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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! 

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

Vizio (6) VS ROBE esports(8) The ECL '25 Spring Pro Final is here, and it’s a showdown for the ages! Europe’s 2nd highest hockey esports championship has reached its peak, with Vizio and ROBE esports battling for the ultimate prize. Both teams have defied the odds, taken down favourites and rewritten narratives to earn their spot on this grand stage. Vizio’s calculated precision meets ROBE’s unrelenting chaos in a clash that promises heart-stopping plays, clutch heroics, and a legacy-defining moment. This isn’t just a game—it’s a battle to etch their names into ECL history. Nobody remembers who finished 2nd.   The time to step up is now! Vizio (6) and ROBE Esports (8) have two of the most improbable runs this ECL season to reach the Spring Pro Final. Vizio, the tactical underdogs, stunned Afterlife in a five-game semifinal thriller, leveraging their adaptability and goaltending dominance to outlast a powerhouse. Meanwhile, ROBE Esports, the tournament’s Cinderella story, shocked the world by outgunning the top-seeded Golden Buffalos in a grueling six-game upset. This final pits Vizio’s disciplined, opportunistic approach against ROBE’s high-octane, offensive juggernaut, setting the stage for a series that could hinge on a single save, goal, or moment of brilliance. With the championship on the line, the virtual ice will be a proving ground for heart, skill, and sheer will.   Vizio: The Tactical Titans Vizio has been the surprise of ECL '25, transforming from a mid-tier seed into a finals contender through strategic brilliance and unshakable chemistry. Captain @Artuzio, a playmaking wizard with skills to match, has been the architect of their success. His playoff stats—22 goals, 17 assists in 16 games—showcase his ability to carve through defenses and set up linemates like @Nieppii, who has 13 goals, including four game-winners. Vizio’s versatility is their superpower: they can grind out defensive battles, capitalize on counterattacks, or dominate possession with surgical precision, making them a matchup nightmare. On the backend, @juusoskari has emerged as a two-way star, logging 13 assists while anchoring Vizio’s penalty kill. His smooth breakouts and ability to join the rush give Vizio a dynamic edge, but his composure will be tested against ROBE’s relentless forecheck. In net, @SakkeTheEngineer has been a revelation, boasting an 80.54% save percentage and two shutouts, including one in Game 4 against Afterlife. His clutch performances give Vizio a goaltending edge, but their defensive structure must remain airtight to withstand ROBE’s offensive onslaught. Any lapse could spell disaster against a team as explosive as ROBE.   ROBE Esports: The Chaos Kings ROBE Esports has electrified the ECL community with their fearless, high-flying style, turning doubters into believers with every upset. Their Cinderella run—capped by victories over Almost Famous and the Golden Buffalos—has been fueled by raw offensive firepower and unrelenting grit. Star forward @punt1la98, a generational talent, leads the charge with a staggering 23 goals and 18 assists in 19 playoff games. His chemistry with linemates @jyrki456 and @Tihizu (69 combined playoff points) creates a top line that thrives on lightning-fast puck movement and audacious creativity. @punt1la98’s ability to shake defenders and deliver in crunch time makes him the most dangerous player in the final. Defensively, @lycki10 has been a game-changer, posting 33 points (7 goals, 26 assists) while quarterbacking ROBE’s lethal powerplay. His vision and willingness to jump into the rush fuel ROBE’s transition game, but his risk-taking can leave gaps that @aaksu17 must fill, his willingness to play the more defensive role has been a key to ROBE’s success. @Viltzup can be a menace, seen with his 81.75% save percentage and 2.63 GAA, which reflect his potential to steal games, as seen in his 13-save masterpiece in Game 5 against the Buffalos. However, his occasional soft goals could be a liability against Vizio’s seasoned attack. For ROBE to claim the title, their defense must step up, and @Viltzup needs to be at his absolute best.   Key Matchup: Precision vs. Pandemonium This final is a clash of opposites: Vizio’s disciplined, tactical approach against ROBE’s chaotic, offensive onslaught. Vizio’s ability to slow the game, control possession, and exploit ROBE’s defensive lapses will be crucial, especially in neutralizing @punt1la98’s wizardry. Conversely, ROBE’s aggressive forecheck and rapid transitions will test Vizio’s defensive structure, which has been good but not great. Goaltending could decide the series: @SakkeTheEngineer’s consistency gives Vizio a slight edge, but @Viltzup’s flair for heroics could swing a game or two. Special teams will also be pivotal, with ROBE’s excellent power play, facing the shaky penalty kill of Vizio. The team that wins the battle of discipline versus chaos will hoist the trophy and advance to the Elite division.   Players to Watch Vizio: @Nieppii The winger's vision and playmaking are the heartbeat of Vizio’s offense. If he can outmaneuver ROBE’s defense and create chances for his linemates, Vizio could dictate the series’ tempo. ROBE Esports: @punt1la98 The electrifying forward is ROBE’s X-factor, capable of single-handedly turning games with his speed and creativity. If he finds open ice, Vizio’s defense could be in for a long night.   Series Prediction @hifk_FANI: ROBE in 6 (4-2). “Vizio doesn’t have what it takes to match the firepower of ROBE.” @jm98II: ROBE in 6 (4-2). “Inside information says that ROBE has one-off game, but that this train is unstoppable.” @Pekedipeks: ROBE in 5 (4-1). “Vizio is not defensively sound enough to withstand the offensively talented ROBE.” @Pensasmies: ROBE in 6 (4-2). “Talent vs young talent”   Final Thoughts The ECL '25 Spring Pro Final is a dream matchup, pitting Vizio’s tactical brilliance against ROBE Esports’ relentless firestorm. Both teams have been underdogs, toppled titans, and earned their shot at glory. Will Vizio’s precision and goaltending prowess secure their first-ever title, or will ROBE’s Cinderella story culminate in a championship fairy tale? With every goal, save, and shift carrying the weight of history, this series promises to be an unforgettable spectacle. Tune in to twitch.tv/reactiomedia and witness a final that will define the ECL '25 season.  

