Wikipedia - Eredivisie (ice hockey)
The Eredivisie ("Honour Division") was, during its existence, the only professional ice hockey league in the Netherlands and the highest level of competition organized by the Nederlandse IJshockey Bond (NIJB; English: "Dutch Ice Hockey Federation"). Formed in 1945 and playing continuously since 1964, the league mainly featured Dutch teams, although in some seasons certain Belgian teams competed. The league featured a mix of Dutch, European and overseas players. The winner of the Eredivisie was crowned the Dutch National Champion and represented the Netherlands in the IIHF Continental Cup. In 2015, with most of its teams facing financial problems and its top team, Tilburg Trappers, joining the German Oberliga, the Eredivise was suspended with the remaining teams joining the BeNe League.
From 2015, the Eerste Divisie became the highest league organised by the NIJB, as a second tier below the BeNe League (now CEHL). Since 2020 this second tier league is called Eredivisie.
History
Formation
The Dutch ice hockey Eredivisie was formed after World War II, with teams in Amsterdam, The Hague and Tilburg. It suspended operations from 1950 to 1964, but has organized a season of competition annually ever since. Over the years the number of teams competing fluctuated between 3 and 10 (currently 7), and the number of games played in the regular season between 4 and 36.
Recent History
For the 2008-2009 Eredivisie season, the Utrecht Dragons and Eindhoven Kemphanen joined the league. In 2009-2010, Utrecht returned to the Eerste Divisie. Prior to the 2010-2011 season, Amstel Tijgers, one of the oldest teams in the league, dropped out, as did Groningen Grizzlies after three seasons, due to poor results on the ice and low revenues. In 2010, a new team, the Zoetermeer Panthers, won the Dutch Cup but dropped out of the first North Sea Cup tournament due to financial problems.
For two seasons, 2010–11 and 2011–12, the league's regular season consisted of a tournament with several Belgian teams called the North Sea Cup. The two countries maintained distinct national cups and national championship playoffs during these years. The Belgian teams, namely HYC Herentals, Turnhout White Caps, and Leuven Chiefs, struggled on and off the ice in the new league, with smaller budgets and fewer imported players than their Dutch counterparts. By the end of the second North Sea Cup season, Leuven and Turnhout had dropped out of the league. The North Sea Cup was disbanded in the summer of 2012 when the lone remaining Belgian team, HYC Herentals, was admitted as a full member of the Dutch Eredivisie.
For 2013-14, the Amsterdam G's, which replaced the Amstel Tijgers for 2011-2012 and 2013-2013, ceased operations after financial problems and back-to-back last place finishes, while the Dordrecht Lions began play in the Eredivisie. However, financial strains on several clubs and a wide disparity between the quality of the teams took a toll on competition and attendance. In 2015, the consistently strongest team of the league, Tilburg Trappers, joined the German Oberliga. This prompted the remaining teams of the Eredivisie to join with the top amateur teams in the Netherlands and Belgium to form the BeNe League, to provide greater financial stability and more balanced competition.
The Netherlands Eredivisie is the premier ice hockey tournament in the Netherlands, showcasing the best talent and fierce competition in the sport. Held annually, this thrilling event brings together top teams from across the country, each vying for the coveted championship title.
The tournament features a dynamic format, with teams competing in a series of intense matches that highlight skill, strategy, and teamwork. Fans can expect to see high-paced action, breathtaking goals, and exceptional goaltending as players battle it out on the ice.
The Eredivisie not only serves as a platform for established players but also nurtures emerging talent, making it a vital part of the Dutch ice hockey landscape. With passionate supporters filling the stands, the atmosphere is electric, creating an unforgettable experience for both players and fans alike.
In addition to the on-ice action, the tournament often includes community events, fan engagement activities, and opportunities to meet players, making it a celebration of ice hockey culture in the Netherlands.
Join us for the Netherlands Eredivisie Ice Hockey Tournament, where the spirit of competition and the love of the game come together in an exhilarating showcase of athleticism and sportsmanship!