There was plenty to celebrate in Merano recently – and that's how it should continue. © BK Photo

The Merano turnaround: "Let us flourish!"

For months, there has been wild speculation about the future of HC Meran. Will the traditional club disappear from the ice hockey map, or will it somehow continue? Now the secret is out – and the surprise is considerable.

10 May 2026

HC Meran Pircher will play in the Alps Hockey League again next season. That much has been confirmed since Sunday morning! This means the runner-up will remain in the international league – and South Tyrol will continue to be one of the most important ice hockey locations in the world.

The club had let the registration deadline pass in winter and emphasized that they might even start in a lower league. What prompted this change of heart? "The final!" says President Stefan Kobler. SportNews-In response to an inquiry, "That was crucial. The successful run and reaching the final playoff round gave us all a huge boost. Suddenly there was euphoria and a strong desire to act. We'll take all of that with us into the future."

The playoff run changed everything.

Although the final was ultimately lost decisively against Gröden, Kobler believes it unleashed new energy within the club and its entire community. "Above all, everyone saw that our plan had worked. We wanted to reach the playoffs in the AlpsHL within the first three years and then advance far in one of the following two seasons – and we achieved that."

"The budget increases with success." HCM President Stefan Kobler

However, the recent run of success has not only unleashed new motivation but also brought in a significant financial boost. "Spectator and merchandising revenues have increased, but now we also need to increase sponsorship funds. One thing is clear, though: the budget grows with success," Kobler acknowledges. HCM has enjoyed plenty of success lately, yet the club boss remains cautious: "We don't need to reach the finals every year to survive on the field. But we want to grow – in all areas."

Merano is an ice hockey city – HCM provided proof of this in the recent playoffs.

What Kobler means by this is: more members, more staff, more volunteers. The HCM organization is to be restructured and expanded step by step – including financially. The Merano team – it can be assumed – will try to push its budget into the high six-figure range, partly to keep the current squad together. "It will be difficult to retain some players," says Kobler.

The squad planning begins

The club's management is currently holding end-of-season talks with its players. This includes finalizing potential contract extensions. At the same time, the search for reinforcements is underway – in cooperation with HC Bozen, which wishes to intensify its partnership with HCM. "The important thing now is that things continue here," Kobler concluded. He then added: "And then we'll make sure that HC Meran truly flourishes!"