. If either team’s secondary scoring dries up, it could tilt the series in the other’s favor. Players to Watch Golden Buffalos: @xSauron_96 (Edgard_ecn) As the least experienced member of the Buffalos’ roster, @xSauron_96(edgard-ecn) is under the microscope. While his teammates carried the load in round one, the forward showed flashes of potential but lacked consistency. Against Falun’s stingy defense, he’ll need to elevate his game and prove he can hang with the veterans. A breakout performance could be the difference-maker for the Buffalos. Falun Coal Miners: Team Defense Rather than singling out one player, Falun’s entire defensive unit deserves the spotlight. Their ability to work as a cohesive group, from the blue line to the forwards, backchecking, was the backbone of their first-round upset. If Falun can maintain their disciplined structure and limit the Buffalos’ time and space, they have a real shot at pulling off another shocker. Tactical Breakdown The Buffalos will likely lean on their speed and skill, aiming to stretch Falun’s defense with quick transitions and stretch passes. Their power play, orchestrated by @FlyerKungen, is a weapon that could exploit any penalty trouble from Falun. However, the Coal Miners are masters at killing penalties and thriving in low-scoring games. Expect Falun to employ a tight-checking system, clogging the neutral zone and forcing the Buffalos to dump and chase—a style that frustrated Realistic in round one. Special teams could play a massive role. The Buffalos’ powerplay is lethal, but Falun’s penalty kill is among the league’s best. Conversely, Falun’s power play, while not as flashy, is efficient, with @Buffy's one-timer being a constant threat. The team that wins the special teams battle may well win the series. Series Prediction This series is a classic clash of styles: the Buffalos’ high-flying offense against Falun’s suffocating defense. The community’s analysts are leaning one way, but here’s what they’re saying: @hifk_FANI: Golden Buffalos in 6 (4-2). @jm98II Golden Buffalos in 6 (4-2). @Pekedipeks: Golden Buffalos in 6 (4-2). @Pensasmies: Golden Buffalos in 7 (4-3). Final Thoughts The Golden Buffalos vs. Falun Coal Miners series is a must-watch for ECL fans. The Buffalos have the talent and pedigree to make a deep run, but their first-round struggles exposed cracks in their armor. Falun, meanwhile, is riding high after their upset victory and has the defensive chops to make life difficult for the top seed. Expect a tightly contested series with low-scoring games and plenty of drama. Will the Buffalos’ stars shine brightest, or will Falun’s team-first mentality steal the show? Buckle up—this one’s going to be a grind. Afterlife (2) vs. Otukset(9) The ECL Pro Division Quarterfinals are heating up, and one of the most electrifying matchups features a classic Sweden vs. Finland clash between the second-seeded Afterlife and the ninth-seeded Otukset. This series promises to be a showcase of the Pro Division’s finest, blending high-octane offense, dazzling skill, and intense playoff physicality. Both teams are coming off contrasting first-round performances, setting the stage for a battle that could easily stretch to six or seven games. With offensive juggernauts on both sides and defenses looking to clamp down, this series will test which team can impose their will and outsmart their opponent. Let’s dive into the matchup. Series Overview Afterlife: Finding Their Groove Afterlife entered the playoffs as a favorite after a stellar regular season, but their first-round series against Setelikerho nearly derailed their championship hopes. Falling behind 2-1 early in the series, Afterlife looked vulnerable, particularly with their star center @Alpha borje struggling to find his rhythm. A bold tactical switch to move Alphaborje to right wing sparked a turnaround, as Afterlife rattled off three straight wins to close out the series. The adjustment unlocked their offense, with Alphaborje rediscovering his scoring touch and the team regaining its swagger. The Swedes are a well-rounded squad, boasting a potent top line and a mobile defense led by @azzez, who was a standout in round one. Afterlife’s ability to generate quick-strike goals and capitalize on transition opportunities makes them a dangerous opponent, but their early struggles against Setelikerho exposed a need for consistency. If they can maintain the momentum from their first-round comeback, Afterlife will be a tough out in this series. Otukset: The Finnish Freight Train Otukset, the ninth seed, came into the playoffs as underdogs but delivered a statement in round one by sweeping the experienced Fury in dominating fashion. The Finns were a defensive fortress, conceding just two goals across the entire series while averaging an impressive 3.75 goals per game offensively. Their disciplined system and relentless forecheck overwhelmed Fury, who couldn’t find answers for Otukset’s balanced attack. At the heart of Otukset’s success is their goalie anchor, @Roisto999, whose ability to shut down high-danger chances and anchor the defense was pivotal in the first round. Offensively, @James(machinegunkalle) led the way with timely goals and veteran leadership, proving he thrives under playoff pressure. Otukset’s ability to play low-scoring, mistake-free hockey while still generating offense makes them a legitimate threat to pull off another upset against Afterlife. Key Matchups Offensive Firepower: Afterlife’s Top Line vs. Otukset’s Balanced Attack This series pits two offensive powerhouses against each other. Afterlife’s top line, now clicking with @Alpha borje on the wing, is a constant threat with its speed and playmaking. Their ability to create in tight spaces and capitalize on power plays will challenge Otukset’s defense. However, Otukset counters with a balanced scoring attack, where every forward contributes. @James(machinegunkalle)’s knack for clutch goals and Otukset’s depth scoring could exploit any lapses in Afterlife’s defensive structure. The team that controls the pace and converts their chances will have the upper hand. Defensive Battle: @Azzez_88 vs. @juhkis96 & @Roisto999 The blue line will be a battleground in this series. Afterlife’s @Azzez_88 is a dynamic two-way defenseman who logged heavy minutes in round one, contributing offensively while shutting down opponents’ top lines. His mobility and vision will test Otukset’s forecheck. On the other side, @Roisto999 is Otukset’s defensive rock, excelling at making timely saves and keeping Otukset in it. If Roisto can neutralize Afterlife’s offensive might, Otukset could dictate the series’ tempo. This matchup of elite defensemen between @juhkis96 & @Azzez_88 will be critical in determining which team advances. Goaltending: A Hidden Key While Otuksetsr goaltender was the focal point in round one, both will face intense pressure in this series. Afterlife’s netminder @Bystrom_33 needs to be sharper after allowing some questionable goals against Setelikerho, especially against Otukset’s efficient offense. Otukset’s goaltender @Roisto999, meanwhile, was nearly flawless in the sweep of Fury, posting a league best save percentage 95,72% and providing confidence for the team’s defensive system. The goalie who makes the big saves in close games could swing the series. Players to Watch Afterlife: @Azzez_88 The dynamic defenseman was a revelation in the first round, logging big minutes and contributing at both ends of the ice. @Azzez_88’s ability to jump into the rush, quarterback the power play, and shut down opposing forwards makes him a game-changer. Against Otukset’s relentless attack, he’ll need to replicate his round-one heroics and elevate his game further to give Afterlife an edge. Otukset: @James (machinegunkalle) The veteran winger is Otukset’s emotional and offensive leader. @James (machinegunkalle) has a knack for stepping up in big moments, and his experience in high-pressure games will be crucial against a talented Afterlife squad. If he can continue his scoring ways and set the tone with his physicality, Otukset could ride his leadership to another upset. Tactical Breakdown Afterlife will look to push the pace, using their speed and skill to create odd-man rushes and