Austria

Austria is a country in Central Europe. Vienna is the capital and largest city.

History of hockey in Austria
The country's first artificial ice rink opened in Vienna in 1909. In 1912, the Austrian Ice Hockey Association was founded, and Austria became a member of the IIHF on March 18, 1912.

The first Austrian Championship was held in 1922, and the Bundesliga (Austrian Hockey League) was created in 1965. EC KAC has won the most Austrian championships, with 29. The Austrian Nationalliga operates as the second level league, and the Austrian Oberliga is the third level league. Below the Oberliga, some regional leagues operate in parts of the country.

In 1912, Austria made its international debut, winning the bronze medal at the European Championships, which they hosted. The tournament was later annulled because the country was not an IIHF member at the time of the tournament. Austria participated in the 1928 Winter Olympics in St. Moritz, Switzerland, finishing in fifth place. The country has twice won the bronze medal at the World Championships, in 1931 and 1947. In 1927 and 1931, the country was European champions.

The men's national junior team first participated at the World Junior Ice Hockey Championships in 1979. They have made 34 appearances at the world juniors, with their best finish being eighth at the 1981 tournament.

The women's national team made its international debut in 2001, playing in a friendly game against Hungary. They first participated in the Women's World Championships in 2004.