After a thrilling Finals series that’s being viewed as an instant classic by many in the community, Last Dance were crowned Elite division champions for the ECL '25: Spring season, defeating the underdog story Mythix in a dramatic seven-game series. This marks the first championship for Last Dance since the ECL 11 season (2021), when the team was under the FILADELPHIA name. This is also the club's fourth ECL Elite title, which ranks second all-time in ECL history. Last Dance's ECL ‘25 Spring Elite Championship roster pictured from left to right: @Lxndstrom, @J-_-Jamaltheman, @NikkeDangles, @Hansulinho, @Eki, @Puantso & @SibeIius This is a long-awaited championship for most of the Last Dance roster. This marks the first championship for Eki since ECL 11 with FILADELPHIA, and the first for Puantso, Hansulinho, and Sibelius since ECL 10 with HAVU GAMING. For their defense pairing of Lxndstrom and Jamaltheman, this is their first career Elite division championship. For NikkeDangles, this is his second-straight Elite title after winning with Parasite a season ago. It also marks his sixth career Elite Division championship, a new ECL record. The trophy is a fitting send-off for one of NHL esports’ all-time great players, as Eki announced prior to the playoffs that he would be retiring from competitive 6v6 play after the ECL 25’ Spring season. If this truly is the end for Eki’s competitive 6v6 career, he will end it with 1,139 career games played across all competitions, along with four ECL championships, four FCL championships and an SCL championship. Eki will also end his career as the all-time record holder for playoff games played (473) playoff points (925) and assists (544), and second in all-time playoff goals with 381. The one player that he trails? His long-time linemate @Patzlaf, who he played 539 total ECL with, the most out of any duo in league history. Eki also ranks Top 5 all-time in regular season points, assists and plus/minus. In terms of Last Dance as a team, it is unclear whether or not the team will stick around without the long-time captain; however, if they don’t, this club will go down as one of the most accomplished in European history. Last Dance has amassed 966 games played across all competitions, earning a record of 753-147-66 during that time (this equals a .779 winning percentage). The team has previously been known under the names FILADELPHIA, Linköping HC, Frölunda HC, Straikers, and Voittamaton. Along with their four ECL Elite division titles, the team also earned 10 ECL Elite Finals appearances (half of the league’s Finals) and 3 FCL championships in their history. Team Interview: Last Dance’s Road to the Championship: Regular Season: 24-2-1-3 (77pts) - 1st in Elite Division Quarterfinals: 4-1 series win vs (8) Tohtorit Semifinals: 4-0 series win vs (4) EXEN Finals: 4-3 series win vs (2) Mythix Last Dance’s ECL 25' Spring Championship Roster: 🇫🇮 Erik "Eki" Tammenpää (C) 🇫🇮 Aapeli "Lxndstrom" Landström (A) 🇫🇮 Niklas "NikkeDangle" Tukiainen (A) 🇫🇮 Ilmari "Puantso" Lehkonen 🇫🇮 Jimi "J-_-Jamaltheman" Rönkkönen 🇫🇮 Hannes "Hansulinho" Kettunen 🇫🇮 Oskari "Sibelius" Grönroos If you didn’t get to catch the Elite Finals live, you can find the highlights from all seven games here:

The ECL '25: Spring - Lite season has now come to an end, with MoDo Hockey taking home the coveted Lite trophy. They've now proven themselves the best of the best and will look to improve their game for next season. MoDo came into the playoffs with a heavy regular season record of 16-1-0-5. Their powerplay stood out at an impressive 43,24%, which continued into the playoffs as well. @MrXbox79 stood out this season as their go-to guy; he showed everybody he doesn't belong in the Lite division, and next season he will hopefully have the chance to prove that the Pro division is his to conquer. MoDo had quite a rare playoff push, they weren't tested once in the playoffs to the fullest, they seemed to ease through each of their series, even taking down Deadly Phantoms in the finals 4-1. Before that, they defeated teams like Including Me and Turun Gasellit, who impressed during the playoffs, but MoDo was just unstoppable this ECL season. MoDo Hockey Roster: Forwards: @MrXbox79 @RookieLIAMOVIC @Maaacki @Disctrasan- Defense: @Daniel Asplund @I Braxsiö I @Adde667 Goalies: @I-Jeppe-I @Ztefan Pop MoDo Hockey Road To The Championship: Regular Season: 16-1-0-5 (50pts) - 1st in Group 2 1st round: 4-2 vs Iserlohn Roosters eSports 2nd round: 4-1 vs Lucky Strikers Quarterfinals: 4-1 vs Including Me Semifinal: 4-1 vs Turun Gasellit Finals: 4-1 vs Deadly Phantoms   Congratulations to the team and all the players, see you in Pro! Thank you all teams and readers, for this season! 