exploit Otukset’s defense in transition. Their power play, revitalized by @Alpha borje’s move to the wing, is a weapon that could capitalize on any discipline issues from Otukset. However, the Finns are masters of a structured, low-risk game plan. Otukset will likely focus on clogging the neutral zone, forcing Afterlife to dump the puck and engage in board battles—a style that played to their advantage against Fury. Special teams will be a factor. Afterlife’s power play is dangerous, but Otukset’s penalty kill was perfect in round one, neutralizing Fury’s chances. Conversely, Otukset’s power play, while not as flashy, is opportunistic, with @James (machinegunkalle) providing a lethal shot from the wing. The team that wins the special teams battle could gain a decisive advantage in what promises to be a tight series. Series Prediction This Sweden vs. Finland showdown is poised to be a war of attrition, with both teams capable of lighting up the scoreboard and locking things down defensively. The community’s analysts are weighing in with their takes: @hifk_FANI: Otukset in 6 (4-2). @jm98II: Otukset in 7 (4-3). @Pekedipeks: Afterlife in 5 (4-1). @Pensasmies: Otukset in 7 (4-3). Final Thoughts The Afterlife vs. Otukset series is a marquee matchup that encapsulates everything fans love about ECL playoff hockey: speed, skill, physicality, and strategic chess matches. Afterlife’s high-flying offense, led by a rejuvenated @Alpha borje, will test Otukset’s airtight defense, anchored by @juhkis96. Meanwhile, Otukset’s balanced attack and veteran leadership from @machinegunkalle could exploit any cracks in Afterlife’s game. Expect a back-and-forth series with momentum swings and highlight-reel plays. Will Afterlife’s star power shine through, or will Otukset’s grit and discipline pave the way for another upset? One thing’s for sure—this series will keep fans on the edge of their seats. Almost Famous (3) vs. ROBE Esports(8) The ECL Pro Division Quarterfinals are delivering blockbuster matchups, and the clash between the third-seeded Almost Famous and eighth-seeded ROBE Esports is no exception. This series pits two tactically versatile teams against each other, each armed with dynamic playmakers, rock-solid defenses, and elite goaltending. Both squads are battle-tested after contrasting first-round performances, setting the stage for a fierce battle where neither team is likely to give an inch. Expect a chess match filled with strategic adjustments, highlight-reel plays, and intense physicality as these two heavyweights vie for a semifinal spot. Here’s the full breakdown. Series Overview Almost Famous: A Dominant Force Almost Famous entered the playoffs as one of the favorites, carrying the pedigree of past Pro Division champions. They lived up to the hype in the first round, steamrolling Poggers in a commanding 4-0 sweep. The series was a statement of intent, with Almost Famous showcasing their offensive depth, defensive discipline, and unshakable composure. Their ability to dominate all facets of the game left Poggers reeling and sent a clear message to the rest of the division: Almost Famous is here to reclaim the crown. Leading the charge is @xrikardo55 , a dynamic winger whose scoring prowess and flair make him a constant threat, amassing an impressive 20 points (10+10). The team’s balanced attack and veteran leadership ensure they thrive under playoff pressure, but their occasional defensive lapses could be a concern against a team like ROBE. With a loaded toolbox of offensive weapons and a battle-tested core, Almost Famous is primed to make a deep run, but they’ll need to stay sharp to avoid being caught off guard. ROBE Esports: Grit and Resilience ROBE Esports faced a much tougher road in the first round, surviving a rollercoaster series against Aspyre. After jumping out to a 3-1 lead, ROBE nearly squandered their advantage but sealed the series with a commanding performance in game seven. The X-factor in that series was @punt1la98, whose clutch playmaking and timely goals kept ROBE alive. Meanwhile, defenseman @lycki10 emerged as a postseason star, amassing an incredible 16 points (3 goals, 13 assists) in seven games. His offensive output from the blue line gives ROBE a unique weapon that could exploit Almost Famous’ defensive weaknesses. ROBE’s strength lies in their versatility, with a playbook that adapts to any opponent. Their goaltender was a wall in game seven, and their ability to grind out wins in tight games makes them a dangerous underdog. However, facing Almost Famous’ relentless offense will be their toughest test yet. Key Matchups Offensive Might vs. Defensive Prowess Almost Famous boasts one of the league’s most potent offenses, led by @xrikardo55, whose speed and goal-scoring ability can turn games in an instant. Their top line thrives in open ice, creating chances off the rush and capitalizing on power plays. ROBE, however, counters with a disciplined defensive system that frustrated Aspyre in round one. @lycki10's ability to join the rush while maintaining defensive responsibilities makes him a dual threat, but ROBE’s entire defense will need to be on point to contain Almost Famous’ firepower. The team that controls the tempo—whether it’s Almost Famous’ up-tempo attack or ROBE’s structured counterattacks—will likely dictate the series. Goaltending Duel Both teams have elite goaltenders who can steal games. Almost Famous’ netminder @kkostiiii was far from flawless in the sweep of Poggers, posting an average save percentage (77,96%) and exuding instability. ROBE’s goaltender @Viltzup, meanwhile, faced intense pressure against Aspyre and delivered in the clutch, particularly in game seven where he recorded a shutout. With both offenses capable of generating high-danger chances, the goaltending battle could be the difference-maker. Whichever netminder stands taller in tight moments will give their team a significant edge. Special Teams: Power Play vs. Penalty Kill Almost Famous’ power play is a well-oiled machine, with @keranee & @xrikardo55 serving as a lethal trigger man on the wing. Their ability to convert on the man advantage could exploit any penalties from ROBE. Conversely, ROBE’s power play, fueled by @lycki10’s playmaking from the point, is a growing threat. Their penalty kill was solid against Aspyre, but facing Almost Famous’ dynamic special teams will be a step up. The team that wins the special teams battle could swing the series in their favor. Players to Watch Almost Famous: @xrikardo55 The electrifying winger is the heartbeat of Almost Famous’ offense. @xrikardo55’s ability to light the lamp with highlight-reel goals makes him a game-changer, and his performance in the sweep of Poggers showed he’s ready for the playoff spotlight. ROBE will need to adjust their game plan to contain him, whether through physical play or tight checking. If Rikardo gets loose, he could single-handedly tilt the series in Almost Famous’ favor. ROBE Esports: @lycki10 The defenseman’s 16-point outburst in round one was a revelation, and @lycki10 is quickly becoming ROBE’s most dangerous weapon. His ability to drive offense from the blue line while holding the fort defensively gives ROBE a unique edge. Against Almost Famous’ occasionally shaky defense, @lycki10’s point production could be a game-changer. If he continues his scoring ways, ROBE could pull off the upset. Tactical Breakdown Almost Famous will look to impose their high-tempo, skill-driven game, using speed and quick puck movement to create chaos in ROBE’s defensive zone. Their power play, orchestrated by @xrikardo55 & @Jalkkin-, is a lethal weapon that could capitalize on any discipline issues from ROBE. On the other hand, ROBE prefers a more calculated approach, relying on a strong forecheck and opportunistic counterattacks. @lycki10’s ability to jump into the play adds an extra layer to ROBE’s offense, but they’ll need to avoid getting caught in Almost Famous’ transition game. ROBE’s penalty kill will face a stern test against Almost Famous’ power play, while their own power play must capitalize on any chances to keep pace. Expect both teams to make in-game adjustments, with Almost Famous trying to stretch the ice and ROBE aiming to clog the neutral zone and force