The 2025 IEHL season is shaping up to be the most competitive yet, as for the first time eight teams will compete to earn the title of leagues best. Take a look at a preview for each, as we go in depth with each competitor in the IEHL’s 5th season.

Ashdod Dolphins

The Ashdod Dolphins enter the 2025 Israel Elite Hockey League season as the reigning champions, aiming to defend their title and add to an already storied franchise. With a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, the Dolphins look to continue their dominance and claim their second league title, which would make them the first team in league history to win back-to-back championships. 

Established in 2021 as the Bat Yam Dolphins, the team immediately made their presence felt, playing for a medal in their inaugural season. After a disappointing season in 2022, the Dolphins rebounded showcasing their elite talent with a gold medal game appearance in 2023, and in 2024, they finally broke through claiming their first championship.

The 2024 season was historic for the Dolphins. They completed an undefeated regular season (6–0), dominating opponents with a +29 goal differential. In the finals, they faced the Jerusalem Capitals in a thrilling three-game series, ultimately clinching the title with a decisive 9–4 victory in Game 3. 

The 2025 season shows promise for the Dolphins as well, as they seek to defend their title with a couple of returning names including captain Kirill Polozov, the reigning league MVP. The 2025 season is shaping up to be the most competitive yet, and the Dolphins look to be at the forefront, vying to continue their dominance. 

 Be’er Sheva   Ibex

The 2025 IEHL season marks the first time that 8 teams will compete, and the Be’er Sheva Ibex are looking to make a name for themselves in their inaugural season. As one of the newest franchises in the league, the Ibex are more than just an expansion team—taking the place of the U20 National Team in the league structure, the Ibex are determined to make a statement and quickly put themselves in the title conversation. 

Founded in 2025, the Ibex are composed of a mix of returning IEHL talent blended with imports from North America, Europe and Israel. While they are a fresh team, don’t expect them to be shy, as their team is built upon a culture of grit and determination. One of the younger teams in the IEHL, they look to establish themselves early on and get right in the mix, competing with the best. 

The Ibex are looking to make a statement in their first year, and they’re building a roster capable of doing just that.

 Haifa Mariners

After a one-year hiatus, the Haifa Mariners are back for their third season in the Israel Elite Hockey League, aiming to make a significant impact and advance beyond the first round of the playoffs for the first time. However, while a lack of recent playoff success may indicate they aren’t contenders, the Mariners are confident they are ready to make a run at a league title. With a blend of returning players and new talent from both Israel and abroad, the Mariners are poised for a strong return to the IEHL. 

The Mariners debuted in 2022, reaching the bronze medal game but ultimately falling short. In 2023, they struggled, finishing with a 1–9 record and missing the playoffs. After sitting out the 2024 season, the team returns in 2025 with renewed vigor and a restructured lineup, as they seek to re-establish themselves amongst the leagues top talent. 

 HC Tel Aviv

 As the IEHL’s first ever league champions, HC Tel Aviv enters the 2025 season with renewed determination to reclaim their former glory. The team has had a busy 2025, competing in the challenge cup at UBS arena, where they lost a thriller to Jerusalem in OT, and overhauling their management. However, they remain ready to compete, and put the last couple years behind them as they look to return to form. After clinching the inaugural IEHL championship in 2021, the team has faced challenges in subsequent seasons, including a winless 0–6 record in 2024. Now, with a blend of returning talent and fresh faces, HC Tel Aviv aims to make a significant impact in the league, and compete as one of the IEHL’s top contenders. 

Established in 2021, HC Tel Aviv quickly made their mark by securing the league’s first championship title. However, the following seasons saw a decline in performance. The 2024 season was particularly challenging, with the team failing to secure a single win. Despite the setbacks, HC Tel Aviv remains a team with a rich history and a strong foundation to build upon.

Joseph Finfer highlights some of the returning names for the 2025 season, as Finfer received the honour of 2024 defenceman of the year and looks to continue his strong play in the fresh season.

In addition to Finfer, Tel Aviv has added some strong talent from opposing teams and import players, and appear poised to go on another title run. 2025 is shaping up to be the leagues most competitive season yet, and HC Tel Aviv looks to be at the forefront of it all. 

Herzliya Pioneers

The Herzliya Pioneers are set to make their return to the Israel Elite Hockey League in the 2025 season, marking their second appearance after debuting in 2023. Following a year-long hiatus, the Pioneers are back with a renewed focus and a revamped roster, aiming to make a significant impact in the league and make their first playoff appearance.

