When polar bears chase the black puck

Ice hockey has a long tradition in Zell am See. Already at the beginning of the 19th century the Austrians played 'Bandy'. Back then a small ball was used instead of the puck. A century later the chase for the hard rubber disc reached Zell am See, where it experienced a comet-like rise in popularity. The foundation of the 'EKZ' ice hockey club marked the beginning of professional ice hockey in the region.

At the beginning the 'Polar Bears' met for training at grounds in Zell town centre (where the Ferry Porsche Congress Center has recently been opened). The club soon became established and thanks to its attractive way of playing made a name for itself far beyond the borders of the municipality. The 'Polar Bears' also went hunting for points internationally. Their string of success was only slightly broken by the establishment of the Austrian First Division in the season of 1965/66.

The base for new flights of success was laid by the building of the Ice Arena in the year 1967. The move into the new home was followed by successful years in the First and Second Division. And a few brave 'blows of the paws' also made short work of the various Italian and Slovenian opponents in the Alpine Division. Till today you can always expect to see power play on the highest level performed by a team which has produced stars like the NHL player Thomas Vanek.