turnovers. The team that adapts better to the other’s playbook will have the upper hand. Series Prediction This series is shaping up to be a clash of titans, with Almost Famous’ championship pedigree facing off against ROBE’s resilience and versatility. The community’s analysts lean heavily toward the favorites but acknowledge the challenge ROBE presents: @hifk_FANI: Almost Famous in 5 (4-1). @jm98II: Almost Famous in 7 (4-3). @Pekedipeks: Almost Famous in 5 (4-1). @Pensasmies: Almost Famous in 5 (4-1). Final Thoughts The Almost Famous vs. ROBE Esports series is a must-watch for ECL fans, combining elite skill, tactical intrigue, and playoff intensity. Almost Famous enters as the clear favorite, with @xrikardo55 leading a high-powered offense and a roster built for postseason success. However, ROBE’s resilience, fueled by @lycki10’s breakout performance and @punt1la98’s clutch play, makes them a dangerous underdog. This series will hinge on which team can impose their style of play and capitalize on their opportunities. Will Almost Famous continue their dominant run, or can ROBE pull off an upset? Get ready for a thrilling battle that could define the Pro Division playoffs. Pirates Esports (4)vs. Vizio 6) The ECL Pro Division Quarterfinals are delivering high-stakes battles, and the matchup between the fourth-seeded Pirates Esports and the sixth-seeded Vizio is shaping up to be a coin-flip thriller. Both teams cruised through their first-round series with relative ease, but now they face a far tougher challenge in each other. With a franchise-first Pro Division semifinal berth on the line, this series promises tight games, explosive offense, and a clash of contrasting styles. Pirates bring individual flair and boldness, while Vizio counters with experience and a balanced roster. Buckle up for a must-watch series that could go down to the wire. Here’s the full breakdown. Series Overview Pirates Esports: The Central European Contenders Pirates Esports entered the playoffs as a dangerous squad, and they proved their mentality in the first round with a convincing victory over a lackluster Carnages team. The Pirates’ blend of skill, speed, and confidence allowed them to control games from start to finish, showcasing their potential as a championship contender. As the only Central European team remaining in the Pro Division playoffs, Pirates carry the region’s hopes on their shoulders. Leading the charge are @Winci-_o and @AdriF_23 whose offensive prowess overwhelmed Carnages’ defense. The duo’s chemistry and ability to create scoring chances in tight situations make Pirates a formidable opponent. However, Vizio’s high-powered offense will test Pirates’ defensive structure in ways Carnages couldn’t. If Pirates can maintain their swagger and capitalize on their individual skill, they have a real shot at advancing to the semifinals. Vizio: The Finnish Rising Stars Vizio has been a team on the rise, taking significant strides each season, and their first-round performance showed they’re ready to compete with the elite. Bolstered by key acquisitions like @Nieppii and @SakkeTheEngineer, Vizio dispatched their opening-round opponent with ease, demonstrating a balanced attack and a stingy defense. The Finnish squad has exceeded expectations, but now they face a Pirates team that thrives on individual brilliance and bold play. Vizio’s strength lies in their experience and depth, with @Jetsu28 leading the way as a proven goal-scorer who can beat any goaltender. Their ability to play a structured, team-oriented game gives them an edge in tight contests, but they’ll need to shore up their defense against Pirates’ dynamic forwards. Vizio’s progress has them knocking on the door of greatness, and this series is their chance to prove they belong among the Pro Division’s elite. Key Matchups Offensive Firepower: Pirates’ Flair vs. Vizio’s Depth Pirates Esports rely on the individual brilliance of @Winci-_o and @AdriF_23, whose speed and creativity can break open games. Their ability to generate high-danger chances off the rush will test Vizio’s defensive discipline. Vizio, however, counters with a deep and balanced attack, led by @Jetsu28, whose lethal shot and knack for finding open ice make him a constant threat. The team that better exploits their opponent’s defensive lapses will likely control the series’ momentum. Defensive Structure: Pirates’ Backline vs. Vizio’s Blue Line Pirates’ defense held firm against Carnages, but Vizio’s offense presents a much tougher challenge. The Pirates will need to stay disciplined and avoid getting caught in transition, where Vizio’s forwards thrive. On the other side, Vizio’s blue line, bolstered by the goalie @SakkeTheEngineer, has been a strength all season. Their ability to break up plays and transition the puck quickly will be critical against Pirates’ aggressive forecheck. The defensive unit that limits high-danger chances will give their team a significant advantage. Goaltending: A Battle of Unsung Heroes Both teams feature goaltenders who quietly excelled in the first round. Pirates’ netminder was a steady presence, making key saves to preserve their dominance over Carnages. Vizio’s goaltender @SakkeTheEngineer, meanwhile, faced fewer shots but was nearly flawless, providing a backbone for their team’s success. With both offenses capable of lighting the lamp, the goaltending duel could be the X-factor. The netminder who makes the big stops in crunch time will play a massive role in determining the series’ outcome. Players to Watch Pirates Esports: @AdriF_23 The French phenom has been a revelation this season, combining speed, skill, and a nose for the net. @AdriF_23’s ability to rise to the occasion makes him a player to watch in this series. Against Vizio’s experienced defense, he’ll need to use his creativity and boldness to create scoring chances and test their goaltender. If Adrif can break through, Pirates could ride his momentum to the semifinals. Vizio: @Jetsu28 As Vizio’s premier goal-scorer, @Jetsu28 has the ability to take over games with his deadly shot and clutch instincts. His performance in the first round showed he’s ready for the playoff spotlight, and Pirates’ defense will have their hands full containing him. If Jetsu can find the back of the net consistently, Vizio could overwhelm Pirates’ backline and secure the upset. Tactical Breakdown Pirates Esports will look to play an up-tempo game, using their speed and individual skill to create chaos in Vizio’s defensive zone. @AdriF_23 and @Winci-_o excel in transition, and their ability to generate odd-man rushes could exploit any mistakes from Vizio’s blue line. Vizio, however, prefers a more structured approach, relying on weak defense and quick puck movement to create scoring opportunities. @SakkeTheEngineer's shot stopping ability adds a bit of an edge towards Vizio. Special teams could be a deciding factor. Pirates’ power play, fueled by @AdriF_23's flair, is a dangerous weapon, but Vizio’s penalty kill has been airtight. Conversely, Vizio’s power play, with @Jetsu28 as the trigger man, could capitalize on any penalties from Pirates’ aggressive style. The team that adapts better to the other’s game plan and wins the special teams battle will have a clear path to victory. Series Prediction This series is as close as it gets, with Pirates’ individual brilliance squaring off against Vizio’s experience and depth. The community’s analysts are split, reflecting the unpredictability of this matchup: @hifk_FANI: Vizio in 7 (4-3). @jm98II: Vizio in 6 (4-2). @Pekedipeks: Pirates in 7 (4-3). @Pensasmies: Pirates in 6 (4-2). Final Thoughts The Pirates Esports vs. Vizio series is a showcase of everything that makes ECL playoff hockey special: skill, strategy, and heart. Pirates bring a bold, high-skill approach, led by @AdriF_23 and @Winci-_o, while Vizio counters with a seasoned, well-rounded roster featuring @Jetsu28 and @Nieppii. Both teams are hungry for a semifinal spot, and their contrasting styles promise tight, back-and-forth games. Will Pirates’ individual brilliance shine through, or will Vizio’s experience and teamwork carry them to victory? This series is a must-watch for eHockey fans, with every game poised to deliver drama and excitement.