In their inaugural season in 2023, the Pioneers faced challenges, finishing with a 1–9 record and not qualifying for the playoffs. Despite the tough season, the team showcased potential, with forward Jackson Reimer earning the 2023 Rookie of the Year award. After taking a break in 2024, the Pioneers are re-entering the league with a fresh perspective and determination to improve upon their previous performance. With a newly revamped roster, the Pioneers are set to enter a new era for the franchise, and they’re hoping it’s one that brings success. 

The Pioneers have set clear goals for the 2025 season, and are looking to make their first playoff appearance since joining the league. With a revamped roster and a team determined to prove themselves, the pioneers are certainly a team to watch in the 2025 season. 

PuckEmpire Holon Vipers

As one of the original franchises in the Israel Elite Hockey League, the puckempire Holon Vipers enter the 2025 season with a proud legacy and a burning desire to finish what they started. After four seasons of near-misses and playoff heartbreak, Holon is now under new management, hoping that this year will finally be the one that ends with a title. 

The Holon Vipers have been synonymous with top-tier Israeli hockey since the IEHL’s inaugural puck drop in 2021. Over the years, they’ve built a reputation as a gritty, skilled team that consistently finds itself in the playoff picture. But for all their talent and heart, the title has remained just out of reach.

In 2021, they reached the Gold Medal Game in the league’s first season. Led by MVP Chris Blake, they narrowly fell short in the final, but made their presence felt, turning heads and making noise as one of the leagues newcomers. In the 2022 season they failed to repeat their success, but managed to compete for a medal, earning Bronze, once again proving their place among the league’s elite. The 2023 season was not as successful, as Holon struggled with roster turnover and inconsistent goaltending, resulting in a quarterfinal exit. But in 2024 they returned to form, finishing strong in the regular season and reaching the semifinals, where they were outmatched by the eventual champions from Ashdod.

In one of the most talked-about offseason moves, the Vipers were taken over by PuckEmpire, a major name in hockey content and branding. With new leadership comes elevated expectations, professional infrastructure, and greater visibility for the team—and the league. Can PuckEmpire’s influence push Holon over the edge and into the championship circle?

Jerusalem Capitals 

The Jerusalem Capitals enter the 2025 Israel Elite Hockey League  season as one of the league’s most storied franchises, boasting a history rich with competitive success and a roster filled with seasoned veterans and emerging talents. Having reached the Gold Medal Game in 2024, the Capitals are poised to make another deep playoff run, aiming to secure their first championship title. 

Since their inception in 2021, the Jerusalem Capitals have been a consistent force in the IEHL, with multiple gold medal game appearances, and earning medals in each their first four seasons in the IEHL. The Capitals have already started the year off strong, with an astonishing overtime win over HC Tel Aviv at the challenge cup at UBS arena. The Capitals are looking to carry that momentum with them as they begin the 2025 season facing off against the league’s reigning champs – the Ashdod Dolphins – hungry for their first title.

After two appearances in the Gold Medal Game without securing the title, the Capitals are determined to break through and claim their first championship. The team’s leadership and experience will be crucial in navigating the challenges of the upcoming season.

Forward Nikita Zitserman has garnered attention as a rising star, notably for his performance in the IEHL USA Challenge Cup at UBS Arena, where he contributed significantly to the Capitals’ 7-6 overtime victory over HC Tel Aviv. At just 16 years old, Zitserman’s development will be a focal point for the team and fans alike.

Captain Itzhak Levy brings invaluable experience and leadership to the Capitals. Recognized as the Veteran of the Year in both 2021 and 2024, Levy’s presence on and off the ice will be instrumental in guiding the team through the season.

The Capitals seem poised to go on a deep playoff run, with a roster full of returning and new talent, as they look to build on their franchise’s storied success. 

Kfar Saba Wolves

The Kfar Saba Wolves are set to make their debut in the Israel Elite Hockey League for the 2025 season, formally known as HC Netanya. The Wolves are one of the younger rosters in the league, with a lineup composed of many U20 national players coming off a strong world championship. Their rosters rounds out with a couple of imports from North America, hungry to establish themselves amongst the league’s top talent. The Wolves aim to quickly make their presence felt, as while young, they are not to be underestimated. 

While the name Kfar Saba Wolves is new to the IEHL, the city of Kfar Saba has a notable history in Israeli ice hockey. The Kfar Saba Kings, a local team, clinched the Israeli League championship in 2023, highlighting the city’s passion and talent for the sport. This legacy provides a strong foundation for the Wolves as they embark on their inaugural IEHL season.

