Could the ÖEHV executive board be replaced as early as November?

While Austria's women's national team is competing at the World Championship, unrest continues within the domestic ice hockey association.

Several weeks ago, an "interest group" formed around ICE clubs VSV, 99ers, Vienna Capitals, and Black Wings Linz, aiming to work towards a positive future for ice hockey in Austria and rectify existing shortcomings.

The primary goal: The current executive board led by President Klaus Hartmann is to be replaced.

As reported by "Kleine Zeitung", a motion for an extraordinary general assembly is set to be submitted in November. Ten percent of all voting clubs would need to approve such a motion.

Former Chancellor Christian Kern at the helm

At the head of the "interest group" is former Federal Chancellor Christian Kern. According to the report, he is joined by prominent figures such as Andreas Bierwirth, who will become CEO of Casinos Austria AG and Chairman of the Executive Board of Österreichische Lotterien GesmbH in March, former ORF sports commentator Michael Berger, and Philipp Trattner, until recently the country's top sports official and currently Vice President of Finance at the International Luge Federation. A woman is also expected to sit on the new executive board.

In addition to better conditions for women's ice hockey, the main priorities include the expansion and renovation of dilapidated infrastructure, as well as improving the financial situation.

Furthermore, a fully drafted cooperation agreement with the ICE League is intended to ensure that more Austrian players feature in the top division.

However, there are no plans for a hostile battle for the ÖEHV leadership. "We are not running against individuals, but for the sport," Michael Berger was quoted as saying in "Kleine Zeitung".