EUCHL Announces October 31 Deadline for 2027–2028 Expansion Team Applications

European Union College Hockey League Opens Application Process for Prospective 2027–2028 Member Teams

September 21, 2026

The European Union College Hockey League (EUCHL) has announced that October 31, 2026, will be the deadline for organizations interested in joining the league for the 2027–2028 season to submit their expansion team applications.

The EUCHL continues to evaluate opportunities to expand its footprint throughout Europe while maintaining a strong focus on the league's college hockey mission, student-athlete experience, organizational stability, and long-term sustainability.

Prospective ownership groups, universities, athletic organizations, and qualified hockey organizations interested in bringing an EUCHL team to their market are encouraged to submit their applications before the October 31 deadline.

Application Requirements

Expansion applications should provide the EUCHL Selection Committee with a comprehensive overview of the proposed program and should include, at minimum:

1. University Connection
Applicants should identify the university or universities that will be connected to the proposed team and explain the nature of that relationship. Applications should include any existing or proposed agreements, academic opportunities, student-athlete connections, campus resources, or other university involvement.

2. Arena and Hockey Facilities
Applicants must identify the proposed home arena and provide information regarding:

• Arena name and location
• Seating capacity
• Ice availability
• Locker-room facilities
• Training and medical facilities
• Any other facilities available to the team

3. Day-to-Day Management
Applications should identify the individuals responsible for the daily operation of the proposed team, including, where applicable:

• Team president or managing director
• General manager
• Business, sponsorship, and ticketing personnel

Applicants should provide a brief background and relevant experience for each individual identified.

4. Organizational and Financial Information
Applicants should provide information regarding the proposed operating structure, financial resources available to operate the program, sponsorship development plans, player housing and transportation plans, and other operational considerations.

5. Student-Athlete Support
Because the EUCHL is built around college hockey, applicants should explain how they intend to support student-athletes both on and off the ice. This may include academic support, housing, transportation, employment or internship opportunities, immigration assistance where applicable, and integration into the university and local community.

Additional Information

Applicants are encouraged to provide any additional information that may assist the EUCHL Selection Committee in evaluating the proposed organization and market.

This may include letters of support from universities or local organizations, sponsorship commitments, community partnerships, market studies, proposed ownership structures, media and broadcasting plans, examples of previous hockey or sports-management experience, or other information demonstrating the organization's ability to operate a successful EUCHL program.

The EUCHL Selection Committee will review applications based on the overall strength and sustainability of each proposed program. Submission of an application does not guarantee membership in the EUCHL.

Building the Future of European College Hockey

The EUCHL was established to create opportunities for international student-athletes to pursue higher education while continuing to develop and compete in organized ice hockey.

As the league prepares for the 2027–2028 season, expansion will be considered with an emphasis on organizations that can contribute to the continued development of the league while providing a strong environment for student-athletes.

All 2027–2028 expansion applications must be submitted no later than October 31, 2026.

Organizations interested in receiving additional information regarding the EUCHL expansion process may contact the league directly.

European Union College Hockey League (EUCHL)
Developing Student-Athletes. Expanding Opportunity. Growing European College Hockey.