EVZ fields team in the new Junior Women’s League U16

With the introduction of the Junior Women’s League U16, Swiss girls’ and women’s ice hockey is being further developed in a targeted manner. The new league is aimed at players in the U13 to U16 age categories, and up to four “overage” players up to a maximum age of 19 are permitted per team and game. It is a useful addition to the existing junior championships. The aim is to enable more girls to play regularly at their performance level and to promote their individual development in the long term.

The focus is not only on sporting training, but also on the players’ personal development. In girls-only teams, they take on more responsibility, grow into leadership roles and gain valuable competitive experience.

The league is part of the legacy measures for the 2026 Ice Hockey World Championships in Zurich and Fribourg. A particular focus is on the long-term promotion of girls’ and women’s ice hockey in Switzerland.

In addition to EVZ, eight other teams are taking part in the inaugural season: Brandis Juniors, HC Dragon Thun / Yetis, EHC Olten Prospects, HC Fribourg-Gottéron, HC Thurgau Girls, Lausanne HC Féminin U16, Bern Girls Selection and ZSC Lions. All teams work closely with regional partner clubs.

The game mode comprises a regional first and second round as well as a simple supra-regional round. Each team plays a total of eleven to twelve games. The exact play-off format is still being finalised and will be defined together with the participating teams.