⚠️ We are looking for writing talent - if you can contribute to articles about the ECL, please see this news story for more information. The ECL '25: Spring - Core division has reached the midway point, and the competition is as fierce as expected. With playoff dreams alive across all groups, several teams and players have started to separate themselves from the pack. Here's where we stand. Top Teams SKYFALL and Harhapassi are locked in a dead heat at the top of Group 3, each sitting at 51 points with dominant goal differentials and powerful special teams. Nordic Nosebleed (Group 2) lead their group with a strong 14-1-1 record, but ARMEIJAN KURI and Fallen Rangers are close behind, both showing elite two-way play. VBO STARS (Group 1) are setting the pace with 44 points from 20 games, combining balanced offense and defense to maintain a tight grip on the standings. Sopranos and HC Purijat (Group 4) are shaping up for a fierce battle, with both teams relying on suffocating defense and   high penalty kill percentages.   Standout Skaters @stu_rulez (SKYFALL) leads the scoring charts with 73 points (31G, 42A) in 20 games, showcasing elite playmaking and scoring. @Sebko99 (Fallen Rangers) has racked up 70 points in just 16 games, proving to be one of the deadliest forwards in the division. @Chluda15 (Taifun Veterans) and @Gadzovec (Taifun Veterans) are both inside the top five, giving their team one of the most dynamic offensive duos. Other top performers include @Timo Silakka (Harhapassi) and @Koutsi (SKYFALL), both critical pieces for their respective teams' success.   Goaltending Watch @Mrantonn (Prowlers) has been a rock over 14 games with an 89.05% save percentage and a 2.14 goals against average, playing a massive role for Prowlers. @Calxm41 (Dynamo Hc) and @Japemode (HC Purijat) have also stood tall with save percentages over 87%, helping to anchor two defensively tough teams. @Melker Tongring Tfue4173 (Nordic Knights) and @Kurtznaattori (Koppibuutti) continue to impress with strong consistency between the pipes.   Groups at a Glance Group 1: VBO STARS lead but Dynamo Hc and Viitapohja Vikings are closing in, both showing playoff-caliber form. Group 2: Nordic Nosebleed slightly edge ARMEIJAN KURI and Fallen Rangers in what is shaping up as a three-horse race. Group 3: SKYFALL and Harhapassi have pulled away, but Taifun Veterans and Prowlers are dangerous outsiders. Group 4: Sopranos, HC Purijat, and Conexion all have legitimate claims to the top seed.   Players to Watch in the Second Half @stu_rulez (SKYFALL) — Can he maintain his pace and lead the league in points? @Sebko99 (Fallen Rangers) — A scoring machine looking to push his team into top contention. @Mrantonn - (Prowlers) — One of the most reliable goaltenders so far. @Chluda15 and @Gadzovec (Taifun Veterans) — Watch for these two to continue their offensive barrage.   As the season intensifies, expect tighter games, late-game heroics, and playoff intensity to rise. The race to the playoffs is officially on — and no one is safe yet. Stay tuned for the stretch run!

ECL ’25: Spring Sign-Ups Are Open – Welcome to Season 20 and the League’s 10-Year Anniversary! Can you believe it’s been 10 years since we kicked off the ECL? Now, as we enter Season 20, what started as a one-division journey with around 50 teams has grown into a 200+ team, five-division experience. It’s incredible to see so many players who have been with us since the beginning—there’s been a lot of eHockey played over the years! You can browse some of these legendary player profiles on the SportsGamer All-time Stats page. I’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the players who have joined us on this journey and continue to compete in the league we all live and breathe. Since its inception in 2015, the European Championship League (ECL) has established itself as the pinnacle of eHockey. It’s where the best players from across the continent face off in a 6v6 format that leaves no margin for error. Every position on the ice—forward, defense, and goalie—is controlled by a human player, creating a uniquely competitive and authentic environment. With divisions ranging from the elite to entry-level, the ECL provides a platform for players of all skill levels to make their mark. With a total prize pool of 24 000 EUR on the line—spread across both 6v6 and 1v1 formats—the stage is set for yet another amazing competitive season in European NHL esports. The ECL is the pinnacle of European NHL esports. The abbreviation stands for the European Championship League and it features NHL 6v6 esports in five divisions aimed at various skill levels. Every player, including the goalies, is controlled by a human. League games are played in the EASHL mode and the platform is PlayStation and Xbox. ECL has been played since 2015, so the upcoming season is already the 17th. The latest addition to the ECL product family is a 1v1 tournament, where Europe's best solo players fight for the championship. ECL 1v1 has been played since the ECL '23 Winter season. Basic information/requirements of ECL: Regional restrictions: ECL is a European tournament format, however, we do not necessarily exclude players located in North America or Asia. A European server will always be used. We reserve the right to exclude teams or players in case of severe connection issues. Individual requirements: Each player needs to have an account at SportsGamer.GG and create their personal player card. ECL licenses: Teams in ECL Elite & ECL Pro, ECL Lite, and ECL Core will require their respective ECL ‘25: Spring team licenses in order to play. In addition, every player in the above-mentioned divisions needs to have a valid ECL ‘25: Player License or ECL ‘25: Spring Player License before taking the ice. Players in ECL Neo require only an ECL '25: Spring Neo Player License. For a more extensive overview of the ECL as a whole, check out our “What is the ECL?” news story. Please note that the sign-up window for the Pro Wild Card Battle, the Pro Qualifier and the Pro and Elite divisions is quite short, so don't miss out and please don't hesitate to reach out to support if you have any questions. The sign-ups close on the below-mentioned dates: Pro Wildcard Battle: 18.3.2025 ⚠️ ECL Pro Qualifier: 21.3.2025 ⚠️ ECL Neo: 4.4.2025 ECL Core: 4.4.2025 ECL Lite: 4.4.2025 ECL Pro: 21.3.2025 ⚠️ ECL Elite: 21.3.2025 ⚠️ * Signups will close at 23:59 CET on the day mentioned unless otherwise specified. For more detailed information on the different divisions and their schedules, see this article. Qualifiers: The schedule for the qualifiers will be tight - as usual, to allow the maximum time for sign-ups - so please prepare to play quite intensely during the qualifiers stage. Pro Wildcard Battle: 19.-20.3 (if necessary) Pro Qualifier starts 23.3 Elite Qualifier start: 30.3 (if necessary) The exact details will be shared once the number of teams is known. Regular Season duration: 7.4-8.5.2025 Estimated finals dates: Below are estimated dates for the Finals to be approximately played. We reserve the right to changes in schedule. ECL Neo Finals 29.6 ECL Core Finals 25.6. - 26.6 ECL Lite Finals 23.6. - 24.6 ECL Pro Finals 16.6. - 17.6 ECL Elite Finals 14.6 Free Agents & Teams Looking for Players Don't have a team yet? Team looking for additions to your roster? If you are a free agent looking to be picked up, please head over here. If you are representing a team looking for players, please head over here. Need more help, check out the below article! Early Bird Offer on Team Licenses Below you’ll find the pricing of the team for ECL ‘25: Spring. You can pick up the ECL ‘25: Spring Team license for the Super Early Bird and Early Bird pricing listed below. After that, we will offer a slightly elevated regular pricing from March 27th 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: Spring 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 Pro division, purchase the Super Early Bird Pro license. If your team doesn’t qualify for the Pro division, you will play in the Lite division and we will refund you the difference - in this example: 100 EUR. The ECL Neo division does not require a team license, however, you do need the ECL Neo Player license at the cost of 10 EUR per season. Please refer to this ECL Ranking in order to understand which teams are eligible to sign up for each division. Rule Changes: Ability Bans All Gold abilities and the silver abilities Truculence, Big Tipper, and Stick 'Em Up are banned for the ECL '25: Spring season. Read the full League Administration statement here. The full updated ECL '25 rulebook will be published closer to the season, you can check out last season's rules here.