The playoff hockey season is in full swing! With the Elite and Pro divisions wrapped up, all eyes turn to the Lite finals, where MoDo Hockey and Deadly Phantoms clash in an epic showdown packed with high-end talent and relentless grit. According to the rulebook, the top three Lite teams earn automatic promotion to the Pro division, meaning both teams are already Pro-bound. Now, they battle for the coveted trophy, bragging rights, and a larger part of the prize pool. MoDo Hockey (3) vs. Deadly Phantoms (7) MoDo Hockey: The Favorites Modo enters the series as the clear favorites. They’ve steamrolled their playoff opponents so far, facing little resistance en route to the finals. However, Deadly Phantoms present their toughest challenge yet. MoDo dominated the Phantoms in the regular season, winning both matchups (8-2 and 4-2), which gives them a psychological edge heading into the series. Having secured promotion, Modo can play with a clear mind, free from the pressure of climbing the ranks. Captain @MrXbox79 and linemate @RookieLIAMOVIC, both Swedes, have been unstoppable, combining for an impressive 102 points in the playoffs. Containing this dynamic duo will be a tall order for the Phantoms if they aren’t fully prepared. Deadly Phantoms: The Battle-Tested Underdogs Deadly Phantoms boast a storied history, having competed in the Pro division for years and even spending time in the Elite tier. Like Modo, they’ve secured promotion to Pro for next season and now aim to cap their campaign with a championship. Unlike MoDo’s smoother playoff run, the Phantoms endured two grueling seven-game series to reach the finals, proving their resilience. The German squad will need their A-game to overcome MoDo, especially after struggling against them in the regular season on both servers. If star forward @CashAllGreen suits up, the Phantoms’ chances improve significantly. Meanwhile, veteran goaltender @RPH_31 has the skill to steal games, giving his team a chance to play hero and upset the favorites. Series Outlook This series is MoDo’s to lose, but the Phantoms have every chance to pull off an upset. Expect a tightly contested battle with close games decided by which team can neutralize the opposition’s star forwards and defend the slot more effectively. Both teams will look to exploit the offensive zone with speed. The Phantoms hold an edge in zone-entry versatility, while MoDo relies on their skilled forwards and puck-moving defensemen to control the pace. Players to Watch: Deadly Phantoms: @CashAllGreen "This talented forward has the potential to be a game-changer. If he plays, he could carry his team to victory with his offensive flair." MoDo Hockey: @RookieLIAMOVIC "The Swedish star’s vast array of skills and playoff experience make him a key piece in MoDo’s quest for the title." Series Predictions: Hifk_fani: MoDo in 7 (4-3) "Modo has the slight advantage in momentum" AI: Deadly Phantoms in 7 (4-3) "The Phantoms wins game seven in a tight fought battle" Watch the Finals Live The ECL '25: Spring - Elite Champion is decided Monday night live at twitch.tv/ReactioMedia, so be sure to tune in and enjoy this nail-biter of a series hosted by Brandon @bMaJuH Bigsby. The broadcast starts at 19:15 CEST and will feature the full best-of-seven series. See you there! Want to keep up with everything happening in the ECL this season? Make sure to follow/subscribe to us on Twitch, YouTube, and X.

The Spring season in the Neo division is over, and Personal Rainerit have emerged as clear champions after defeating Fladie Faxes 3–1 in the final series. It was a dominant campaign from start to finish, with Personal Rainerit losing only one single game all season—and it came in the finals against Fladie Faxes. Their run was nearly flawless. They topped their group with 14 wins in 14 games, including one overtime win, scoring at will with over 10 goals per game on average while conceding just 2 per game. That offensive firepower carried over into the playoffs, where they swept past opponents and faced Fladie Faxes in the final. The final series showed they could handle adversity. After taking Game 1 with a convincing 7–4 win, they stumbled in Game 2, dropping it 2–3 in a tight battle—their only loss of the entire season. But they answered immediately with a statement 7–2 victory in Game 3 and finished the job in Game 4 with a decisive 5–1 win to clinch the title.   Offensive Powerhouses The team’s top scorers lit up both the regular season and playoffs. @ttskede was the league’s undisputed offensive leader with 121 points in 14 regular-season games (68 goals, 53 assists) and kept it going in the playoffs with 86 points in 16 games. @Elop-_- was equally lethal, adding 80 points in the regular season and 68 in the playoffs. They weren’t alone. @hugobrann72, @Veljenpoika69, @Maltseviii, @joku_johonki and backups like @Mallungoldi and @J20NA01 added depth and balance, making the lineup dangerous from top to bottom. Reliable in Goal In net, @The-Tankki235 and @JonttuM12 shared duties and delivered when it counted. Both goalies posted solid numbers with save percentages over 80%, helping keep the team steady even when games got tight.   A True Statement Season Personal Rainerit’s run in Neo was nothing short of dominant. Their ability to score in bunches, bounce back immediately from their lone loss, and finish series with authority showed they were a level above the competition. With this title, they’ve proven they’re ready for the next step and will be a team to watch going forward. Personal Rainerit Roster: Forwards: @ttskede @Elop-_- @hugobrann72 @J20NA01 Defense: @Veljenpoika69 @Maltseviii @joku_johonki @Mallungoldi Goalies: @The-Tankki235 @JonttuM12 ARMEIJAN KURI Road To The Championship: Regular Season: 13-1-0-0 (41pts) - 1st in Group 2 1st round: 3-0 vs Strength Of The Pack 2nd round: 3-0 vs Hawks Gaming Quarterfinals: 3-0 vs Tibro HC Semifinal: 3-0 vs Clowns On Ice Finals: 3-1 vs Fladie Faxes

