Ice hockey trouble in Bavaria: Burgau breaks rules and causes excitement!

Ice hockey trouble in Bavaria: Burgau breaks rules and causes excitement!

Something is currently getting out of hand in the Bavarian Ice Hockey League. The ESV Burgau did not comply with the voluntary self-restriction offer, already known as the “gentlemen’s agreement”, which is supported by a large part of the league. Normally, teams have agreed to limit the number of their contingent players to two foreign players. But after the summer of 2024, when the Amberg, Ulm and Buchloe clubs went their own way and now use three contingent players, the focus is on ESV Burgau, which wants to compete with seven instead of two foreign players in the coming season. This causes a lot of excitement and makes it clear that not all teams are pulling in the same direction. Mercury reports that Burgau relies on EU law, which supports free choice of job within the EU.

TEV Miesbach's chairman Stefan Moser decided to write a letter in support of the self-restriction to three quota positions. Quite a few clubs – exactly 14 out of 16 – have signed this letter. Only Burgau and the club from Schweinfurt were left out. However, Burgau expressed concerns because the document had the logo of the Bavarian Ice Sports Association (BEV). League leader Frank Butz confirmed that the letter did not come from the association and that the logo should not be used. Moser was disappointed by the disagreement among the clubs, but is still satisfied with the 14 signatures.

The challenges of TEV Miesbach

In contrast to this controversy, TEV Miesbach has made some progress, particularly in recent years. The club, which had to struggle with considerable difficulties such as premature closures of the ice rink and abrupt ends of games, can be pleased that the complete energy-related renovation of the stadium was successfully completed in June 2021. Over 600,000 euros were invested to convert the hall lighting to LED technology and to modernize the heating systems and sanitary facilities. As a result, electricity consumption was reduced by 60 percent, which means an annual CO2 reduction of over 150 tons. A lot of support was received from volunteers, trainers, employees and sponsors around this renovation. The Yellow Leaf highlights how important this community work was during the lockdown and how much the TEV contributes to promoting team spirit and social values ​​in youth work.

Discussion about the number of players is exciting

At a meeting of the Bavarian ice hockey league clubs in May there were already strong discussions about possible changes to the regulations on the number of players from other EU countries. The ESV Burgau has caused unrest in this context because, as mentioned, it rejects the voluntary declaration regarding the EU players. The situation is clear under EU law: There are no restrictions for players from other EU countries, which is confirmed by a ruling by the Hamm Higher Regional Court. This judgment shows that voluntary self-restriction by clubs would be inadmissible. Augsburger Allgemeine reports on the irritation that the topic has caused among the clubs.

An exciting season lies ahead, with many challenges for everyone involved. The ice hockey community is called upon to stick together and find solutions that not only promote competitiveness, but also bring the idea of ​​fair play to the fore. This is the only way ice hockey can continue to flourish in Bavaria!