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

Teemu @Teemuyy Polttila has done it again. On March 12th, Teemuyy claimed the ECL '26: Winter - 1v1 title — making him a back-to-back 1v1 champion after his ECL '25: Spring victory. It's been a dominant run at the top of the 1v1 scene, and this Winter edition only cemented his status further.   The Road to the Final The TOP 16 playoffs were far from straightforward. Both top seeds were eliminated in the quarterfinals — #1 @temppanen fell to #8 @JesseL2002 in a notable upset, and #2 @fire_cats88 was taken out by #7 @xEasy33. That left the bottom half of the bracket wide open. Teemuyy, who had won Group 4 in the Regular Season and then topped Group 1 in the TOP 16 group stage to earn the #3 seed, had to grind his way through the bracket. In the quarterfinals, he dropped Game 1 to @Hardeni- - (6–5) before taking control with three straight wins (10–5, 10–4, 6–2) to advance. The semis were no easier — while he swept JesseL2002, it took winning Game 1 in overtime (4–3) and closing it out with a dramatic 9–8 win in Game 2. Pikkarii's path to the final looked considerably smoother by comparison, sweeping xEasy33 with more convincing wins of 4–2 and 10–4. The Grand Final: Teemuyy vs. Pikkarii The finals were a best-of-three series against Väinö @Pikkarii Pikkarainen, who had been one of the most consistent performers throughout the season. Pikkarii came out firing in Game 1, taking a decisive 5–1 victory and putting Teemuyy on the back foot early. But Teemuyy responded in exactly the same fashion — a 5–1 win of his own to level the series heading into a deciding Game 3. Game 3 was a back-and-forth battle right to the end. Teemuyy ultimately pulled away late to win 8–6, taking the series 2–1 and claiming his second consecutive 1v1 title. Division Highlights The TOP 16 group stage saw Teemuyy lead the tournament in goals for (42 GF), while temppanen boasted the stingiest defense (14 GA). fire_cats88 finished with the best goal differential at +24 — though despite the impressive regular season numbers, the top seeds couldn't convert in the playoffs. Teemuyy's road to Champion: Regular Season: 1st in Group 4 TOP 16 Group Stage: 1st in Group 1 Quarterfinals (BO5): 3–1 vs Hardeni-: 5–6, 10–5, 10–4, 6–2 Semifinals (BO3): 2–0 vs JesseL2002: 4–3 OT, 9–8 Finals (BO3): 2–1 vs Pikkarii: 1–5, 5–1, 8–6 Congratulations to Teemu on back-to-back 1v1 championships, and thank you to everyone who competed in the ECL '26: Winter season. See you in the Spring season - registrations launching soon!

