History

Initial Situation

  • Since 1981, the Austrian Ice Hockey Association (ÖEHV) ice hockey schools for junior players are held during the summer months. The objective of these ice hockey schools is the promotion of elite players.
  • A basic program with grassroots aspects, however, is missing.
  • Schools for ice hockey players are also missing.
  • There are also no camps for male amateur and hobby players who want to develop athletically.

Aims

  • Fair and Fun Hockey should close these three gaps.
  • A high level of training and at the same time optimal care of all participants should be guaranteed.
  • Broad impact of promoting young talent as the basis for the sustainable development of Austrian ice hockey.

Developement

  • The starting point for the Fair and Fun Hockey Camps was the year 2000 in St. Pölten with a total of 84 participants in this first camp.
  • In the years 2001 and 2002, Kapfenberg was added to St. Pölten as a location.
  • In 2003, the Fair and Fun Hockey Camps took place in Kapfenberg and Gmunden.
  • In 2004 and 2005, more than 300 players participated in the camps at the current locations in Graz and Gmunden.
  • In 2006 there were already 350 players participating in the FFH camps. A highlight was certainly the visit of NHL star Thomas Vanek at the camp in Graz. Under the patronage of the ÖEHV Women's Hockey Division, FFH organized a social project in Graz under the title "Equality, Sports & Culture". The partners of this project were a total of six nations and associations (D, FIN, SLO, SVK, CZE and Ö). It was primarily about an international youth exchange, the godfather idea of ​​the European Union was the godfather. For the Lower Austrian ice hockey association the first stage of the trainer training, the so-called "instructor training" was organized according to the guidelines of the ÖEHV.
  • In 2007, the offer was expanded to a total of 9 camps. The visit of the Swiss Legionnaire Oliver Setzinger in St. Pölten brought the camps multiple ORF reports and great media interest.
  • In 2008 there were 10 camps and for the first time more than 400 participants. For the NÖELV the trainer training was organized again.
  • Also in 2009 there were again 10 camps, for the first time a 5-day adult camp was carried out.
  • 2010 brought with 9 camps and the third training instructor training another participant record (465 participants).
  • In 2011, just over 400 participants took part in the 10 camps.
  • In 2012, 10 camps were again held and for the 4th time an instructor's course. Around 470 participants were welcomed this year.
  • In 2013 there were a total of 10 camps with over 400 participating players at the locations Dornbirn, Gmunden, Graz and St. Pölten.
  • In 2014, another 10 camps took place at the locations Dornbirn, Gmunden, Graz and St. Pölten. In addition, also an instructor training in St. Pölten.
  • In 2015 a fifth federal state was added as venue with the location Telfs in Tyrol. Due to the renovation work in the ice rink Graz, Fair and Fun returned to Kapfenberg with his Styrian camp. In addition, they remained true to the proven locations Gmunden, Dornbirn and St. Pölten.
  • In 2016 more than 350 participants took part in Dornbirn, Gmunden, Kapfenberg, St. Pölten and Telfs. In addition, the instructor training took place in St. Pölten.
  • In 2017 camps were organized in 4 federal states.
  • In 2018, the 7th instructor training course was held in April, bringing the total to over 220 people to this first trainer level at the St. Pölten location. Camps took place in Gmunden, Kapfenberg, St. Pölten and Telfs.
  • In 2019 camps were organized in 4 federal states.
  • In 2020, almost all camps could be held in Kapfenberg, Gmunden and St. Pölten despite the Corona pandemic.
  • 2021 and 2022 camps were held in Gmunden, St. Pölten and Villach.
  • In 2023 camps were organized in Villach, St. Pölten and Telfs