ALPS HOCKEY CUP 2026
- Jul 20
- 4 min read
Hockey, Summer and Unforgettable Days in Zell am See
Two birth years, ten teams, countless emotions and a summer that will be remembered for a long time: the ALPS HOCKEY CUP 2026 once again showed that youth hockey can be much more than just a tournament.
In Zell am See, high-level youth hockey met summer holidays, team spirit and unforgettable moments away from the rink. On the ice, every puck was contested. Off the ice, players, families and teams went swimming, hiking, exploring and enjoying one of the most beautiful regions in the Alps.
Two Champions, Two Tickets to the WHC27
In the 2013 birth year, Team Gorilla Rox delivered a strong tournament and crowned themselves deserving champions. Lakers Selects secured the silver medal, while Kiekko49 finished with bronze. Phantom Selects took fourth place and IceRex Selects completed the final standings in fifth.
The 2014 birth year also delivered outstanding youth hockey. The Twin Eagles remained unbeaten throughout the entire tournament and claimed the title with an impressive performance. Silver went to Team Gorilla Rox, while Pobe Hockey from Turkey earned the bronze medal. Kiekko49 finished fourth and Lakers Selects took fifth place.
For both champions, the journey continues: Team Gorilla Rox and the Twin Eagles have each earned a guaranteed starting spot at the WORLD HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIPS 2027 in Innsbruck. There, they will compete against international top teams in their respective age groups.
WHC 2027 Dates
Birth Year 2012: April 9 – April 12
Birth Year 2013: April 14 – April 17
Birth Year 2014: April 21 – April 24
Birth Year 2015: April 28 – May 1
Birth Year 2016: May 5 – May 8
More Than a Hockey Tournament
The ALPS HOCKEY CUP is not meant to be just another date on the tournament calendar. It is meant to be a journey that players, parents, coaches and entire teams look forward to all year.
Imagine starting the day with an intense game on the ice. Afterwards, the team heads to Lake Zell for swimming, stand-up paddling, water sports or simply relaxing in the sun.
The next day might include a cable car ride into the mountains, a trip to the Kitzsteinhorn glacier or a hike with incredible views over the lake, the surrounding peaks and the alpine landscape.
Around Zell am See, visitors can discover spectacular gorges, mountain ravines, waterfalls, hiking trails and some of the most impressive views in the Alps. Restaurants, cafés and sunny terraces create an almost Mediterranean atmosphere right in the middle of the mountains. That is exactly what makes the Alps Hockey Cup so special.
It is about goals, victories and medals. But it is also about everything that happens between the games. About shared experiences with the team. About parents who can enjoy a real holiday instead of spending every hour inside an ice rink. About children making new friends on the ice and jumping into the lake together later that day.
Hockey remains at the centre of everything. Around it, however, we create a week that feels like a true summer holiday.
Hockey Meets Summer
Few places combine sport and summer quite like Zell am See. The ice rink is only one part of the experience. Just outside, the lake, the mountains and the entire region become part of the tournament.
One moment, the players are competing on the ice. A few hours later, they are out on the water, exploring a gorge, taking a cable car into the mountains or sitting together over dinner with teammates, coaches and families. The warm evenings, the clear mountain air, the blue water and the surrounding peaks create a unique atmosphere. It feels international, relaxed and almost Mediterranean, while still being right in the heart of the Alps. That is the idea behind the Alps Hockey Cup: the best sport in the world, combined with a summer holiday that the entire family can enjoy.
Memories Captured Forever
Tournaments pass quickly. The emotions, the friendships and the special moments should not. The saves, the goals, the celebrations, the team moments and the smiles away from the ice were captured throughout the ALPS HOCKEY CUP and turned into memories that can last forever.
Photos from the tournament
Relive your favourite moments, find your player and take a piece of the Alps Hockey Cup home with you.
Thank You for a Special Tournament
A tournament of this size is only possible when many people work together.
A huge thank you goes to all players, parents, coaches and team staff who travelled to Zell am See and filled the Alps Hockey Cup with passion, energy and an incredible atmosphere.
A special thank you goes to Tournament Director Luka Gracnar for his commitment, organisation and tireless work behind the scenes. We also want to thank our entire team. Every volunteer and staff member who prepared, organised, supported, photographed, filmed, built, coordinated and handled countless tasks in the background. Without you, none of this would have been possible.
See You Next Summer
The ALPS HOCKEY CUP 2026 was fast, emotional, international and full of unforgettable moments. We experienced outstanding hockey. We saw new friendships grow. We combined summer evenings by the lake, spectacular mountain scenery and memorable days in Zell am See with the best sport in the world.
And that is exactly what the ALPS HOCKEY CUP is all about. Pack your hockey bag. Bring your family and your team. Combine the best sport in the world with a summer holiday in the heart of the Alps.
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