For some time now the Deutscher Eishockey-Bund (DEB) and the Bavarian Ice Sports Association (BEV) in close communication about the interlinking of the Oberliga Süd regards. The focus is still on structural questions such as strengthening the substructure, but also how to deal with promotion and relegation.
Both associations once again exchanged ideas intensively with EHC Klostersee and EHC Königsbrunn in order to explore the possibilities of (further) participation in the Oberliga games. However, according to their own statements, this is not possible for both clubs in the 2023/24 season.
DEB-Vice President Marc Hindelang (responsible for LEV/Oberligen): “But important perspectives for the time afterwards were discussed. The EHC Klostersee would like to establish itself as a training location for young players who could be introduced to professional ice hockey through appearances in the major league. To do this, however, a viable concept must first be drawn up and then discussions must be held with potential cooperation partners. Against this background, there is DEB the EHC is free for the regional association, which means that the BEV is free to move the club into the Bayernleague.”
The problem at EHC Königsbrunn is that players in the current squad do not want to and cannot participate in promotion to the top league, which would entail further investments that the club cannot currently afford in order to be competitive in sport. That's why he welcomes DEB Even more so is the announcement of EC Stuttgart, which is the twelfth club to take part Oberliga Süd wants to take part after being shown the opportunities and possibilities of the game operation by the association.
DEB-Vice President Marc Hindelang (responsible for LEV/Oberligen): “The sport is not always predictable and there are also licensing issues to consider, which is why adjustments to the implementing regulations will be necessary. Both the BEV and the DEB, agree that punishment for non-promotion is not appropriate, but rather that the circle of potential successors should be expanded. These processes should now be pushed forward sustainably through continued ongoing exchange.”
Frank Butz (ice hockey chairman Bavarian Ice Sports Association): “We continue to strongly advocate that a master should exercise his right to promotion. This is also for the integrity of the competition Bayernleague important. Ultimately, the clubs that are playing for the title are also required to position themselves economically and structurally in such a way that they can take this step. In our opinion, this also applies to the clubs Baden-Württemberg, which are also for the Oberliga Süd come into question. The ice hockey commission has dealt in detail with the questions that have arisen and sees a different decision regarding the inclusion of EHC Klostersee in the regional association as endangering the further development of the very good young talent work. We also see ourselves as having a responsibility towards our member associations to secure the sustainable location. The waiver by EHC Königsbrunn and the resulting ban no longer seems to us to be up-to-date and counterproductive, especially at the interface with professional games in the upper league. In addition, in a relegation battle, a team that is overqualified in terms of sport would be more damaging to the competition.”
In addition to the Stuttgart EC, twelve teams from the Oberliga Nord as well as eleven teams for the Oberliga Süd submitted their report for the 2023/2024 league season. In addition to the sporting relegated EG Diez-Limburg and those who left due to insolvency Crocodiles Hamburg, the Krefeld EV 81 has also decided not to take part in the game Oberliga Nord to take part in the coming season.