The second-highest Swiss ice hockey league loses another team. Not surprisingly, EHC Winterthur is withdrawing from the Swiss League next season.
11.12.2025, 16:09
11.12.2025, 16:36
SDA
The move had been on the cards for some time. Winterthur is not really competitive in the Swiss League and the financial situation is challenging. The annual deficit is estimated at 750,000 francs. "Despite tireless efforts in recent months, the club has not succeeded in securing the financial basis to remain in the second-highest Swiss league," the club writes on its website. "Neither new sponsors nor investors could be found to guarantee a long-term stay in the Swiss League."
Winterthur has been a member of the second-highest division for ten years, but has only qualified for the playoffs once during this time. The move therefore comes as no surprise. The team operated with one of the smallest budgets in the league and did not have the money to invest.
The move puts the Swiss League under further pressure. With Langenthal, a traditional club, having already been voluntarily relegated in recent years and no club from the MHL willing to move up, the second-highest professional level will still consist of ten teams next season. Should Bellinzona also withdraw, as is currently being discussed, there would still be nine.
The difficult situation is also causing the association stomach pains, and the new president Urs Kessler only clearly addressed the urgent need for action at an initial review last week. However, there are no solutions in sight, as the National League with its 14 clubs does not want to make any concessions. "The implementation of the corresponding measures cannot be expected in the near future," writes EHC Winterthur. For this reason, it will continue in the top amateur league, the MHL, from next season.
