The warm temperatures that are creeping up on most of Europe not only signal that summer is upon us, but also that the domestic hockey season is coming to an end – if not already over. This past week saw three more leagues wrap up their championships, while another could be over by midweek. 

by Luke Fisher

Austria

Both of Austria’s CHL ‘A’ License holders, Red Bull Salzburg and Vienna Capitals, meet in the EBEL finals this season, with Salzburg already in a commanding position. On Sunday night they won their 10th game in a row to go 3–0 up in the series, meaning they could clinch the EBEL title in Vienna on Tuesday! 

Czech Republic

Ocelari Trinec beat out Sparta Prague over six games to advance to the finals, but it now looks like the Masaryk Cup is Litvinov’s to lose, as they have raced into a 2–0 series lead, with both games played in Trinec’s rink so far. Litvinov return home now knowing that wins on Wednesday and Thursday will see them crowned champions, while Trinec know that they must win at least one game to force an extension to the series. 

Denmark

A 6–1 win on Sunday sealed the final series in five games and the Danish title for SonderjyskE Vojens – and with it, they renew their membership in the CHL for next season. Esbjerg Energy have to make do with silver medals, while the Frederikshavn White Hawks overcame Blue Fox Herning to take the bronze.

Finland

The Liiga semi-finals really are providing to be full of excitement, with both series heading to seventh games! Karpat Oulu vs. JYP Jyvaskyla and Tappara Tampere vs. Lukko Rauma are both tied at three games to each team, meaning we are heading for a dramatic game seven to decide both finalists. The Oulu – JYP series is notable for neither side having won on the other’s ice, and home ice advantage in game seven goes to Oulu. In the other tie, Lukko did have a 3–1 series lead but have been pegged back – and will be on the road in game seven.

Germany

It’s one apiece in the DEL final series between Adler Mannheim and ERC Ingolstadt. ‘Die Adler’ won the opening game on home ice 2–1 in overtime, but the Panthers bounced back with a convincing 5–2 triumph Sunday night in their own barn. The series continues on Tuesday.

Slovakia

HC Kosice secured back-to-back national titles in the Slovakia, and their fifth win in the last seven years, with their series victory over Banska Bystrica. A 2–1 victory on enemy ice on Saturday gave Kosice the trophy! With Kosice winning both the regular-season and playoff titles, the second CHL spot from Slovakia goes to HK Nitra, who finished second in the regular season.

Sweden

A 4–2 series win over Frolunda Gothenburg was enough to send the Vaxjo Lakers through to the SHL finals, where Skelleftea AIK were already waiting for them. The final series got underway Sunday night, with the Lakers surprisingly winning 2–1 in Skelleftea against the club that dominated the regular season. They head to Vaxjo for game two Tuesday evening.

Switzerland

HC Davos completed a 4–1 series win over the ZSC Lions to win the Swiss National League A title! Their 3–0 blanking of the Lions in Zurich saw them lift the trophy in a series where Davos won four straight games after losing the opener.