HC Meran is not satisfied with the development in the AlpsHL.

HC Meran rebels: harsh criticism of the AlpsHL

The Alps Hockey League continues to crumble. After the Unterland Cavaliers, who will compete in the IHL next season, left, rumors about other teams have been circulating. HC Meran published a press release on Wednesday in which the league leadership was clearly criticized.

29 January 2025

From: cst

No other AlpsHL club has yet announced its withdrawal from the multinational league, but it seems to be only a matter of time. The Unterland Cavaliers took this step around 2 weeks ago and will leave the AlpsHL for the IHL in the summer after 3 years.

In return, the Rittner Buam clearly spoke out in favor of participating in the AlpsHL. However, there are also some rumors from Austria that could call the continuation of the league into question. Criticism is now coming from Meran, where the HCM addresses three aspects in particular in a press release.

“Instead of talking openly about problems, they are downplayed in meetings or not even discussed at all.” Excerpt from the HCM communication

On the one hand, the spa town complains that costs are rising. "The addition of new teams, which took place without the broad consent of the clubs, is driving up travel costs," says the HCM. On the other hand, no additional income is generated, says the Meran-based club. In plain language, this means that the new ICE clubs such as Sisak or Celje are not crowd pullers, but require long journeys to Croatia and Slovenia. The HCM also criticizes the fact that "there is no comprehensible breakdown of what the high league costs are actually being used for. This lack of transparency is unacceptable."

Is Meran planning to leave the AlpsHL?

The Meraners also feel that the communication between the league and the clubs is not sufficient. "Critical comments and concerns are ignored by the league management," said the HCM board. There have also been cuts in the right to have a say: "The decision to abolish the right to withdraw late after registration without consulting the clubs is particularly serious. This puts the teams under enormous pressure, as it is impossible to make a well-founded forecast on the financial and sporting situation of the current season on January 31st."

A sign that the Meran team is considering leaving the AlpsHL soon? At the moment, that doesn't seem to be an issue, because the league is attractive from a sporting perspective - as the HCM also reports. However, concrete solutions are needed and not empty promises, otherwise the future will be at risk.

The complete press release of HC Meran in full

"Statement by the Board of the Hockey Club Meran on the current situation in the Alps Hockey League

The Hockey Club Meran feels compelled to openly address the current grievances in the Alps Hockey League (AHL). While the league's sporting balance is undisputed, there are organizational and financial problems that can no longer be ignored.

1. Rising costs and lack of transparency: The inclusion of new teams, which took place without the broad consent of the existing clubs, drives up travel costs without generating additional income or benefits for the existing clubs. At the same time, there is no comprehensible breakdown of what the high league costs are actually being used for. This lack of transparency is unacceptable. Clubs have long been demanding clarity, but the league has failed to provide answers.

2. Lack of communication and ignorance towards the clubs: Critical comments and legitimate concerns are ignored by the league management, and emails are not responded to. Instead of talking openly about problems, they are played down in meetings or not even discussed at all. Several clubs have noted the same difficulties - but no changes are made.

3. Changes without a say: The decision to abolish the right of late withdrawal after registration without consultation with the clubs is particularly serious. This puts the teams under enormous pressure, as it is impossible to make a well-founded forecast on the financial and sporting situation of the current season on January 31, as it is still in full swing at that time.

The Alps Hockey League is attractive from a sporting perspective, but organizational mistakes are jeopardizing its future. The clubs do not need empty promises or euphemisms, but concrete solutions. The current problems affect not only us, but many other teams. We therefore expect the league management to take immediate action to improve transparency, reduce the financial burden and engage in open dialogue with the clubs.

With sporting greetings The Board of the Hockey Club Meran"