ECL '25: Winter - Pro | Individual Player Award Winners SportsGamers, For the first time ever, it's time to give some glory and recognition to players with the best individual performances and most significant contributions for their teams in our second-highest tier of European 6v6 eHockey: ECL Pro Player Awards for the Winter '25 season! Awarded players were selected by our council including writers, staff, and casters who have been observing the accomplishments of our teams and players precisely. Below you'll find a list of winners in four categories: Forward of The Season The Top Forward award is awarded to a player who has excelled above the competition in their forward position. Mikko @Toivone_ Toivonen, NOSTREETSPORTS Defender of The Season The Top Defender award is awarded to a player who has excelled above the competition in their defenseman position. Tuukka @KingOfApes_ Röpelinen, NOVA Goalie of The Season The Top Goalie award is awarded to a player who has excelled above the competition in their goaltender position. Jesse @Jeerik17 Leppä, Blackbirds Leppä was also chosen as the playoffs MVP by his team Blackbirds. Rookie of The Season The Rookie Of The Season award is awarded to a player in their rookie ECL Pro season, who has excelled above the competition regardless of position. Players who have played in ECL Elite but now played their first season in ECL Pro are not eligible. Aatu @aomyo6195 Myöhänen, Blackbirds

What a first round we had! It was full of surprises with only one out of the top 6 seeds continuing to the second round. This definitely shuffles the pack around quite a bit so let's take a look at what the quarterfinals bring to us. We welcome you all to join the featured broadcast on Tuesday the 14th of January as we'll be covering Otukset vs Herlev Eagles. Pro Division Playoff schedule (BO7) Round of 16: January 6th – 9th Quarterfinals: January 13th – 16th Semifinals: January 20th – 23rd Finals: January 29th – 30th (4) POGGERS - (16) SSK ESPORTS (12-3-3-12) POGGERS Round 1: 4-1 vs The Oldtimers Poggers showed their experience in the first round and went through without much trouble. It was a good performance from the whole team with each of the attackers contributing offensively and @Terodee (LaurinHaavi) 3+6=9 providing strong support from the blue line. After allowing 3.47 GAA in the regular season it went down to just 1.8 GAA with @Samilandia upping his save percentage to 85.94%. SSK ESPORTS Round 1: 4-2 vs NOSTREETSPORTS After somewhat of a controversial series SSK managed to take advantage of their opponent's roster struggle. They continued their strong defensive play with two shutouts and were in control of the play for most of the series. They did allow two late-minute goals in two of the games which is something that they can't let happen going into this series. @zuppe_29 (8+7=15) is tied for the lead in points after round one and he will need to continue to lead their offense. Poggers are known as a team who are here to enjoy their time and have fun. When you add their skill level and experience into that it often turns tight games in their favor. They also showed their ability to adjust to playoff hockey. SSK will face yet another team that has high scoring power but now they won't have additional factors helping them. They will need to stay out of the box against the league's best powerplay and use their counter-attacking chances efficiently. Predictions: @Vamoux 4-2 Poggers @Pekedipeks 4-1 Poggers @hifk_FANI 4-0 Poggers @IJepuxI 4-2 Poggers (7) Otukset - (15) Herlev Eagles Otukset Round 1: 4-1 vs Bjorkloven Esport After a tough first game, Otukset found their groove winning four games straight allowing only 3 goals. @Roisto999 was their star of the round posting 86.96%, 1.8 GAA, and 2 shutouts. If their 5-0 victory in game 5 was a statement of what's to come they will be a tough team to beat. Leading the way offensively for them was @Miguli36 with 4 goals and 7 assists. Herlev Eagles Round 1: 4-3 vs DILAC Herlev Eagles was responsible for one of the biggest upsets in round 1. They managed to shut down DILAC in game 7 after a thrilling series which included 3 overtime games. Heading into the series a lot of expectations were set on @MartindalexC and he delivered leading the team with 7 goals and 7 assists. @Dreamickie also had a strong series posting 14 points as well. Both of these teams have been in the pro division for a long time but playoff success has avoided them. Now one of them will make their way to the top 4. They both have the offensive power needed but I will be looking at the goalie play in this series. @Roisto999 has seen it all on the highest levels and has been strong all season long. For Herlev, the situation is more open with @jubens_ getting the responsibility in round 1. He played well but @Provokacija has been their main guy throughout the season and was clearly stronger during the regular season. Predictions: @Vamoux 4-2 Otukset @Pekedipeks 4-3 Otukset @hifk_FANI 4-1 Otukset @IJepuxI 4-3 Herlev Eagles (10) Blackbirds - (13) Ismon Valinta Blackbirds Round 1: 4-0 vs Aspyre Blackbirds stormed through Aspyre and were the only team to sweep their series in round 1. Lead by @sopuli04 and @aomyo6195 (7+8=15 each) their offense was on a whole another level almost doubling their regular season numbers. They were able to generate a lot of scoring chances and used them very well with shooting percentage nearing 30%. Ismon Valinta Round 1: 4-1 vs Zenegeim Ismon Valinta played a tight and low-scoring series against Zenegeim before blowing them out 9-0 in game 5. @Hulkkol posted an impressive 87.88% with one shutout and gave them the support to win the tight games in the series. @xrikardo55 (7+8=15) was their highest scorer but 9 of those points came in the blowout win which leaves the question open whether they can find more offense in the following rounds. Either of these teams making it to the top 4 could be considered a slight surprise. Blackbirds have proven their doubters wrong again and again, and are making a great run on their first pro season. Ismon Valinta has one of the most experienced defense partners in the league and has made a successful switch from forward to defense for the playoffs. Ismon Valinta is the stronger side defensively and their hot goaltending gives them a slight edge heading into the series but I could see it going either way. Prediction: @Vamoux 4-3 Blackbirds @Pekedipeks 4-3 Ismon Valinta @hifk_FANI 4-0 Blackbirds @IJepuxI 4-3 Ismon Valinta (11) NOVA - (12) RYHTIC NOVA Round 1: 4-2 vs HC Lugano eSports NOVA had their season on the line after losing the first two games of their series in overtime. On the deciding matchday, something changed and they were dominating winning the last 4 games with a 14-1 goal difference. @Baranizer (90%, 1.17 GAA, 3 SO) was the best goalie of round one and was their most important player through the series. @Nester4343 continued to lead their offense with 3+11=14 points but the whole team was contributing with the lowest scorer having 7 points. RYHTIC Round 1: 4-3 vs Gotham Knights RYHTIC arguably got one of the toughest matchups for round 1 and came out victorious after the game 7 "bouncefest". Statistically, they might not have been the better team but the team used their chances and were solid defensively. Goaltender @JussinSisko had a great series with 84.38% and one shutout. @Limbe65 (6+2=8) scored some important goals including two game-winners and their powerplay was on point with 6 goals scored on 11 chances. RYHTIC has been in this position for multiple seasons in a row now and has been performing well. They're hoping that this could finally be the season they can take the step that would take them to Elite after being so close so many times. Their opponent NOVA found their form at the correct time but RYHTIC will still be heading into the series as favorites. If NOVA can keep playing the way they played the last four games of the first round, anything can happen. A lot will depend on whether @Baranizer can keep up his red-hot form. Prediction: @Vamoux 4-2 RYHTIC @Pekedipeks 4-3 RYHTIC @hifk_FANI 4-1 RYHTIC @IJepuxI 4-3 RYHTIC 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 quarterfinal matchup between Otukset and Herlev Eagles on Twitch, YouTube, and X on Tuesday, January 14th. Exact time is still TBC. Who do you think will win each series? Let us know in the comments!