ARMEIJAN KURI are your ECL ‘25: Spring – Core Champions The Spring season in the Core division has concluded with ARMEIJAN KURI taking home the championship after a dramatic 4–3 series win over Conexion. It capped off an impressive campaign that saw them finish the regular season with a 20-0-1-3 record (61 points), topping Group 2. Their playoff run was equally strong: 4–1 in the first round against Zamboni Zorros, a 4–0 sweep of Beer Bears in round two, 4–2 over MIESKISSAT in the quarterfinals, 4–2 against Nordic Nosebleed in the semifinals, and finally a hard-fought 4–3 victory over Conexion in the finals. This final was anything but easy for ARMEIJAN KURI. They opened with a solid 4–2 win on the road in Game 1 to set the tone. But Conexion responded immediately in Game 2, stealing a tight 2–1 overtime win away from home. Back on their own ice for Game 3, Conexion dominated with a 6–0 blowout to take the series lead. ARMEIJAN KURI bounced back in Game 4 with a clutch 4–3 overtime victory at home to even things up. In Game 5, they earned a hard-fought 2–1 road win to get back in front in the series. Conexion refused to go away, forcing a decisive Game 7 with a 1–0 overtime win in Game 6. But in the winner-takes-all Game 7, ARMEIJAN KURI delivered under pressure with a composed 4–1 road victory to claim the championship.   Key Performers and Team Effort The team’s production was well spread out. @hefezuk85 led the way with 79 points in 28 games (33 goals, 46 assists), showing top-end consistency all season. @MutainenMalik and @WIRTAAZKIN47 were also strong offensive contributors, giving the lineup depth and balance. @Wertigosetti19 and @SUONEKASKOSTAJA_ added two-way stability and grit in tough games. In goal, @kasuri1 was steady all season and especially reliable in the playoffs. Over 28 games, they earned 20 wins with an 83.8% save percentage. Their ability to make key stops in close games was a big part of ARMEIJAN KURI’s success in a final series full of overtime and one-goal games. ARMEIJAN KURI stuck to a strong core lineup throughout the season, building chemistry and trust. Their ability to handle pressure, bounce back from tough losses, and deliver in high-stakes OT games proved they had the mentality of champions. They also got valuable contributions from players like @Wirta88 and @KunKKu_1998, who stepped up when the team needed them most.. With the title secured, ARMEIJAN KURI have shown they’re ready for the challenge of competing in the Lite division next season.   ARMEIJAN KURI Roster: Forwards: @MutainenMalik @hefezuk85 @WIRTAAZKIN47 @Wirta88 Defense: @SUONEKASKOSTAJA_ @Wertigosetti19 @KunKKu_1998 Goalies: @kasuri1 ARMEIJAN KURI Road To The Championship: Regular Season: 20-0-1-3 (61pts) - 1st in Group 2 1st round: 4-1 vs Zamboni Zorros 2nd round: 4-0 vs Beer Bears Quarterfinals: 4-2 vs MIESKISSAT Semifinal: 4-2 vs Nordic Nosebleed Finals: 4-3 vs Conexion

The inaugural SG World Cup 2025 wrapped up last month, marking a thrilling first test for global, national-team eHockey in a 6v6 format. From May 6th to May 18th, 16 national teams from Europe and North America battled it out for national glory. Team captains, selected by high-level players from their respective nations, scouted and chose their rosters, setting the stage for intense competition. Throughout the playoffs, all series were decided by an aggregate score across two games (one home, one away for each team), adding a unique layer of strategy and drama. The Road to the Playoffs: Group Stage Drama The tournament kicked off with fierce battles for playoff spots, culminating in several key matchups that ultimately decided which teams would advance: 🇫🇮 Finland beat Sweden (4-3 OT, 4-3) to secure 1st place in Group A. 🇺🇸 USA and 🇨🇦 Canada split their games (3-0, 2-7), finishing 2nd and 3rd respectively in Group A. 🇸🇰 Slovakia stunned SG World (3-2, 5-4) in the biggest upset of the tournament, capturing 2nd place behind 🇱🇻 Latvia in Group B. 🇨🇿 Czechia narrowly missed out on the playoffs as Switzerland (3-1, 1-2) stole game 2 in Group C. 🇳🇴 Norway captured 4 points from 🇩🇪 Germany (9-4, 3-4 OT) and a full 6 points from 🇺🇦 Ukraine (7-2, 9-1) to sneak into the playoffs from Group C. 🇩🇪 Germany secured the needed points against 🇨🇭 Switzerland (3-0, 4-9) to top their group (Group C). Quarterfinals: Underdogs and Dominance 🇫🇮 FINLAND (1) vs 🇸🇰 SLOVAKIA (8) After pulling off the biggest underdog story of the tournament to make the playoffs, Slovakia faced their toughest challenge: the number 1 seed, Finland. The challengers started strong, scoring the first goal of game 1. Slovakia held the game extremely close, even creating quality chances to win, but Finland scored the 4-3 goal in the final minute of game 1. This meant an uphill battle for Slovakia in game 2, trailing by one in the aggregate score and with Finland having home-ice (server) advantage. It proved too much, and Finland moved on to the semi-finals. RESULTS: 16-4 (4-3, 12-1) 🇺🇸 USA (2) vs 🇳🇴 NORWAY (7) With both teams having strong group stage performances, this playoff series between a North American and a European team promised excitement. Norway had the home-ice advantage for game 1, so it was expected the Americans might need to climb back in game two. For a brief moment, it looked like Norway might build a big lead, but Team USA consistently traded goals with the Norwegians in game 1. In a very close game, Team USA secured a 5-5 draw, virtually guaranteeing victory unless Norway could replicate the result on USA's home game. Safe to say, USA wouldn't let that happen, marching to a convincing series win. RESULTS: 16-8 (5-5, 11-3) 🇨🇦 CANADA (3) vs 🇩🇪 GERMANY (6) This series pitted the top of Group C (Germany) against possibly the biggest underperformer of Group A (Canada). All signs pointed to this being a potential upset series. Game 1 was played on German ice, and against expectations, Canada pulled off the unthinkable and WON the first game. After this crucial win, they coasted their way into the semis. RESULTS: 14-4 (4-3, 10-1) 🇸🇪 SWEDEN (4) vs 🇱🇻 LATVIA (5) While the other quarter-finals weren't particularly close, this one delivered. Game 1 (Sweden home) started with Latvia scoring an early go-ahead goal, making it clear they were not messing around. Sweden managed to tie it up, and