Black Wing Linz are a club that have made themselves an Austrian power in just a short time. Now they step up onto Europe's big club hockey stage for the second straight year and will see what they can do in the Champions Hockey League.

by Luke Fisher

Founded in 1992, EHC Black Wings Linz spent the majority of their early years in the lower reaches of the Austrian ice hockey spectrum, in what is now known as the Nationaliga. Their best result in that competition came in the 1998–99 season, where the team lost in the semi-finals. In 2000, the club decided to step up into the top flight, joining the current Erste Bank Eishockey Liga; however, there was to be trouble ahead for the Upper Austrian side, which would seem them coming back from the brink.

First EBEL Years

Linz made an immediate impact in the top flight, reaching the semi-finals in their first season before losing out on the ultimate prize one year later. At the third time of asking, the championship trophy was finally brought to Linz, with the Black Wings defeating Villach in the finals after winning the regular season by seven points. Coaching the team to its success then was Czech national Stanislav Barda. The following season would see Linz unable to defend their crown, going out at the semi-final stage.

Back from the brink

In 2005, EHC Black Wings Linz were declared bankrupt after a season which saw them fail to reach the post-season. The team was saved by a sponsorship deal with the company LIWEST, and then rebranded as the LIWEST Black Wings Linz – a name they're still using today.

In their inaugural season after the re-launch, the team again failed to make the playoffs; but the following three seasons from 2006 to 2009 would see the Black Wings advance to the semi-finals each time. Two of these near misses were under the leadership of Jim Boni, who is now head coach of the Vienna Capitals. Kim Collins replaced Boni as coach thereafter, but was unable to lead the team to the main prize. Enter Rob Daum in 2011, and the former Edmonton Oilers man made an immediate impact – guiding his side to the Austrian and EBEL championships in his first season.

Since that championship-winning season, the Black Wings have gone out at the semi-final stage in each of the past four seasons; however, that has been good enough to see them qualify for the Champions League two years running.

No home worries for the Black Wings

Linz play their home games at the Keine Sorgen Eisarena in the city, which was built in 1986. Originally catering for around 3,800 spectators in a mix of seats and terracing, the arena was expanded in 2014 – adding a further 1,000 seats behind the end which the visiting team attacks in periods one and three.

Team facts

CHL seasons

2015-16: 3rd in Group G

Click here for current information about the club.

NOTE: This article has been updated since its original publication.