Story Summary
Norway’s ice hockey federation has confirmed that the 2026-27 EHL regular season will consist of 40 games, despite a majority of Norsk Topphockey clubs favouring an expansion to 48.
The decision is final. Stavanger Oilers were among the strongest advocates for a longer programme, arguing that 48 games would strengthen the league both competitively and commercially while giving supporters more attractive fixtures.
With nine teams in the league, Oilers, Nidaros and the other clubs will play one another five times, producing a 40-game regular-season schedule.
Key Facts
- Norway’s ice hockey federation has made a final decision to retain a 40-game EHL regular season for 2026-27.
- A majority of clubs in Norsk Topphockey supported expanding the regular season to 48 games.
- Stavanger Oilers were among the clubs most clearly in favour of the proposed 48-game schedule.
- The nine EHL teams will meet each opponent five times under the confirmed format.
- Oilers said they were disappointed by the outcome but would respect the final decision.
IHM Discussion
The ruling settles a significant format debate before the 2026-27 campaign. The case for expansion centred on more meaningful competitive games, greater visibility for the league and additional revenue opportunities, while Oilers also stressed the appeal of more fixtures for supporters.
Instead, the EHL will remain at 40 regular-season games. The federation’s decision overrides the preference expressed by most clubs, leaving the league with a familiar five-meetings-per-opponent structure across its nine-team field.
Oilers have accepted the outcome publicly, shifting their attention towards upcoming games and the work of creating strong sporting results and experiences for supporters, partners and the wider club community.
Why It Matters
Regular-season length affects how often clubs can stage league fixtures, how frequently supporters see opponents and how much competitive game time is available across a campaign. The rejected proposal was framed by its supporters as an opportunity to increase income, exposure and player development through more high-level matches.
The final 40-game format gives all nine teams the same five-game series against every opponent. It also means the wider discussion about the future development of Norwegian top-flight hockey remains unresolved, even though the immediate scheduling decision is now settled.
Mini Q&A
How many EHL regular-season games will each team play in 2026-27?
Each of the nine EHL teams will play 40 regular-season games.
Why did Stavanger Oilers support a 48-game season?
Oilers believed a longer season would improve the league competitively and commercially while offering supporters more attractive fixtures.
How often will EHL teams play one another?
Each team will face every other EHL club five times.
What Comes Next
The immediate checkpoint is the publication of the 2026-27 EHL fixture schedule within the confirmed 40-game framework. Oilers have indicated that they will now focus on their upcoming matches and on delivering strong experiences for supporters and partners.
IHM Final View
The EHL’s 2026-27 regular-season format is no longer in doubt: nine teams, five meetings with each opponent and 40 games apiece. The vote revealed substantial club appetite for expansion, but the federation has chosen to keep the existing scale. For Oilers and the other advocates of 48 games, the debate over the league’s long-term direction will continue beyond this decision.