after both teams traded chances, Sweden got the 2-1 lead. Latvia tied it again, but Sweden pressured towards the end of the game, scoring two clutch goals to take a two-goal lead into game 2. The second game saw two additional early goals for Sweden, seemingly putting the series to rest. But Latvia wasn't done, scoring three goals in a row to get within one in the aggregate score! The dream of a Latvian comeback was crushed, however, as Sweden scored a late goal to secure the series victory. RESULTS: 7-5 (4-2, 3-3) Semifinals: Regional Rivalries Reign 🇫🇮 FINLAND (1) vs SWEDEN (4) Is there anything better than this Nordic rivalry? From the beginning, it was clear neither team wanted to go down. It took some time for either side to break through the rock-solid defense, but in the second period, Sweden capitalized on a power-play. Their lead was short-lived, as Finland's next shot found the net, bringing the game back to dead even. The 1-1 score was broken again by a Swedish power-play goal, but just like before, Finland bounced back to tie the game at 2-2, which would be the final result of game 1. Game 2 saw a hot start by Finland, taking a quick 1-0 lead. Sweden struggled to get offense going, and Finland extended their lead to 2. This served as a wake-up call for the Swedes, who scored immediately after to bring the aggregate score to 4-3. They were within striking distance, but Finland kept pressing Sweden in their zone and eventually secured the 3-1 goal, which ultimately put the series away as Sweden couldn't get on the board towards the end of the game. RESULTS: 6-3 (2-2, 4-1) 🇺🇸 USA (2) vs 🇨🇦 CANADA (3) If there's something better than Finland against Sweden, it's this! The battle of North America, with only one able to make it to the finals. With Canada starting on home-ice in game 1, a favorable situation heading into game 2 was crucial for both teams. When USA scored the first puck, things looked extremely good for them. USA, on the virtual "road," managed to keep Canada off the scoresheet for over half the game, but Canada eventually pushed through, scoring three back-to-back goals to head into the 3rd period up by two. The teams scored one each, and it looked like 4-2 would be the final score, but in the final minute of game 1, Canada scored not one, but two additional goals to secure a massive 6-2 win. The series seemed completely over because game 2 was Canadian domination for the first half, but the score remained 0-0. A power-play goal by Team USA got them back within three in the aggregate. The urgency for USA kicked in, as the 3rd period was underway with three goals still needed to tie the score. USA found an extra gear, scoring two goals to get within one goal with 10 minutes left. Just a few seconds later, Canada scored to recapture the two-goal lead. Canada stayed strong and even added a few more goals to clinch their spot in the finals. RESULTS: 9-5 (6-2, 3-3) The Grand Finale: 🇫🇮 Finland (1) vs 🇨🇦Canada (3) FINALS! 14 teams eliminated, 2 remained. Four games were to be played, with the aggregate score deciding the champion. Canada had the home-ice (server) advantage for games 1 & 3, while Finland had it for games 2 & 4. Game 1: Canada's Stunner When the playoffs began, the underperforming Group A team Canada was nowhere to be seen. The team was still here, just completely unrecognizable. Canada continued their strong playoff form, but with one key difference: efficiency. Canada scored 4 goals in period 1, a statement on its own, and never let off the gas. Game 1 of this finals series ended in a shocking 13-0 victory for Team Canada. Game 2: Finland Responds Finland, completely stunned by the Game 1 blowout, started Game 2 by allowing Canada to score the first goal, extending the aggregate score to 14-0 for Team Canada. At this point, the series seemed over; Finland wasn't showing up in time to make it a series, as Game 2 entered period 2 with Finland still unable to get a single goal on the board. Finland finally broke through in the second, eventually winning the game 7-2. The aggregate score was now 15-7 for Team Canada. Game 3: Canada Pulls Away With Canada back on their home servers, this seemed destined to be the game that cleared their path to the tournament victory. After all, they went into this game up by 8 goals in the aggregate score, and every goal they scored would only add to that. With a 5-0 lead in the second period, and a whopping 13-goal difference in the aggregate score, Finland looked completely down and out. Somehow, Finland managed to keep Canada off the score sheet for the rest of the game, and even added a goal of their own. Game 3 ended in a 5-1 win for Canada. The aggregate score was now 20-8 for Team Canada. Game 4: The Incredible Comeback Attempt The final game of the tournament—Game 4 of the finals. Canada was up by 12, with Finland chasing on their home-ice. Finland scored in the first few minutes (20-9). Canada took penalties, trying to survive. Finland put in another one on the power-play (20-10). The game wasn't even 10 minutes old, another one (20-11). This start was exactly what Finland needed to climb back in the series. However, Canada took a shot from the point, their first on net in the game, and the puck bounced in (21-11). The Finns, visibly frustrated, were unable to regain momentum or score, until the end of the first when they did—twice! It was 5-1 after just 20 minutes of play (21-13). In the second period, Finland potted another 2 (21-15), making it a six-goal lead for the Canadians heading into the 3rd. A few minutes in: 21-16. Just moments later: 21-17. Finland had over half the period remaining to get four more goals. Power-plays, pucks on net, rebounds... The Finns threw everything they had on net and a little bit more, but it took them until the 58th minute of the game to get the next one: 21-18. Time was running low, but they kept shooting pucks from anywhere and got another one (21-19)! The game was in its final minute, but Finland scored the next one immediately after—it was now officially 21-20 with just under 40 seconds left in the game. Right off the draw, they