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

A True Cult Event

As in every year, the event sold out within an hour. Even RWTH Rector Prof. Ulrich Rüdiger has not missed the event for years. He emphasized that the Ice Hockey Uni-Cup is legendary, starting with ticket presales and culminating in 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 developed over the past 36 years into a genuine cult event. Ullrich Weber, head of the Sports Center, has been overseeing the Ice Hockey Uni-Cup for more than 20 years. He stated that it is a unique event in the German university sports scene. The volunteer collaboration between faculties, students, and professors creates the fantastic atmosphere for which the Ice Hockey Uni-Cup is renowned.

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 of Aachen’s universities. Each year, ice hockey teams from around the world are invited to participate. This year, the Ice Emperors faced off against the Oxford Vikings from the University of Oxford in the UK. The Ice Emperors narrowly defeated the Oxford Vikings.

Pilots and a Circus on Ice

A yearly highlight is the creative themes devised by the faculties to thrill their fans. These themes remain strictly confidential until revealed, as the cheerleaders and ice hockey teams take to the ice in elaborate costumes and self-made props. 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 audience dressed as lions and lion tamers. The Medical Strikers from the Faculty of Medicine showcased themselves as clowns and acrobats.

Preparations for the EUC begin ten months in advance. From October to December, every free minute is dedicated to the event’s organization. During this time, the ice hockey teams and cheerleaders train, costumes are sewn, and props are built to ensure everything runs smoothly on the big day.

The thyssenkrupp-Trophy

In addition to the hockey games and cheer performances, fans mainly focus on fun, cheering, and celebrating together. Each of the three faculties is determined to take home the thyssenkrupp Trophy for ice hockey and the Cheer Cup for cheerleading. For 19 years, the EUC has been supported by thyssenkrupp Steel. According to Lisa Ollesch from thyssenkrupp Steel, the sponsorship aims to strengthen the company’s connection to academia.

The Beneficiaries of Donations

Traditionally, the proceeds from the EUC are donated to charitable organizations. Each year, one international and one local cause are supported. 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, the local beneficiary was the Adventureland Equine Therapy Center in Stolberg. The center provides therapeutic horseback riding, allowing people with and without disabilities to experience the healing connection between humans and horses. Both organizations were delighted to receive the faculties’ donations.

Awareness Concept

For the second time, the Sports Department’s Awareness Team was on-site, ensuring a safe atmosphere. Fans or participants who felt uncomfortable or needed assistance could contact the Awareness Team, which offered them a retreat space and initial support.

Double Victory for the Medical Strikers

At the end of the successful event, the Medical Strikers from the Faculty of Medicine built on their success from the previous year and secured another double victory! After thrilling games, the final score was 30 (Medical Strikers) to 9 (Aachen Steelers) to 8 (ET Lions), and the Medical Strikers once again took home the thyssenkrupp Trophy. The cheerleaders of the Medical Strikers also impressed the jury with their choreography and were awarded the Cheer Cup.