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

With the first half of the Elite Division covered, it’s time to dive into the other eight teams that make up the highest tier of the ECL. The Spring season is already delivering surprises, with early results showing that even established powerhouses aren’t untouchable. Here’s a closer look at the remaining squads, their offseason moves (or lack thereof), current form, and bold predictions for how their campaigns will unfold. Parasite The Finnish powerhouse returns once again with expectations firmly set at the very top. With much of their former core still intact, this is a team that doesn’t need rebuilding or retooling; they simply reload. Star forwards like @Beniitttocontinue to drive one of the most dangerous offenses in the Elite division, while a strong defensive unit and reliable goaltending from @FINSeRe provide the balance needed to win consistently. Their start to the season has only reinforced that status. Dominant performances against Oxdog Esports and Umpikuja showed just how clinical they can be, even if a couple of tighter results, such as their split with MSK esports, served as a reminder that no team is completely untouchable in Elite. Still, what separates Parasite is their ability to win in different ways. Whether it’s controlling games outright or grinding through closer matchups, they rarely look out of place. There’s a level of confidence and familiarity within this group that few others can match. They’ve been here before, they know what it takes, and they’ve already shown early on that they’re operating at a high level. Over the course of a long season, that consistency tends to separate contenders from challengers. Prediction: They cruise to the finals and ultimately lift the trophy, once again setting the standard for everyone else to chase. MSK Esports After finishing 8th last season under the Robe name, they've now managed to snag a few new signings and revamped their entire offense, signing @Sokkelo__, @dippen04 & @Hydeee_24 and rebranded as MSK Esports, they come into the new campaign looking far more dangerous than last season. Early results have turned heads, including a regulation win over Tunnel Vision and a hard-fought split against Parasite, two results that immediately elevate their credibility within the division. This is a team that has often hovered around the middle of the standings, capable of competing but not always able to sustain momentum. What’s different so far is the level of composure they’ve shown against stronger opposition. They’re not just hanging around in games; they’re actively dictating stretches and finding ways to come away with points. There’s a growing sense that MSK might be turning a corner. The pieces seem to be fitting together more effectively, and the early confidence could go a long way in shaping their season. However, the true test will come over time, maintaining that level across a full schedule is where many teams tend to slip. If they can keep building on these early performances, they won’t just be a mid-table side; they’ll be a legitimate playoff threat that others won’t want to face. Prediction: A strong playoff push, likely landing in the 6–7 range and making things interesting in the quarterfinals before eventually falling short. vNexs The Swedish side returns with a familiar identity built on speed, skill, and quick transitions. Known for their ability to turn defense into offense in an instant, vNexs remains one of the more dynamic teams in the division. Their previous campaign included a hard-fought playoff run, highlighted by a few dramatic seven-game series win against the likes of Havu and Incoach that showcased both resilience and composure under pressure. Now they've made a few changes after their final appearance, which have turned some heads, departing with winger @Alpha borje, and center @dippen04. Early indications suggest they haven’t lost their edge. Competitive games against top-tier opponents, including a tight matchup with Parasite, show they’re still very much in the mix. Their style of play can be difficult to contain when it’s clicking, especially against teams that struggle to match their pace. That said, the competition around them remains fierce. With multiple Swedish teams in the division and a crowded playoff race expected, every point will matter. vNexs will need to stay sharp and consistent to avoid getting caught in the middle of that pack. They’ve proven they belong at this level, but turning strong performances into deep playoff success is the next hurdle. Prediction: A comfortable playoff qualification, followed by a tightly contested quarterfinal exit. SSK Esports SSK Esports enters the season looking to solidify their place as regulars in the Elite Division after several campaigns of hovering around the qualifier's spot. They’ve shown flashes of being a well-structured and difficult team to play against, but turning those moments into sustained success has been the challenge. This is a team that thrives on discipline and structure, often keeping games close and forcing opponents to earn every opportunity. That approach can be effective, especially over a long season, but it also leaves little margin for error when facing the division’s top teams, which has been the case so far this season, splitting all their matchups so far. Matchups against fellow Swedish sides like vNexs, Afterlife, and Unwanted could play a major role in shaping their season. Those games not only carry extra weight but could ultimately determine whether SSK finds themselves in the playoff picture or just outside of it. They've tried to combat this by bringing in @Sebastian Axelsson and @Smayk99, we'll see how it works out. There’s a sense that they’re close to the middle of the pack, but in a league as competitive as Elite, being close doesn’t always translate to results. Prediction: They hover around the playoff line but ultimately fall just short, finishing in the 11–14 range and heading toward the qualifiers. Afterlife Afterlife returns as part of the strong Swedish presence in the division, continuing to build on a foundation that has kept them competitive in recent seasons. They’ve consistently shown they can hang with most teams offensively, but defensively, they've been a step behind. Their approach early in the season appears measured and controlled, focusing on staying organized and avoiding costly mistakes. That style can keep them in games, especially against stronger opponents, but it also puts pressure on them to capitalize on limited chances. To address this issue they signed @Alpha borje from vNexs, which shows their seriousness about making the playoffs. From last season's 9th place, they believe the winger could be the nail in the coffin, which is the playoff spot. Like many teams in their range, their season could be defined by how they perform in key matchups against direct competitors. With several evenly matched teams fighting for similar positions, consistency will be everything, so far they've shown their offense can match and that in tight games, they have the poise to be clinical. Afterlife has the experience and structure to remain competitive, but whether that translates into enough points to climb the standings remains to be seen. With shaky defense, it's tough to be consistent. Prediction: A mid-table finish, with solid performances throughout the season but ultimately falling short of a playoff spot. Vizio Vizio heads into the new season facing a familiar challenge: consistency. Past Elite runs have shown flashes of potential, but early results suggest the gap to top teams, highlighted by losses to sides like Goons still remains. The roster is largely unchanged, with only @stu_rulez joining. That continuity can help with stability and chemistry, but it also risks carrying over the same issues if they aren’t addressed. At this level, even small weaknesses tend to get exposed quickly. So far, Vizio has shown moments of competitiveness, but they’ve struggled to sustain it across full matches. Those dips in performance are often the difference against stronger opponents. Their season will likely depend on staying competitive in tougher matchups and securing points against teams around them in the standings. The effort is there, but turning it into consistent results remains the key challenge. Prediction: A difficult season near the bottom of the table, with a likely trip to the relegation or qualifier series. Ismon Valinta Ismon Valinta enters the Elite Division once again with the goal of proving they can be more than just a middle-to-lower table side. Since earning promotion, their performances have largely settled into an “average” range, competitive enough to stay in the division, but not quite convincing enough to push higher up the standings. Heading into this season, that same trajectory feels like the most likely outcome unless something clicks in a bigger way. There have been some adjustments, particularly on the defensive side. The addition of @vlxddyy to play alongside @Motzzyy signals an attempt to stabilize and perhaps elevate their play at the back. It’s a move that could bring a different dynamic compared to last season, where they ultimately finished 12th, but early signs don’t necessarily point toward a dramatic leap forward. Instead, it feels more like a step toward refining what they already have rather than completely reshaping their identity. The key for them is progression. If they can take lessons from last season, tightening up their overall play and becoming more comfortable in high-pressure situations, they have the potential to surprise teams that may overlook them. While expectations remain modest, there’s still room for growth, and how well they handle that learning curve will ultimately define their season. Prediction: A lower-table finish, with a few hard-earned wins but ultimately a battle to avoid dropping out of Elite. Umpikuja Umpikuja’s season has started on the wrong foot, and the early results have quickly put them under pressure. Losses to Unwanted and a heavy defeat against Parasite suggest they’re struggling to match the pace and consistency required at this level. The frustrating part is that the potential is clearly there. On paper, this is a team capable of competing, but they haven’t been able to sustain their level across full matches, especially against stronger opponents. Small mistakes and lapses in coordination have been enough to swing games away from them. The longer this slow start continues, the tougher the recovery becomes. In a tight division, falling behind early can create a gap that’s hard to close, both in points and confidence. There’s still time to turn things around, but it needs to happen soon. Finding stability and picking up results against teams around them will be key because the margin for error is already getting smaller. Last season's quarterfinal spot is a long way away, now is the time to turn the ship around. Prediction: A season spent in the bottom half, with some improvement over time, but ultimately a tough fight to avoid the qualifier spots.

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!