Circus on the ice: colorful costumes and enthusiastic fans at the 34th Ice Hockey Uni Cup

13/12/2024

On December 12, the 100.5 Arena was buzzing with energy. In front of a sold-out crowd, the faculties of Mechanical Engineering, Medicine, and Electrical Engineering competed in an exciting, high-level ice hockey tournament. The cheerleaders also gave their all, with impressive choreographies and loud cheers to support their teams in securing victory. The faculties had a clear goal: to win the coveted thyssenkrupp Trophy for the ice hockey teams and the Cheer Cup for the cheerleaders, all while delighting the cheering fans.
Cheerleader at the Eishockey Uni-Cup Copyright: © Sarah Rauch

A True Cult Event

As in every year, the event sold out within an hour. RWTH Rector Prof. Ulrich Rüdiger, a regular attendee, emphasized that the Ice Hockey Uni-Cup is legendary, starting with ticket presales and culminating in the energy of 3,000 enthusiastic fans in the arena.

The EUC is organized by the RWTH Sports Center (HSZ) in collaboration with the participating faculties and has evolved into a true cult event over the past 36 years. Ullrich Weber, head of the Sports Center, described it as a unique event in the German university sports landscape. He praised the volunteer collaboration between faculties, students, and professors, which creates the fantastic atmosphere that defines the Ice Hockey Uni-Cup.

Aachen Ice Emperors Win Opening Game

Before the faculties took to the ice, the EUC traditionally opened with a kickoff game by the Aachen Ice Emperors, the ice hockey team representing Aachen’s universities. This year, the Ice Emperors faced the Oxford Vikings from the University of Oxford, UK. The Ice Emperors narrowly clinched victory against the Oxford Vikings.

Themes and Costumes

A yearly highlight is the creative themes devised by the faculties, kept strictly confidential until the start of the tournament. The Aachen Steelers from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering flew into the arena dressed as pilots and clouds. The ET Lions from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering impressed the crowd as lions and lion tamers, while the Medical Strikers from the Faculty of Medicine dressed as clowns and acrobats.

The Beneficiaries of Donations

Traditionally, the proceeds of the EUC are donated to charitable organizations. For many years, the international organization Right To Play has been a fixed partner of the HSZ, receiving half of the donation sum. Right To Play enables underprivileged children to play freely and joyfully.

This year’s local beneficiary was the Adventureland Equine Therapy Center in Stolberg. The center offers therapeutic horseback riding, allowing individuals with and without disabilities to experience the healing connection between humans and horses. Both organizations were deeply grateful for the faculties' contributions.

Awareness Concept

For the second year, the Sports Department's Awareness Team was present, ensuring a safe environment. Fans or participants who felt uncomfortable or needed help could reach out to the Awareness Team, which provided a retreat space and initial consultations.

Double Victory for the Medical Strikers

At the end of the successful event, the Medical Strikers from the Faculty of Medicine repeated their triumph from the previous year, securing another double victory! After thrilling games, the final scores were 30 (Medical Strikers) to 9 (Aachen Steelers) to 8 (ET Lions), with the Medical Strikers once again taking home the thyssenkrupp Trophy. The Medical Strikers' cheerleaders also impressed the jury with their choreography, earning the Cheer Cup as well.