What's next for HC Meran? © BK Photo

Merano's AlpsHL withdrawal: "I consider it official"

Ten days have passed since the Alps Hockey League (AlpsHL) announced that HC Meran plans to withdraw from the international championship. Marcello Cobelli, Italy's representative on the Board of Governors (BOG), takes this move at face value, as he explained in an interview with SportNews.

February 27, 2026

From: leo

If HC Meran survives the pre-playoffs against EC Bregenzerwald starting next Tuesday, they will qualify for the fifth season of the season for the third year in a row. At the same time, it could be the Eagles' last appearance in the playoffs. The club missed the registration deadline for the 2026/27 season in the AlpsHL. The exact reasons remain a matter of speculation, as HCM has not yet issued an official statement. President Stefan Kobler told... SportNews simply: "Something has to change – either in the league or in our club."

Marcello Cobelli is not surprised by this move. "The club sent us a letter a month ago explaining their intentions. Ten days before the deadline, I had a conversation with Kobler and the board. It became clear that they could no longer manage the effort and were unwilling to take the risk," says the 55-year-old, who adds: "It's not a decision against the league." The difficulty in raising the necessary funds is the key issue.

Is there a back door open?

No concrete ideas from the club regarding necessary changes in the league were presented. "Yes, there was discussion about the registration fee, which, however, only represents a fraction of the budget. The increasing professionalization is another issue. In our discussions, we offered them the opportunity to register provisionally in order to make a final decision at a later date. However, I have the feeling that the club – not least because major successes are lacking – is tired. Therefore, I consider their withdrawal official," Cobelli emphasized.

Marcello Cobelli in an interview.

The fact remains that there is considerable leeway in the AlpsHL despite the aforementioned deadlines. For example, the Unterland Cavaliers reversed course last season under a new board, after the previous management had already sealed their fate by withdrawing from the AlpsHL. Their reinstatement only took place in April. Kobler and his colleagues therefore still have plenty of time to reverse their decision.

The AlpsHL will remain in existence

The fact is, however, that the league contract, which lasts five years, expires after this season. A provisional agreement with the clubs has already been reached, explains Cobelli. "The new contract will also run for five years, but teams will be given the option to withdraw from the league should certain conditions no longer be met."

HC Meran has withdrawn from the AlpsHL. © BK Photo

As things stand, the AlpsHL rests on a solid foundation – even though the number of participating teams has decreased from 17 to 12 in recent years. "This is a natural change. I would even say that there were too many teams before," Cobelli emphasizes. New clubs from Milan and Slovenia have expressed interest in participating in the AlpsHL, but ultimately nothing has come of it (yet).

"When a Serie A promotion was up for discussion, only Varese raised their hand." Marcello Cobelli

A Serie A, which many involved still dream of, is currently not feasible in his opinion. "A year and a half ago, we met with all the Italian AlpsHL teams and those of the Italian Hockey League (IHL). When a Serie A was up for discussion, only Varese raised their hand. At least ten teams are needed – and that for five years. Otherwise, as happened a few years ago, we'll have to practically beg teams to participate in August. That's precisely the advantage of the AlpsHL: the planning security," Cobelli concludes.

Local ice hockey nostalgics will have to wait a little longer, while the Rittner Buam, the Wipptal Broncos, HC Gherdëina, the Unterland Cavaliers (and also HC Meran?) will soon begin planning for the new AlpsHL season.