League position and verified status
Eredivisie is a Dutch national senior competition. IJshockey Nederland’s 2026/27 rules treat it separately from CEHL and include specific appendices for switching players and Dutch-trained player requirements.
2026/27 competition framework
IJshockey Nederland lists Eredivisie as the top national senior competition for 2026/27, separate from CEHL. The federation also publishes Tweede through Zesde divisie below it. Current team lists, schedule and results should be taken from the live 2026/27 competition page.
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.
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.
Roster and foreign-player checks
Eligibility can depend on import status, age, position, Dutch-trained status, registration and movement between competitions. The club and IJshockey Nederland must confirm how the 2026/27 appendices apply to the individual player.
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.
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.
Residence and right to work
Dutch, EEA and Swiss nationals can work without a Dutch work permit. For most other nationals, the official Dutch route requires a TWV work permit or, for work longer than three months, a GVVA combined residence-and-work permit unless an exemption applies. Federation registration does not replace immigration permission.
IIHF transfer, federation deadlines and insurance
IJshockey Nederland requires the international-transfer procedure to be completed before a foreign player is eligible for competition. For 2026/27, 1 October 2026 is the published deadline to request an international transfer for Eredivisie. The national-transfer deadline for players eligible in Eredivisie and specified youth competitions is 1 September 2026. An IIHF transfer does not replace federation registration, insurance, immigration permission or a valid contract.
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.
Official sources and FAQ
- IJshockey Nederland: 2026/27 rules ↗
- Player movement between CEHL and Eredivisie ↗
- Government of the Netherlands: work permits for foreign workers ↗
- IIHF rules and transfers ↗
Verified: 2 October 2026.
What is Eredivisie in Dutch hockey?
It is a national senior competition regulated separately from CEHL.
Are 2026/27 rules published?
Yes. IJshockey Nederland publishes a season appendix with specific competition provisions.
Are CEHL and Eredivisie the same competition?
No. The 2026/27 rules treat them separately and regulate movement between them.
Does registration grant work permission?
No. Immigration and employment eligibility must be checked separately.
Get a league assessment
Send your profile, statistics, full game, citizenship and contract status. EHA will assess whether Eredivisie is a realistic target and identify a next step without promising a contract.
Get assessed for Eredivisie