shot—a big save was made. And that would be the last save the Canadians needed—they kept the score at 12-1 for Game 4, and by a miracle, they held on just barely by a one-goal margin in the aggregate. RESULTS: 🇫🇮 vs 🇨🇦 20-21 (0-13, 7-2, 1-5, 12-1) CONGRATULATIONS CANADA, YOUR 2025 SG WORLD CUP CHAMPIONS! Goalies #33 Anthony @Racc2000 Racicot #34 Ryan @Pezzetta8272 Vinichenko Defense #34 Dany-Karl @Deeks Lévesque #55 Samuel @Filyy55 Filiatrault #65 Francis @Dumoulin65 Dumoulin (C) Forwards #4 Gabriel @Barzy x 13Lagrange-Fournier #27 François-Xavier @Boilyxhp Boily #44 Ethan @Polgz Polgar #86 Ethan @Ethancy Mac #88 Charles-Olivier @Loko Crusty Tremblay #93 Maxime @SkilzZy x92xCuevas Watch the interview with Team Canada Captain @Dumoulin65 below: Brandon @bMaJuH Bigsby also sat down with @Polgz after the finals - check out the interview below: Final Standings & Team Reviews Here's a look at how each team finished in the inaugural SG World Cup 2025: 🇩🇰 16. Denmark Pre-tournament ranking: 14 Finishing in last place was a disappointment for Denmark, especially being ranked 14th heading into a 16-team tournament. The Danes faced difficult moments, struggling to find suitable players, which led to them finishing dead last in Group C with only 3 points against Ukraine. Player of the tournament: Martin @martin-jakobsen Jakobsen With only 6 games played, he was Denmark's only player to produce at over a point per game, scoring 6 of Denmark's total 10 goals. 🇬🇧 15. Great Britain Pre-tournament ranking: 16 Finishing last in Group B was Great Britain. While they were tied with France on points, head-to-head matchups placed Great Britain at 15th overall. It was a letdown, especially given the number of close games they played. Their tournament run was respectable, but Division B awaits them next year. * Player of the tournament: Damien @JimmyCooks-_- Baynes Without any players truly exceeding expectations, JimmyCooks is chosen for Great Britain, leading the team in points (5+7=12) at over a point per game. 🇺🇦 14. Ukraine Pre-tournament ranking: 15 The first team to technically exceed expectations was Ukraine. They split points with Denmark (though one win was a walk-over). Despite battling in a stacked Group C, they found themselves second to last in the group, sending them to Division B next year. Ukraine kept things surprisingly close on multiple occasions, even leading by two against Switzerland in one game, but couldn't secure any major upsets. Player of the tournament: Vlad @House_Pro Laktionov Leading scorer for the team (2+4=6). 🇫🇷 13. France Pre-tournament ranking: 11 While the last three teams were expected to be in the bottom four, France dropped from their predicted result and now finds themselves relegated to Division B. They started well with 5 points in four games, including matches against group favorite SG World. Despite some good moments, endless lineup changes and shaky performance meant they finished in the bottom two with only two wins. Player of the tournament: Raphael @Raphalsky69 Merle Just one point separated him from their leading scorer. This defenseman put up great numbers, scoring at a point per game from the back end (1+7=8). 🇦🇹 12. Austria Pre-tournament ranking: 10 With a record of 3-1-1-5, Austria likely isn't too upset about their slightly below-expectations result. They cracked the top 4 in their group, keeping themselves in Division A for next year. Player of the tournament: Felix @ProfaneKiss Kiss Leading their team in points (12+8=20) and overall, as their captain ProfaneKiss. 🇨🇭11. Switzerland Pre-tournament ranking: 12 * Switzerland was a pleasant surprise. While predicted to finish 4th in their group (which they did), their play exceeded expectations. They managed to win a game against both Czechia and Germany, yet still ended up 4th, only 5 points behind group winner Germany. * Player of the tournament: Brian @brianabey Abey Leading their team in points (13+13=26) by a longshot, the right-handed right winger BrianAbey. Notably, he didn't even play all their games! 10. SG World Pre-tournament ranking: 6 The biggest disappointment. SG World, with by far the best roster on paper in their group, finished 3rd and completely missed the playoffs! A huge letdown, as they were the clear favorite. Whatever went wrong, it led them to lose two critical games that knocked them out. Player of the tournament: Ivan @XxKapUstaxX Kapustenko Impressive individual numbers for the left-wing sniper Kapusta, who led the entire Group B in scoring with 17+17=34. 🇨🇿 9. Czechia Pre-tournament ranking: 8 Like SG World, Czechia experienced heartbreak. A team expected to make the playoffs, they dropped out by a margin of one point in the standings, losing their final group stage game to Switzerland. So close, yet so far. Player of the tournament: Tomas @Horys20 Horos Part of a hot goaltending duo, their two goalies finished #1 and #2 by save percentage during the group stage! Horys20 played the majority of their games, posting a great 83.17%. 🇸🇰 8. Slovakia Pre-tournament ranking: 13 The underdog story of the tournament! Slovakia went totally under the radar, looking destined to miss the playoffs. In their last group stage games, trailing SG World by 6 points, they needed two regulation wins to make the playoffs, and that's exactly what they did. Both games saw unbelievable comebacks as SG World saw a 3rd period lead melt away. An unbelievable run ended in a respectable fight against Finland in the playoffs, where Slovakia kept the series tied until the final minute of game 1. Player of the tournament: Dominik @Lazan23 Kovalik A hot goaltender who was a huge part of his team's playoff run. Posting a 7-3 record and 81.42% during the group stages, he was tied for most wins in the tournament and 7th by save percentage. 