01

League position and verified status

Central European Hockey League (CEHL) is a cross-border senior competition relevant to Dutch clubs. Dutch 2026/27 regulations treat CEHL and Eredivisie as separate competitions and regulate player movement between them.

02

2026/27 competition framework

The final 2026/27 team field and format are not stated here. After EHC Neuwied’s departure, CEHL said the new format would be presented separately. Verify the official schedule, teams and rules before targeting a club.

03

Clubs and choosing a target

Target clubs by position, role, roster construction, recent level and an authorised sporting contact. A team’s participation in the league does not prove a vacancy. Confirm the club, contact and exact need before sharing documents or paying costs.

04

What clubs assess

Clubs compare skating pace, decisions under pressure, role, special-teams value, verified recent statistics, full-game video, health, contract status, citizenship and administrative readiness. The application must show value for this specific level.

05

Roster and foreign-player checks

Do not infer a universal import limit. The club, CEHL and the relevant national federation must confirm player status, registration, switching rules, transfer, roster eligibility and any home-trained requirements.

06

Recruitment timing and tryouts

A trial, invitation or verbal discussion is not a contract. Confirm who invited the player, dates, evaluation criteria, travel, insurance, accommodation, equipment, expenses and the deadline for a written decision.

07

Contract, pay and housing

There is no official universal salary table for every club. Put gross or net pay, taxes, payment dates, bonuses, housing, deposit, utilities, meals, travel, equipment, insurance, injury protection, termination and return travel in writing.

08

Residence and right to work

Immigration and employment rules depend on the country where the club is based and on citizenship. A CEHL invitation does not grant entry, residence or work permission; verify the correct national authority before travel or employment.

09

IIHF transfer, licence and insurance

An international move follows current IIHF transfer rules, but an IIHF transfer does not replace federation registration, competition eligibility, insurance, immigration permission or a valid contract. Confirm responsibility and fees for every step.

10

Player application package

Send passport and any second citizenship; birth year, position, shot, height and weight; current team; verified statistics; Elite Prospects or federation profile; role-based highlights and a recent full game; contract or release status; health and availability.

11

Official sources and FAQ

Verified: 31 July 2026.

What is CEHL?

It is a cross-border senior ice hockey competition that is separate from the Dutch Eredivisie.

Is the final 2026/27 format confirmed here?

No. CEHL said a new format would be presented after EHC Neuwied’s departure.

Can a player switch between CEHL and Eredivisie?

Dutch 2026/27 rules contain a specific appendix governing such movement.

Does a league registration grant work permission?

No. Immigration and employment eligibility must be checked separately.

12

Get a league assessment

Send your profile, statistics, full game, citizenship and contract status. EHA will assess whether Central European Hockey League (CEHL) is a realistic target and identify a next step without promising a contract.

Get assessed for Central European Hockey League (CEHL)