Following a review of the events surrounding the SCL 6v6 semifinal series between teams Spartan family and The Solution, the Regional League Administration is issuing the following official ruling based on the match timeline, rulebook, and communication from both parties. Any quotes mentioned in this article have been translated from Swedish to English and may have been paraphrased to cut to the chase. Teams will be referenced as  Background The semifinal series was originally scheduled to be played between Sunday and Tuesday.   Spartan family requested to play Sunday, but The Solution was unavailable. Both teams then agreed to play Monday and Tuesday at 21:30 CEST.   On Monday, just before the scheduled start, EA servers went down, making gameplay impossible.   To resolve the situation and maintain scheduling for the finals on Thursday, the League granted a one-day extension, allowing the series to be completed on Wednesday.   Refusal to Play on Tuesday Although Tuesday was one of the originally agreed match days, The Solution refused to play, stating they only wanted to play all 5 games either Tuesday or Wednesday — but not split.   Spartan family could not accommodate a full BO5 on either day due to their players participating in ECL Pro Qualifier matches, where they represent SSK Esports.   Despite the League’s effort to propose flexible solutions, The Solution refused to compromise, and expressed frustration claiming Spartan family were receiving “special treatment” due to their "Pro status".   While it’s understandable that players may have real-life commitments, the tone and unwillingness to cooperate gave the Administration the impression that The Solution was not engaging constructively in rescheduling efforts.   Scheduling Compromise for Wednesday To accommodate both sides, the Administration proposed the following: Play would begin at 20:00 CEST with up to 3 games. A break at 21:30 would allow Spartan family to play their ECL Pro Qualifier matches. Any remaining games would resume around 22:30.   The Solution did not oppose this proposal or suggest alternatives, replying only: “We meet 20 to play 3 and we will see then.”   Matchday: Wednesday At 20:00, Spartan family began searching for the first game and messaged The Solution.   With no reply received, Spartan family declared a walkover win for Game 1 at 20:16, in line with the rulebook’s 15-minute lateness rule.   At 20:17, The Solution responded: “ok, see you at 20.30.” The Solution joined the lobby at 20:39 — 39 minutes after the agreed start time, and with no explanation for the delay.   While the walkover could be viewed as slightly strict, the combination of The Solution’s refusal to play on Tuesday, poor communication, and disregard for the 20:00 start time left the Administration with no choice.   Games 2 and 3 were played without further issues.   At 21:30, Spartan family left for their ECL Pro Qualifier matches, as previously agreed. During this time, The Solution began searching and messaging that Spartan family were not showing up — despite the pre-scheduled break.   Spartan family returned around 22:30 to continue the series, but The Solution had left and refused to complete the remaining games.   Ruling Summary Game 1 is awarded to Spartan family by Walkover The Solution did not communicate within the allowed 15-minute window. Their eventual arrival was 39 minutes late, without explanation. While the walkover was declared at the edge of the 15-minute window and could be viewed as strict, the refusal to play on Tuesday, poor communication, and failure to notify of delays made the decision warranted.   Games 2 and 3 are considered valid and played results.   Remaining games are forfeited by The Solution The structure of the night — including the break at 21:30 — was agreed to in advance. The Solution did not raise concerns beforehand, nor give a valid reason for leaving and refusing to continue. This constitutes a clear forfeit of the remaining games.   Spartan family are awarded the series win and advance to the Finals.   Closing Notes The Regional League Administration always strives to ensure that series are decided on the ice, not off it. Unfortunately, due to a combination of a server outage, scheduling conflicts, poor cooperation, and tight finals and qualifier deadlines, a ruling was required to keep the competition on track.   We would like to remind all teams: Respect the match schedule and your opponents’ time. Communicate proactively and clearly with both your opponent and the League. Be willing to compromise when scheduling conflicts arise — especially in the playoffs.   We thank both teams for their efforts this season and wish Spartan family and Sunne IK Esport the best of luck in the Finals tonight.   — Regional League Administration

ECL '25: Winter - Elite Individual Player Award Winners SportsGamers, It's time to recap the ECL Elite Player Awards for the Winter '25 season! With six categories and five players with remarkable season in each, winners were announced on the ECL '25: Winter - Elite Finals @ Assembly broadcast and in this article we want to showcase the winners for easy access to the history books in the future. For the full list of nominees, see our previous article. Below you'll find a list of winners 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. 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. Teemu @Teemuyy Polttila, Parasite Goalie of The Season The Top Goalie award is awarded to a player who has excelled above the competition in their goaltender position. Stan @Stammer70 Adamus, Tohtorit 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 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. Aaro @xAaro89x Arvala, Mustaa Kultaa 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. Theo @itspardytime Pardy, TIKI TALK

