The 2025‑26 Abu Dhabi Hockey League Season is Here!

The wait is over! The Abu Dhabi Hockey League is about to drop the puck on its 2025‑26 season, and excitement is already flooding the rinks (and possibly the parking lots). Players are sharpened, fans are loud, and security has been warned.

The ADHL is truly one of the most elite leagues on the planet: stacked with highly skilled athletes, passionately (and sometimes questionably) motivated coaches, eccentric owners, and fanbases so intense they consider overturned cars and burning tires part of the entertainment package. Tickets: 1000 dirhams. Parking: free. Spontaneous street brawls: priceless.

At the heart of it all lies the Grover Cup — the most coveted trophy in hockey and arguably the hardest to win. And then there’s the Kaddas Cup — the so‑called pre‑season tune‑up that somehow carries the prestige of a world championship. Made of actual 24‑karat gold, it’s less a trophy and more an insurance liability on skates.

Last year’s Grover Cup champs, the Godfathers, have officially entered dynasty territory. Led by superstar captain Guillaume Laberge and deep‑pocketed owner Ali Kaddas, they’ve built a roster overflowing with talent and backed by a budget so large opposing teams are considering crowdfunders just to keep up. Naturally, they’re once again the bookies’ favorites.

The Tropicals, however, are eager to shake things up. They pulled off a shock run to win the Kaddas Cup last season under the heroic goaltending of their captain, Jeff Strong. Unfortunately, their dream ended early in the Grover Cup semifinals against the Eagles. This offseason management hit the reset button, building a roster meant to finally dethrone the reigning champs. A bold and risky, possibly a hilarious move, but one worth trying. 

The UAE71, captained by Wild Bill Mellanby, had a rough go last year. Injuries piled up, and a fairly questionable budget strategy didn’t help—only 19.5% was spent on players while the rest went toward endless jersey redesigns and luxury socks. Stylish, yes. Effective, no. Fans aren’t expecting much, but maybe this season will finally be their Cinderella story; they got the outfits for sure. 

And then there are the Eagles. Captain Tim Thorenton somehow turned a ragtag group of figure skaters, beer‑league regulars, and random bystanders into a gritty playoff squad. They shocked everyone by eliminating the Tropicals and even gave the mighty Godfathers one of the most thrilling Grover Cup Finals in league history before falling just short. With one championship already in their trophy case, the Eagles are hungry to spread their wings once again and reclaim hockey’s ultimate throne.  

So buckle up, ADHL fans — the league is back. The ice will be fast, the games will be heated, the referees will be yelled at constantly, and if history has taught us anything, there will probably be flaming tires by November. Let the season begin!