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Hi SportsGamers, As promised, we’re now ready to share the ECL ’26: Winter prize pool numbers, including how the total prize pool was calculated and how it is distributed across divisions. While a small number of late license purchases may still slightly increase the final figures, we are now very close to the final totals, and the numbers below accurately reflect the current state of the season.   How the ECL ’26: Winter Prize Pool Was Calculated The ECL prize pool model for the NHL 26 cycle is based on a simple and transparent principle: 35% of NET license sales are returned directly to the players as prize money. Here’s how the Winter ’26 prize pool was formed: ➕ Total ECL ’26 license sales (incl. VAT): €62,420.00 ➖ VAT (25.5%): –€12682.95  ➖ Payment processing fees (PayPal): –€1986.30  ➖ Reserved for ECL ’26: Spring (50% of Full Year Player licenses): –€9251.00 🟰 Winter ’26 NET sales: €38,499.76 ➡️ 35% of NET sales allocated to prize pools: €13,474.91 This amount is fully dedicated to Winter ’26 prize pools across all ECL divisions.   Prize Pool Allocation by Division The total prize pool is distributed between divisions based on participation, competitive level, and season structure. ECL ’26: Winter – Total Prize Pools Elite: €5,861.59 Pro: €3,031.86 Lite: €2,223.36 Core: €1,549.62 1v1: €808.49 Total: €13,474.91   Division Prize Distributions Each division’s prize pool is paid out to multiple placements to ensure that strong playoff performances are rewarded throughout the divisions. ECL Elite – €5,861.59 #1: €2,579.10 #2: €1,172.32 #3–4: €586.16 each #5–8: €234.46 each   ECL Pro – €3,031.86 #1: €818.60 #2: €576.05 #3–4: €394.14 each #5–8: €212.23 each   ECL Lite – €2,223.36 #1: €533.61 #2: €422.44 #3: €311.27 #4: €244.57 #5–8: €177.87 each   ECL Core – €1,549.62 #1: €402.90 #2: €278.93 #3–4: €216.95 each #5–8: €108.47 each   ECL 1v1 – €808.49 #1: €436.59 #2: €210.21 #3–4: €80.85 each   Final Notes These numbers reflect the current prize pool status at the time of writing. Rounding note: Prize allocations are calculated using percentage-based splits and rounded to the nearest cent at the placement level. As a result, minor €0.01 rounding differences may occur between intermediate totals and displayed sums, without affecting the total prize pool. Any late license purchases will still contribute to the overall prize pool, with final confirmation provided once the season concludes. As always, our goal is to keep the ECL transparent, fair, and community-driven, with a clear connection between participation and rewards. Thank you to everyone competing in ECL ’26: Winter — and best of luck in the remainder of the season.

Hi SportsGamers, There have been some questions regarding the Regular Season dates, the Transfer Deadline, and the Holiday Break, so we want to clarify all of these topics in one place. Regular Season End - January 15th The regular season is set to end on January 15th, 2026, in all divisions. We understand that this may feel a little extra relaxed for the Core and Lite divisions, where the most active teams will potentially have finished their games already by Christmas, but we communicated the deadline early on, and we therefore do not want to change it, as some teams seem to have made their plans based on it. Be sure to reschedule any games necessary with your opponents in good time and enjoy the holidays!   Transfer Deadline - January 4th, restrictions apply The transfer deadline is January 4th, 2026; however, please note that no team can make transfers in either direction once they have completed their regular season. All transfers, however, are subject to scrutiny by the League Administration. Therefore, transfers can be declined retroactively if deemed to have been illegal, potentially resulting in games played being nullified.    Holiday Break The Holiday Break is planned for December 19th to January 3rd. Teams are allowed to play during this time if they mutually agree to do so; however, no team can be forced to play during this time period.   ECL Lite & Core Playoff system To avoid any confusion, we want to mention that the Lite and Core playoff system for this season will be as follows: A total of 24 teams will go to the playoffs in each division. The top 2 of each group go directly to the 2nd round of the Playoffs. Teams placing 3–6 will be seeded into the first round, meaning #9 vs #24, #10 vs #23, and so on.   As always, thank you for your cooperation and for helping keep the season running smoothly. We wish everyone a great end to the regular season and a relaxing holiday break.