🇳🇴 7. Norway Pre-tournament ranking: 9 Another team unexpectedly sneaking into the top 8 was Norway! They can be thrilled with their tournament play, clutching up by taking 4 points from Germany, followed by full points from Ukraine, which was enough to crack into the playoffs by exactly one point! Their run ended in a tough loss against USA in the playoffs, but their group stage performance was something else, as they scored more than anyone else in the tournament. Their offensive trio was on fire, with point totals through the roof. Right winger Mathiasgamer_07 (16+25=41) led the tournament in assists, and even their lowest scoring forward, captain el_tacobag (16+20=36), was only 2 points away from finishing in the top 3 in points. Player of the tournament: Svein @Sweini999 Rohde The leading scorer for the entire tournament. 31+21=52 in just 10 group stage games is next level! 🇩🇪 6. Germany Pre-tournament ranking: 5 The team predicted to win Group C did exactly that! Germany topped the group by a margin of only one point, and in some sense, it could be considered a below-expectations performance since this meant they were seeded 6th, not 5th. This set them up against eventual champions Canada in Round 1 of the playoffs, where they were totally outclassed and bounced. Their tournament can still be considered a success, with their offensive trio of I_Alex28_I (21+17=38), Klapkloenkx (15+22=37), and CashAllGreen (11+25=36) all having great point totals, and xPsykoSkills leading the tournament in defenseman scoring throughout group stage games. Player of the tournament: Alex @I_Alex28_I Wagner Their offensive trio was on fire, and the most production, especially goals, came from Alex, their right winger. 🇱🇻 5. Latvia Pre-tournament ranking: 7 Topping the list outside the “Big 4” is Latvia! Not only did Latvia climb to the top of Group B, but they also put up a really good fight as an underdog in the playoffs, falling to the Swedes in a 7-5 (4-2, 3-3) aggregate score series! Overall, a very successful tournament for them, and they can certainly be happy with the results, even if they couldn't pull off the ultimate surprise by beating one of the “Big 4.” Player of the tournament: Elvis @HappyMack 29 Grundmanis HappyMack not only posted 6 wins in 6 games as a goalie with a solid 82.98 save percentage, but the Latvian also recorded 5 goals in 2 group stage games as a winger. The most impressive part is that he played as both a goalie and a forward during group play and even filled in as a defenseman in the playoffs against Sweden, helping his team make it a close battle. 🇸🇪 4. Sweden Pre-tournament ranking: 4 A team that was both unsuccessful and successful at the same time. Team Sweden recorded 6 points during the group stage, roughly equivalent to expectations. However, the way those points came was a different story: they lost a point against USA while playing on the Swedish server, but managed to play two one-goal games with Finland and stole one point from them. In the playoffs, they played a close series with Latvia, ultimately winning to make it into the semi-finals. In the semi-finals, they showed up big time against Finland, coming out with a 2-2 tie in game 1. They did fall 4-1 in game two, and the 3rd place matchup was a disaster against USA, where they lost both games with a 20-8 aggregate score. Player of the tournament: Adam @karlssonadam_ Karlsson (HM: Johan @McSavid Rundqvist) If there was one aspect of the Swedish team that seemed to be on point all tournament, it was their goaltending. They used two goalies, both deserving of mention. In many games against tougher opponents, these guys kept it close and gave their team a chance to win. 🇺🇸 3. USA Pre-tournament ranking: 3 As expected, USA was one of the top 3 contenders. With a strong group stage performance, they went into the playoffs as the 2nd seed and handled Norway in Round 1 with ease. In the semi-finals, however, they faced Canada and were knocked out of the finals. It's not necessarily that they didn't play well in the tournament, but just one well-fought two-game series, and that was it for USA. They did take 3rd place, which is at least something. Player of the tournament: Josh @JFussyy Fuss He scored 18 goals in two games against Sweden in the 3rd place matchup. No further explanation needed. 🇫🇮 2. Finland Pre-tournament ranking: 2 So close, yet so far. Finland did everything right, until the very end. Number one seed going into the playoffs, wins against Slovakia and Sweden in the playoffs. That's how the Finns found themselves in the finals. Game 1 of 4 was really what crushed them, though. Canada pulled off a 13-0 win over Finland in that game, and even though Finland did everything they could to climb back, it was just not quite enough as they fell short by one goal and lost 21-22 in aggregate score. The crazy thing is the fact that Finland came so close to tying it up late in that Game 4, which would've also meant Finland would've had the home-ice advantage for the deciding Game 5. We're sure Finland was looking to win the tournament, but all things considered, it was still a good run, just one goal away from victory. Player of the tournament: Veeti @WeDuX_ Misikangas WeDuX_ led all Group A teams in defenseman scoring in both the group stage (0+10=10) and the playoffs (4+19=23). 🇨🇦 1. Canada Pre-tournament ranking: 1 Being crowned the champion was certainly all the Canadians were looking to do going into this tournament, and what a journey they took to get there! A tough group stage with a loss to Finland on the Canadian server set them up with low expectations heading into the playoffs, but somehow they found their game when it mattered most. Impressive wins over Germany and USA led this team all the way to the finals, where they pulled off a wild 13-0 win in Game 1 and eventually beat the number 1 seed Finland in a thrilling series! Player of the tournament: Charles-Olivier @Loko Crusty Tremblay It's honestly hard to pick just one player as the player of the tournament for this team, as it really was a team effort to come out on top. However, Loko Crusty, with his 3+12=15 group stage points and 11+20=31 playoff points, was on a totally different level on the score sheets! We hope you enjoyed the SG World Cup as much as we did! If you liked the action, share this article, your favorite highlights, and your own experiences — every bit of support helps us come back even bigger and better next time.

