Jelasity Radován stated that Erste only stands behind sports that have the same goals as Erste. Both Erste and the Ice Hockey Federation believe that both parties can systematically build the sport both on the technical side as well as to draw fans and supporters to the sport. The dynamic bank feels that they are banking one of teh fastest growing sports in the country.
“The Hungarian Ice Hockey Federation won us over with their long term plans and goals, we have decided to sport this. Hungarian Ice hockey can have faith in us as they build the sport throughout the country. We have signed a three year contract to support the league, we hope that this is only the first step on a long partnership” said the Erste Hungary president.
György Such highlighted that the Hungarian Ice Hockey Federation is anxiously waiting for the cooperation with Erste Bank, as both sides are trying to build up an even more professional image of the league. “We would like our fans to feel even more comfortable out the league games, also we would like to promote the game any way we can.” mentioned the president.
The HIHF federation has decided to start the licence system, which means that the teams must apply for a licence, which will be granted if they meet a number of conditions, among these some of them are on the technical side, and other on the marketing and communication side. It teams meet the requirements they will receive financial funding.
During the past week the league also elected two new vice presidents as the current president Ámos Szőke was re-elected. The two new vice presidents will be Richárd Szabados from Erste Bank, with Tibor Marton, the head coach of the women’s national team being the other vice president.
League schedule
The 2017-18 season will be made up of 9 teams, with each team playing 32 games. For the middle part of the season the league will split where the top 4 teams will be competing for playoff seedings, the bottom five teams will also be with the last place team not making the playoffs. In the top half the teams will have 6 games, with the bottom half each playing 8 games.
2017-18 Erste Liga participants
ASC Corona Brasov 2010
SC Csíkszereda
Dunaújvárosi Acélbikák
DVTK Jegesmedvék
Fehérvári Titánok
Ferencvárosi TC
MAC Budapest
UTE
Vienna Capitals