Lite Playoffs: The Road to Glory Begins After an intense group stage filled with thrilling performances and unexpected upsets, the Lite Playoffs are set to begin. Throughout the regular season, several teams established themselves as dominant forces, while others fought their way into the postseason with grit and determination. Project X stood out as the most dominant team, finishing with an impressive 60 points and a league-best 4.54 goals per game. Puck Over Glass, Kikkakirja, and Sunne IK Esport also had strong campaigns, showcasing high-powered offenses and disciplined defensive structures. Individually, JusaSoLow 84 points, Toukokuu) led the scoring race, closely followed by ViSiOnZ97_(80 points, Hockeyholics) and Teemu_Underdawg (79 points, Toukokuu). Among goaltenders, Masamone30 (87.21% SV%) and Lidman1 (86.76% SV%) emerged as key players for their teams.   Lite Division Playoff schedule (BO7) Round of 32: January 5th – 9th Round of 16: January 12th – 16th Quarterfinals: January 19th – 23rd Semifinals: January 26th – 30th Finals: February 4nd – February 5th       Project X (1) vs. Coup de Grace (32)  Project X has been dominant all season, led by Jessel2002 (78 points) and Konsuk05 (76 points). Their defensive structure is strong, backed by goalie niebulaa (82.76% SV%). Coup de Grace lacks the firepower to keep up, with Matth3ws34 being their lone bright spot. Expect a comfortable sweep. Predictions: AI: Project X wins 4–0 @Pekedipeks: Project X wins 4–0    Puck Over Glass (2) vs. German Ice Gladiators (31)  Puck Over Glass' offense, led by Hydeee_24(77 points), will likely dominate the series. Pirtsa-, their goalie, provides solid netminding with an 81.13% save percentage. German Ice Gladiators have struggled defensively, despite the efforts of Trollstivegen28, making it hard for them to extend the series. Predictions: AI: Puck Over Glass wins 4–1 @Pekedipeks: Puck Over Glass wins 4–1   Kikkakirja (3) vs. Saucer Hockey (30)  Kikkakirja's offensive juggernaut j1mppa_(52 goals) will be a nightmare for Saucer Hockey. Their goalie, pelkonen-, has been stable in net with an 80.77% save percentage. Mazu_Pizu will be Saucer Hockey’s main threat, but Kikkakirja should win comfortably. Predictions: AI: Kikkakirja wins 4–1 @Pekedipeks: Kikkakirja wins 4–0   Sunne IK Esport (4) vs. Technical Disaster (29)  Sunne's offense is powered by forreberra (66 points), and their defense, led by benjamint737 in goal (2.83 GAA), provides stability. Technical Disaster’s wrlster is their main offensive force, but Sunne’s depth will prove decisive. Predictions: AI: Sunne IK Esport wins 4–2 @Pekedipeks: Sunne IK Esport wins 4–1   MoDo Hockey (5) vs. SCB eSports (28)  MoDo’s offensive leader Mathiasgamer_07 (65 points) and Aleksalt1122’s reliable goaltending (78.89% SV%) make them clear favorites. SCB eSports' Killerashrom1994 might steal a game, but MoDo should close out the series quickly. Predictions: AI: MoDo Hockey wins 4–1 @Pekedipeks: MoDo Hockey wins 4–1   Ruuti (6) vs. UnderRated (27)  Ruuti has one of the best defenses in the league, with Temettti boasting an 86.15% save percentage. anttiko10_2(61 points) leads their offensive attack. UnderRated’s ePsych0- (68 points) is a strong player, but Ruuti is too dominant. Predictions: AI: Ruuti wins 4–0 @Pekedipeks: Ruuti wins 4–1   Kertoimia Vastaan (7) vs. DEG eSports (26)  With a top powerplay (32.26%) and penalty kill (95.83%), Kertoimia Vastaan is a tough team to break. Masamone30 (87.21% SV%) gives them a strong backstop. DEG eSports' Daaiim0n(52 points) will make an impact, but Kertoimia’s system will win out. Predictions: AI: Kertoimia Vastaan wins 4–2 @Pekedipeks: Kertoimia Vastaan wins 4–1   Six Sticks Misfits (8) vs. VBO STARS (25)  The Six Sticks Misfits have a strong offense, driven by Lamsa (76 points), and a solid goalie in Ranta83 (82.16% SV%). VBO STARS' I-Bror-I will be key for their chances, but the Misfits will be too strong. Predictions: AI: Six Sticks Misfits wins 4–2 @Pekedipeks: Six Sticks Misfits wins 4–2   Toukokuu (9) vs. Kolikot Esports (24)  Toukokuu is led by JusaSoLow(84 points) and Teemu_Underdawg (79 points). Kolikot Esports will struggle to contain their offensive depth. Their goalie Jakkez98- will be tested, but he may not be able to stop Toukokuu’s attack. Predictions: AI: Toukokuu wins 4–2 @Pekedipeks: Toukokuu wins 4–2   SSK Prospects (10) vs. VitosVitja (23)  SSK Prospects' sveti- (59 points) and goalie Lidman1(86.76% SV%) make them a formidable team. VitosVitja’s JamboLow13 (66 points) will push the series, but SSK’s defensive edge will prove decisive. Predictions: AI: SSK Prospects wins 4–3 @Pekedipeks: SSK Prospects wins 4–0   Hopfensmoothie HC (11) vs. Including Me (22)  Hopfensmoothie HC’s original-SnuS (60 points) and goalie BUrban__ (84.09% SV%) will be key factors. Including Me lacks the defensive structure to contain Hopfensmoothie HC’s attack. Predictions: AI: Hopfensmoothie HC wins 4–1 @Pekedipeks: Hopfensmoothie HC wins 4–3    ACEsquad (12) vs. Seinajoki Noms (21)  ACEsquad’s Dehliiin(64 points) and goalie Agent-T_02 give them a slight edge. Seinajoki’s Simbee434(54 points) will make this series competitive, but ACEsquad should take it in seven. Predictions: AI: ACEsquad wins 4–3 @Pekedipeks: ACEsquad wins 4–2   Hockeyholics (13) vs. HC VADELMA (20)  Hockeyholics’ ViSiOnZ97_(80 points) and strong powerplay (42.86%) give them an edge. HC VADELMA will rely on juuhen25, but Hockeyholics should win a close series. Predictions: AI: Hockeyholics wins 4–3 @Pekedipeks: Hockeyholics wins 4–3   HC Pustertal eSports (14) vs. Eisbaeren Lauf Gaming (19)  HC Pustertal eSports won both meetings against the Eisbaeren team in the regular season with the scores of 7-1 and 3-2, which may this series look like a cakewalk. Eisbaeren Lauf Gaming had a really tough middle point of the season, losing 7 games in a row and looking like they might even miss out on the playoffs. Something clicked though, and the team managed to string together an 8 game winning stream to end the season and finish 5th in group 2, with five points behind Pustertal who is also sporting a 7 game-winning streak. At least one of these winning streaks is about to come to an end. We expect HC Pustertal to barely edge them out, but this series could go the full seven games. Predictions: AI: HC Pustertal eSports wins 4–3 @Pekedipeks: HC Pustertal eSports wins 4–3   Macho HC (15) vs. Setelikerho (18)  Macho HC’s Strandis96 (67 points) and goalie Jerexu will be key. Setelikerho’s tbnantti(73 points) will keep it close, but Macho HC’s physicality will give them the edge. Predictions: AI: Macho HC wins 4–3 @Pekedipeks: Setelikerho wins 4–3   Farmalaget (16) vs. Wida (17)  Wida’s nikitikitin (71 points) and goalie Mise13 (85.96% SV%) will be the difference-makers. Farmalaget lacks the depth to keep up. Predictions: AI: Wida wins 4–2 @Pekedipeks: Farmalaget wins 4-3   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.   Who do you think will win each series? Let us know in the comments!