The group stage of the ECL ’26: Winter Lite division is heading into the Christmas break, and things are getting tense. Every match feels like it could shift the entire playoff picture, and teams are throwing everything they’ve got into these battles. The usual powerhouses have looked strong, keeping their spots near the top, while a few unexpected teams have started to shake things up with surprising wins. With contenders trying to lock down their 1st round byes for the playoffs and underdogs fighting to stay in the mix, the Lite division never disappoints. In this article, we'll review a few teams that have stood out, disappointed, and flat out just not stepped up this season, so have a read and give your own opinions in the comment section below on what you, the reader, would like to see in the next article. This report is based on stats and standings from December 11th.   Group 1   1st Round Bye's  Wida Wida have been in the Lite divison for some time now and are oozing confidence this season, they haven't been able to take that final step in their game in the previous seasons, but this season could be a different story, with almost 4 goals per game average, they are leading their group and will surely try and clinch that 1st seed for the playoffs soon.  Invasion Hockey The Swedes (mostly) are trying their best to give Wida a run for their money. They are not going away anytime soon, with talented @RookieLIAMOVIC leading the team in points, with the right amount of luck and a few mishaps from Wida, they might just see themselves at the top of the standings soon.    Fallen Rangers The Czech/Slovak team has emerged as a team that could easily take this group by storm, now in 2nd place, still a few fewer games played than Wida, so it will remain to be seen who tops this group. Standout player so far for Fallen Rangers is @Sebko99 who could emerge as a contender for the top scorer this season.   Making The Playoffs  Armeijan Kuri A team many had in the category above when the season started, they now find themselves in a somewhat comfortable place, not in any risk of being out of the playoffs, and with a few well-timed wins, they could push for the 1st round bye.  Hockeyholics  This Central European side will surely make the playoffs, with seasoned veterans like @ViSiOnZ97_ and @I_Alex28_I at the wheel. We're in for an interesting end to the regular season. Now it's up to them how they want to finish the season, but keep an eye out for them to make it difficult for their opponents.   On The Outside  FatBurritos After 8 losses already this season, it's looking grim for the FatBurritos; they have an uphill climb ahead of them, and it won't be pretty if they don't start grabbing some points.  Bladerunners HC In a similar situation to FatBurritos, it's not looking good, but with a few fewer games played, there is always a bit more hope at the end of the tunnel, so time to buckle up and show the rest of the group something.   Group 2 1st Round Bye's  Conexion Whoever wins the matchup between these two teams will likely be the group winner, no doubt about it, as Conexion has gone undefeated so far; they are the slight favourite. @Flo_goes_grazy(flgr93) is 2nd at the moment in goals in the entire Lite division with 23 goals; he'll look to add to that tally as the season progresses.  Veterankraft The heavy favourites to take the entire Lite division before the season started, and have shown exactly what they're capable of so far. @STRANDMANNEN11 has been on fire and has posted a mere 4.5 points per game, and has shown no signs of slowing down. Considering the rest of their roster, maybe this team should've performed better in the Pro qualifiers?   Making The Playoffs  Renegade HC  Also unbeaten with a 4-0-0-0 record so far, they still have a lot of games ahead of them, but a hot start to the season is often a recipe for success. Now they look to build on that start with @MartindalexC as their veteran leader, former Elite standout has shown he can be a guy to rely on when the games get tough, we'll see if that's the case this season.    HC Nova Hut  The mostly Central European-based team has played almost all their games already, so it remains to be seen how their playoff chances look after the Christmas break, but right now @Xkeineri, their Finnish skater has been their most productive player, a calm 32 points (15+17) so far for the experienced winger.   