League position and verified status
Sky Swiss League is Switzerland’s second national senior competition. SIHF uses this official sponsored name and publishes the schedule and mode through its league portal.
2026/27 competition framework
SIHF currently lists 10 Sky Swiss League clubs for 2026/27. The official league page publishes the live schedule, results, clubs and league-specific regulations; use those current resources for competition stages and qualification details.
Clubs: 2025/26 season
11 clubs. Where the clubs are based in the last completed season — the reference imports use to gauge travel, market size and where a realistic vacancy is likely.
| Club | City | Arena | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| EHC Arosa | Arosa | Sport- und Kongresszentrum Arosa | 2,200 |
| EHC Basel | Basel | St. Jakob Arena | 6,700 |
| EHC Chur | Chur | Thomas Domenig Stadion | 6,500 |
| HC La Chaux-de-Fonds | La Chaux-de-Fonds | Patinoire des Mélèzes | 7,200 |
| GCK Lions | Küsnacht | Eishalle Küsnacht | 2,200 |
| GDT Bellinzona Snakes | Bellinzona | Centro Sportivo | 2,100 |
| EHC Olten | Olten | Kleinholz Stadion | 6,500 |
| HC Sierre | Sierre | Patinoire de Graben | 4,500 |
| HC Thurgau | Weinfelden | Güttingersreuti | 3,200 |
| EHC Visp | Visp | Lonza Arena | 5,150 |
| EHC Winterthur | Winterthur | Zielbau Arena | 3,000 |
Verified 1 August 2026 against Wikipedia — Swiss League.
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
Do not assume one import rule for every player. The club and SIHF must confirm current directives, citizenship, licence history, player classification, roster role and game eligibility for 2026/27.
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
EU/EFTA and non-EU/EFTA players follow different Swiss employment routes. Cantons issue permits for EU/EFTA nationals under the free-movement framework. For non-EU/EFTA nationals, the employer must satisfy the stricter labour-market admission rules and customary employment conditions. A Sky Swiss League agreement does not by itself grant permission to work.
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.
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
- SIHF: Sky Swiss League 2026/27 clubs and schedule ↗
- SEM: EU/EFTA citizens ↗
- SEM: non-EU/EFTA nationals ↗
- IIHF rules and transfers ↗
Verified: 2 October 2026.
What level is Sky Swiss League?
It is Switzerland’s second national senior ice hockey level; SIHF currently lists 10 clubs for 2026/27.
Is the 2026/27 mode available?
SIHF publishes the schedule and mode resources on the official league page.
Is eligibility automatic after an offer?
No. The club and SIHF must confirm registration and competition status.
Does an IIHF transfer grant work permission?
No. Transfer and immigration or employment permission are separate processes.
Get a league assessment
Send your profile, statistics, full game, citizenship and contract status. EHA will assess whether Sky Swiss League is a realistic target and identify a next step without promising a contract.
Get assessed for Sky Swiss League