Final Four Locked In: Rainerit vs Clowns – Faxes vs Wild Hogs After a wild quarterfinals, four teams remain. Who’s heading to the final? We’re down to the final four. The semifinals are set — and the matchups are fire. Personal Rainerit continues to dominate. Clowns On Ice pulled off the upset of the tournament. Fladie Faxes handled a brutal four-game test. HC Wild Hogs are scoring at will. Every team left has proven they belong. But only two will reach the final. Here's what to expect:    Personal Rainerit (1) vs Clowns On Ice (11)  Personal Rainerit haven’t taken their foot off the gas since the group stage. They swept Tibro HC 3–0 in the quarterfinals, scoring 12 goals in game three and 24 goals total over the series. Their top scorer @jooheippa (ttskede) leads all playoff players with 57 points (33G, 24A) in 9 games, with @Elop-_-  adding 43 points, and @hhugobbrann with 35. The team’s passing, transition game, and puck control are elite. Clowns On Ice are the surprise of the postseason. After beating the high-flying Chlastpumpy 3–1, they look confident and hungry. Their run has been powered by @Pathen-21-  (26 pts), @PaddyD1412 (25 pts), and the goaltending tandem of @Christoph Kugler (kuglach) (89.76% SV, 1.63 GAA) and @Effyleptik  (96.43% SV in two appearances). Clowns will make this tough. They play smart, structured, disciplined hockey. But Rainerit’s depth, speed and overwhelming offense give them the edge. 👉 Prediction: Rainerit wins 3–1.    Fladie Faxes (3) vs HC Wild Hogs (5)  This is a clash of styles and firepower. Fladie Faxes had to battle through four intense games against Sunburst Howlers to advance. They led the series 2–0, lost one in OT, and edged the decider 2–1 in game four. Their strength is balance and structure. @Snoop Frog (Lypsaaja6365) has been a force with 33 pts in 10 games, backed up by @SoldatUgglan (23 pts), @Dan9105 (21 pts), and @Rizlan and @Hescores behind them. @Padde Kaic (Elvira123) has been rock solid in net: 89.19% SV%, 0.8 GAA, 4 shutouts. HC Wild Hogs, on the other hand, have bulldozed everything in their path. They scored 22 goals in 4 games vs Kasanovat, led by @zheka-ekb (44 pts), @Max14 (no_tactic_) (43 pts), and @NotChillyO (35 pts). Their top line is pure chaos. Goalie @Silkov777 has made key saves (81.04% SV%) when needed, but the Hogs rely on outscoring opponents — and so far, it’s working. Their aggressive offense overwhelms most opponents. But Fladie Faxes are built to contain chaos. Their defensive discipline, goaltending, and clutch finishing could be the difference in a tight series. 👉 Prediction: Fladie Faxes win 3–2.   All Eyes on the Ice: Semifinals Begin Wednesday It’s now down to execution. No more warm-ups, no more room for error. Personal Rainerit and Clowns On Ice clash in a battle of speed versus structure. Fladie Faxes and HC Wild Hogs go head-to-head in a matchup between defensive discipline and offensive fury. We’ve seen dominance, upsets, tight finishes, and blowouts. If the quarterfinals were any indication, the semifinals will be pure chaos — in the best way. 📆 Semifinals: Played between Wednesday, June 18 and Wednesday, June 25 🏆 Grand Final: Sunday, June 29 Get ready. Four teams. One trophy. Let the semifinals begin.

After a thrilling battle going all the way to Game 3 overtime, Teemu @Teemuyy Polttila was crowned the ECL '25 Spring 1v1 Champion. After a lot of success and multiple championships on the 6v6 side, this now marks his first title on the 1v1 side of competition. In the finals, he faced off against Sisu @sisu33_ Nurminen, who was coming into the series unbeaten in the Top 8 playoff stage. Teemuyy found the lead early on in Game 1 and was able to hang on to it,taking the game 5-3. In game 2, Teemu found himself down 0-2 early, but was able to push the game to overtime. After an early chance from Teemuyy in overtime, Sisu got his chance on a breakaway and made no mistake to push the series into a final game 3. The deciding game was a back-and-forth battle, and in the end, Sisu was just seconds away from taking the title. This time it wasn't enough as Teemuyy was able to find the tying goal just 3.8 seconds before the end of regulation: "I realised that at some point I just have to take the shot, and somehow it went in". -Teemuyy Both players had their chances in overtime, but it was Teemuyy who found the title-clinching goal, taking the game 6-5. You can see the goal in the embedded tweet below. Teemuyy shared some of his thoughts after the Finals: "It just feels amazing to take home my first 1v1 title. I've put a lot of hours into the game, and that has given me a high base level, which has been crucial to my tournament success. I've also practiced a lot against Sisu, and I knew what I needed to do heading into the series."     Teemuyy's road to Champion: Group Stage: 13-3-0-2 RO64: 3-0 vs Akimka_RUS RO32: 3-1 vs tuskanparahdusta Top 16 Group: 3-1-0-2 Quarterfinals: 3-1 vs Cemka2300 Semifinals: 2-1 vs XxKapUstaxX Finals: 2-1 vs sisu33_ Congratulations to Teemu and thank you to everyone for being a part of the tournament! We will see you again in the Fall season!