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Pustertal in the AlpsHL duel with the second representative of the Black Wings. The wolves could meet Team A as early as next year. © I. Foppa
HC Pustertal has one less competitor in the offer of admission to the ICE Hockey League. In Upper Austria, the newly founded EHV Linz went up in smoke with a loud crack.
March 01, 2021
No sponsors, no club leadership, and no ambitions. In short: the EHV Linz has crashed and (for the moment) history. Long-standing rival club Black Wings Linz have indicated their willingness to participate in ICE next season. This is now off the table.
For HC Pustertal, the withdrawal of Stahlstädter could have a positive effect, if a Wolves competitor for a free place at ICE is no longer there.
Dispute as reason for withdrawal of sponsors
On Sunday, Kristine Egger resigned as president of the EHV Linz. It is currently not possible to achieve the ambitious goals, Egger said, referring to the withdrawal of the main sponsors. Liwest and Linz AG announced Sunday that they would withdraw from sponsorship in professional ice hockey. “In view of the current circumstances and the ongoing disputes surrounding the professional league, Linz AG does not see any possibility of improving its image,” the letter said.
The Black Wings have once again been the undisputed leader in Linz since Sunday. There is no threat of competition (at least for the moment). © Leo Holzknecht / Draxler Hannes
This is the end of the turbulent times in Linz ice hockey. Almost exactly a year ago, a power struggle had escalated over the person of manager Christian Perthaler. Black Wings president Peter Freunschlag went on the offensive with an open letter, Perthaler’s separation was inevitable. Former Black Wings vice presidents and sponsors founded the Linz Ice Hockey Club, and Linz AG even temporarily withdrew the use of the ice rink for the Black Wings. Major fan clubs also announced that they want to support the EHV in the future.
However, league teams voted against a second Linz representative at ICE in June of the previous year. After renewed progress a few weeks ago, the EHV Linz wanted to present itself again to the representatives and the commissions on Wednesday. This project is now canceled. With Feldkirch, Znojmo, Ljubljana and Pustertal four clubs remain (Sport News informed) that have the objective of participating in the ICE
Author: cst / apa