This band of fast, young talent aims to find themselves right in the mix, as they look to go on a deep playoff run in their first year representing Kfar Saba. 

The 2025 Israel Elite Hockey League season is set to be the most competitive and compelling to date. Now with eight teams and a field of top tier talent, every team is entering the season with an ambition to win and a hunger to be the last team standing. The battle for the championship promises high-intensity hockey from start to finish.
With world-class talent, emerging stars, and fierce rivalries across the league, the 2025 IEHL season offers unmatched excitement and a new standard of professional hockey in Israel.

Historic Night for Israeli Hockey: Jerusalem Capitals Edge HC Tel Aviv in Thrilling OT Win at UBS Arena

Hockey history was made at UBS Arena on March 23, 2025, as the Jerusalem Capitals and HC Tel Aviv brought Israeli professional hockey to North America for the first time. In a high-energy, action-packed game, the Capitals clinched a dramatic 7-6 overtime victory, sending the nearly 8,000 fans in attendance into a frenzy. The event marked a monumental milestone for the Israel Elite Hockey League (IEHL) and demonstrated the growing passion for hockey within Israel’s sports community.

A Historic Night in New York

The energy in UBS Arena was electric from the moment the doors opened. Fans, many waving Israeli flags and singing in Hebrew, filled the stands to witness this groundbreaking event. The anticipation had been building for months, with supporters eager to see two of Israel’s top teams battle it out on North American ice.

The pregame ceremonies were as emotional as they were inspiring. One of the most touching moments of the night was the presence of 87-year-old Holocaust survivor Ivan Gluck, who was honored as the Jerusalem Capitals’ honorary captain. His participation served as a poignant reminder of the resilience and strength of the Jewish community, making the game about much more than just hockey.

A Game to Remember

From the very first puck drop, it was clear that this was no ordinary exhibition match. Both teams came out flying, playing a high-paced, aggressive style that kept fans on the edge of their seats. HC Tel Aviv dominated the early stages, peppering Jerusalem’s goaltender with shots and outshooting their opponents 61-57 by the end of the game.

However, the Capitals responded with relentless determination. Led by 16-year-old sensation Nikita Zitserman, who had a breakout performance with a stunning hat trick, Jerusalem fought back at every turn. Zitserman’s quick hands, precise shooting, and fearless play made him one of the standout stars of the night, proving that he is a rising talent to watch in the hockey world.

The game saw numerous lead changes, showcasing the skill, speed, and grit of both teams. As the clock wound down in the third period, Tel Aviv managed to tie the game, forcing a nerve-wracking sudden-death overtime.

The Overtime Thriller

With the crowd on their feet and the tension at its peak, overtime began at a breakneck pace. Both teams had scoring opportunities, but it was Denis Zaychik of the Jerusalem Capitals who became the hero of the night. Finding himself in perfect position, Zaychik buried the game-winning goal past the Tel Aviv netminder, sealing a 7-6 victory and igniting an eruption of cheers from the passionate crowd.

The celebration was one to remember. Players stormed the ice, fans roared, and history had officially been made. The victory was not just for the Jerusalem Capitals but for Israeli hockey as a whole, proving that the sport has a place in the hearts of Jewish fans around the world.

The Impact of the Game

Beyond the excitement of the game itself, the event served a larger purpose. The game was a significant step in the IEHL’s ongoing mission to grow and develop hockey in Israel. By bringing this matchup to UBS Arena, the league showcased the incredible talent within Israeli hockey and helped forge new connections within the global hockey community.

Moreover, the night was a success for the IEHL Gives Program, which aims to bring Jewish athletes to Israel to volunteer and give back to communities in need. The 50/50 raffle, which ran throughout the game, raised additional funds to support this important initiative, with half of the pot going to one lucky fan and the other half being donated to the Friends of Israel Hockey Foundation.

Looking Ahead

The success of this historic game has opened the door for even more opportunities to expand Israeli hockey on the international stage. With growing interest and support from fans, sponsors, and organizations worldwide, the future of the IEHL looks brighter than ever.

For now, the players, coaches, and fans will relish the unforgettable memories from UBS Arena. The Jerusalem Capitals and HC Tel Aviv delivered a spectacular show, proving that Israeli hockey belongs on the global stage. As the IEHL continues to grow, one thing is certain: this is just the beginning for professional hockey in Israel.

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