Even though the playoffs in European ice hockey are still underway, plans for next season are already being made in the background. This also applies to the Dolomitencup. The organizers are now presenting the next participant, who will compete for the title at the prestigious preparatory tournament in Neumarkt/South Tyrol from 15 to 17 August.
Around 1,000 years ago, the Vikings left their Nordic villages, set sail with impressive fleets and made the world unsafe. When the Dolomitencup takes place in August, modern Vikings will once again be on the prowl – on the ice of the Würtharena in Neumarkt. This is because the prestigious ice hockey preparation tournament will be hosting the Norwegian top club Vålerenga Ishockey this summer.
This brings a wealth of tradition to the South Tyrolean lowlands. The club from the district of the same name in Oslo is considered one of the big names in Norwegian ice hockey. Vålerenga has won no fewer than 26 (!) championship titles over the decades and has thus played a key role in writing the country’s field hockey history. Vålerenga Ishockey is not only Norway’s record ice hockey champion, but has also won the most titles of any team sport in Norway.
However, the Scandinavians are currently experiencing a dry spell, with Vålerenga’s last championship title coming in 2009. Since then, the team from Oslo have reached the final four times, but the trophy has always gone to their opponents. Last season, the Norwegians lost out in the semi-finals.
New season, new Dolomitencup, new luck?
Vålerenga is now fully focused on the new season. And this will be duly launched with the Dolomitencup. However, it will not be a premiere for the traditional club in Neumarkt. The Norwegians already took part in the Dolomitencup in the summer of 2019 and finished the tournament in third place.
The third participant in the prestigious preparatory tournament has now been confirmed. In addition to Vålerenga, Dynamo Pardubice (Czech Republic) and Löwen Frankfurt (Germany) will also take part in the Dolomitencup from August 15 to 17. The fourth and final participant will be announced shortly.
Photo: Kenneth Myhre