On The Outside  Iserlohn Roosters eSports  With some tough matches behind them, they can now focus on the games ahead. A few wins are needed for them to climb right back in it for the playoff hunt. A veteran team, with veteran players, has its upside in tough situations; they know their own strengths and stick to that. Now is the time to execute.  Mieskissat A brutal start for the Finns, one point in ten games is not the way to start your season... They now face the impossible: a few games left and not a lot to work with; they need a miracle to make the playoffs.   Group 3 1st Round Bye's  Kokemus Puuttuu  The veterans have started undefeated, with almost full points in every matchup, and now they need to keep that flow going. @Jobeyz sure knows this, he's been around for a long time, and this season in Lite he'll get to showcase his talent.  TROJANS Another team that has played a lot of games so far, 12 games under their belt, and they have started well, 27 points and counting. Now comes the time to clutch that 1st round bye that the Lite division offers, and @softa_tofta can be that guy for the Trojans.   Making The Playoffs  HC Vadelma  HC Vadelma has been grinding away the ECL ladder for a while now, and it seems like they've found a system that fits. They made the playoffs last year after a solid season, and now want to get past the 1st round. @Awesome_Zone_ has been with the team and making changes this season, and if they can finish the season strong, no doubt in my mind this team has what it takes to advance further than last year.  Pata Hellalla  A team with a rich history has made a splash, now looking to enter the Pro division once again. They started the season well with 4 wins in 6 games, looking solid, and will surely make it difficult for the opposing teams to get points this season.   On The Outside  Refuse Too Lose We've seen downfalls before, and now Refuse Too Lose joins that club, just a few seasons ago challenging the Pro division to eventual relegation, and now facing relegation once again. Captain @sonny has a roster full of players, and nine players have played at least two games this season. If their captain can't soon find a regular lineup, it'll be Core next season.  Jurricanes The Finns looked a lot better last season in Lite, claiming a comfortable 3rd seed in their group, with one win in 8 games, it seems we won't see them in the playoffs this year. With a few more losses this regular season, Jurricanes will find themselves in the qualifiers.   Group 4 1st Round Bye's  Supernatural A more even group for the top spot than the rest, however, Supernatural seems like the favourites with goalie @eissi83 absolutely dominating in net after making a comeback between the pipes, he boasts a 94,4% save percentage and a 0.88 goals against average, which would be up there with the Lite record if he keeps it going.  vNexs Vipers  The third-tier team for the vNex organization, which has been extremely active in the ECL scene with four teams all the way to the Elite division. Now the Vipers want to establish themselves in the Lite division, and look to join the team in the Pro division next season, and @Zonkji v sure is making a name for himself with 17 goals so far, he is looking for more as the Vipers hope to finish strong this season.   Making The Playoffs KELAGOLDCARD HC With last season's leading goalscorer on the sidelines @Leevijopo01 has only played 2 games so far, and the opponents are thankful. Kela has played their toughest matchups and look now to gain full points from their last matchups and claim a playoff spot. Captain @Romurallimies has been their leader this season with the most points and most time with the puck.  VBO STARS The Swedes average a respectable 2 points per game, where in other groups that could be fine for the 1st round bye, but not group 4, with the right amount of luck, they might just see themselves there this season. In the playoffs, they need a boost, and looking to @Hampus11 their leading scorer to lead the way. On The Outside SSK Adepts  When struggling to score, a team rarely gets a lot of points, and that's the case for the Adepts as they average a 2-goal per game pace this season. To avoid relegation this season, the whole roster needs to come together for a Christmas dinner and get some chemistry going before it's too late. Dynamo HC  The mostly British team has the same issues as the Adepts, and it's putting the puck in the net. They can't seem to have a consistent lineup on gamedays, and that shows in goals for department this season, qualifiers ahead surely, and considering the talent in the Core division, Dynamo might just find themselves one division lower next season.via