PLAYOFF RACE HEADING INTO FINAL WEEK OF REGULAR SEASON Ahh playoff pictures. Everyone loves them, especially when you are on the right side of them. The drama and chaos that it can create is something that every sports fan loves, and in the ECL Elite Division it is absolutely no different. With just one week remaining in the regular season, now feels like a good time to take a look at how the playoff picture looks heading into the final week to see who should feel good, who may be worried and what matchups this week will have the biggest impact on playoff seeding and positioning. We'll break these teams down by tiers and give a summary of their respective paths. Clinched Playoff Spots / Can Clinch With One Win 1. Tohtorit (51 pts) - 4 games remaining (have mathematically clinched playoff spot) 2. Parasite (48 pts) - 10 games remaining (need 1 point to clinch playoff spot) 3. Mustaa Kultaa (47pts) - 8 games remaining (need 2 points to clinch playoff spot) 4. Voittamaton (46pts) - 6 games remaining (need 3 points to clinch playoff spot) Last Four Teams In 5. GOONS (44 pts) - 2 games remaining (need 5 points to clinch playoff spot) 6. Polski Boys (37 pts) - 6 games remaining (need 13 points to clinch playoff spot) 7. The Black Jacks (32 pts) - 6 games remaining (need 18 points to clinch playoff spot) (currently own tiebreaker over Heimo based on standings points per game) 8. Heimo (32 pts) - 4 games remaining (need 18 points to clinch playoff spot) On The Bubble / Teams To Watch 9. Mythix (31 pts) - 6 games remaining (currently would own the tiebreaker over Heimo based on points per game) 10. EXEN (24 pts) - 8 games remaining (currently own tiebreaker over TIKI TALK based on points per game) 11. TIKI TALK (24 pts) - 6 games remaining 12. Roots Gaming (23 pts) - 6 games remaining Need To Almost Win Out AND Get A Lot of Help To Make It / Relegation Series Zone 13. Renascor (17 pts) - 8 games remaining 14. Falun Coal Miners (16 pts) - 6 games remaining 15. Vesa Pompa (14 pts) - 10 games remaining Top 4 Teams Tohtorit has clinched and each of Parasite, Mustaa Kultaa and Voittamaton would virtually have to lose out to not make the playoffs. So, congratulations to them. The biggest note of importance is that Tohtorit will likely surrender that #1 spot with Parasite, Mustaa Kultaa and Voittamaton all having games in hand. Parasite and Mustaa Kultaa will also be playing against each other this week, so that will be a critical matchup to look out for as it could very well determine the top two seeds. Last Four Teams In Out of the final four teams currently in the playoffs, GOONS look like they should be safe barring a few of the teams below the playoff picture getting hot. Since Heimo can not earn more than 48 points this season (remember that fact as we continue to go along), GOONS only need five points to clinch their spot, and that can either be earned through their own wins or through Heimo losing. It would take a lot to go wrong for GOONS for them to not make it into the playoffs, and though they only have one series left and it is against the best team in the league in Parasite, the work that they've already done should likely carry them into the Top 8. Where things really get interesting is from 6-12. Polski Boys look like they should make their way into the Top 8, though there is significantly less room for error with just a 6 point gap between them and Mythix. Four of their last six games are against the two top teams in the league, and their other two games are against one of the teams chasing them in TIKI TALK, which feels like a series where they need to find their way to 4-6 points. Meanwhile, The Black Jacks are in very familiar territory, holding on to one of the last playoff spots near the end of the season. Their series against non-playoff teams in Roots Gaming and Vesa Pompa will both be critical to win if they want to avoid the teams behind them taking their spot in the Top 8. Holding the eighth and final spot currently is Heimo, who are probably in the most danger of the teams in the field currently. They don't have the tiebreaker over TBJ nor Mythix who are just one point behind them. They also have the least amount of games remaining of all of the teams around them. They also have to keep an eye on EXEN who have games in hand and could surpass them in the points per game tiebreaker if they get on a winning streak down the stretch. These two teams still have to play each other, and this series may as well be viewed as elimination games for both sides, as their path to a playoff spot becomes murky at best with two losses. On The Bubble / Team To Watch You know who wouldn't complain about that happening? Mythix. It's somewhat surprising to see them out of the playoff picture this late in the season after making it with little problems in the '24 Spring season. A slow start to their campaign this season put them in a precarious position, and now they are hoping to climb out of that early hole that they dug for themselves. They've won 4 of their last 6 games in regulation to keep their hopes alive, but 4 of their remaining 6 games are against two of the league's Top 3 teams in Tohtorit and Mustaa Kultaa. I'm going to be very frank and say this. EXEN should not be here. This team is way too good, way too talented, and way too accomplished to be in this position. The expectations for this team were sky-high after a Semifinals appearance in the ECL '24: Spring season and the star-studded transfers they made in the offseason...yet here they are. The ECL is just so unpredictable, isn't it? EXEN has two things going for them: they have more games in hand than just about every team around them and they have arguably the most favorable schedule of the bunch, as the highest-ranked team that they play is Heimo; who they are looking to pass for the last playoff spot. Their other series' are against teams behind them in TIKI TALK, Vesa Pompa, and Falun Coal Miners. They'll have to execute on winning those games if they want to get in and they quite frankly haven't done that this season, but on paper, things line up well for them to avoid what would be a disastrous outcome for their season. However, that outcome is also still very realistic even though they will still need some help ahead of them to ensure their place in the playoffs. TIKI TALK being in this conversation isn't "surprising" to me, but I do think it is for some. This is a brand that hasn't been in the Elite division since ECL 9 and made their way into Elite through a second chance Elite qualifier after Almost Famous disbanded last minute. Well, they're here and they have a chance to make it into the playoffs still, even though the odds may be somewhat slim. The highest amount of points that they can earn is 42, so it would realistically take them winning out and having teams such as EXEN and Mythix drop a considerable amount of games. Luckily for them, they do play EXEN who is one spot ahead of them, and Roots Gaming who are just one spot behind them. These two series will pretty much be an elimination series for both teams involved, as both sides desperately need to collect all six points to have a chance at passing Myhix, Heimo and/or The Black Jacks. It'll take a lot for them to make their way in, but even if they don't, this season was far from a failure from TIKI TALK and they should likely avoid having to play in a relegation series. Roots Gaming is pretty much in the same position as TIKI TALK. They have a shot, but need to pretty much win out while also getting some help from the teams ahead of them losing. Playing against TIKI TALK and The Black Jacks gives them a window of opportunity, but they'll need to pretty much sweep both of those series to feel truly good about their chances. Need To Almost Win Out AND Get A Lot of Help To Make It / Relegation Series Zone Unfortunately for our bottom three teams, their hopes at a playoff birth look pretty dire, and it would take a miracle for any of them to get in realistically. Out of the three, the team with the best chance is Vesa Pompa, as they have more games remaining than any other team outside of the playoffs. However, the maximum amount of points that they can earn in the standings is 44, and that would require them to win all of their remaining games in regulation. Considering that they are 0-8-2 in their last 10 games, I wouldn't count on this happening. Renascor maxes out at 41 points, and though they do play multiple teams around them and the two teams currently below them in the standings, them winning out in order to achieve that number feels quite unlikely. The room for error is simply too small, especially when you remember that they still have fourth-place Voittamaton on their schedule. Mathematically, Falun Coal Miners are pretty much eliminated from playoff contention. Though they aren't officially out of it yet, the most points that they can earn for this season is 34. That can only happen if they win all of their remaining games in regulation, including two games against Parasite who have lost one game all season. Additionally, Heimo could eliminate them with just two points in the standings and Mythix could eliminate them with just three. And I'm not betting on either of those teams losing every game for the rest of the season. What do you think? Do you predict we'll still see surprises in the last week? Let us know below!