The regular season of the 2025-26 campaign will initially be played in a one-and-a-half round robin with 36 games per team. The top five then form the Master Round, they receive bonus points based on their regular season ranking (4-3-2-1-0) and play each other twice more for the best possible starting position for the quarter-final pick. The top five teams are already qualified for the playoffs after the regular season.
The remaining eight teams (6 - 13 after the regular season) are divided into two qualification rounds and also receive bonus points (3-2-1-0 each) based on their regular season ranking.
After a round robin, the three best teams from the qualification groups play in best-of-three series for the three remaining playoff spots (first against third and second against second).
Playoff opener on 10 March
The first play-off matchday is scheduled for 10 March 2026. The champion of the ninth Alps Hockey League season will then be determined on 25 April 2025 at the latest.
The most important dates of the 2025/26 season:
- 20.09.2025 – Start of the Regular Season
- 31.01.2026 – Final Round of the Regular Season
- 05.02.2026 – Start of Master & Qualification Round
- 03.03.2026 – Start of Pre-Playoffs (Best-of-Three)
- 10.03.2026 – Start of Quarterfinals (Best-of-Seven)
- 26.03.2026 – Start of Semifinals (Best-of-Seven)
- 11.04.2026 – Start of Finals (Best-of-Seven)
- 25.04.2026 – Latest Possible Final Game
