Austrian Nationalliga

The Austrian National League (Österreichische Eishockey-Nationalliga or Aurtrian Nationalliga) is the second highest league of the three nationwide ice hockey leagues in Austria. The winner of the league can theoretically move up to the Erste Bank Hockey League (EBEL), but in practice this does not happen often, because of the higher cost of competing at the higher level. There is unofficial cooperation between some EBEL and National league teams, but the EC Red Bull Salzburg II are the only team that operates as a real farm-team.