The Abu Dhabi Shaheen Ice Hockey Team has made history by claiming their first-ever Emirates Ice Hockey League (EIHL) title for the 2024–2025 season, capping off an outstanding campaign marked by several memorable performances.
Shaheen finished the regular season at the top of the standings with a remarkable 45 points, securing the number one seed heading into the playoffs.
In the semifinal series, which was a best-of-three contest, they faced the Dubai Whitebears in a highly competitive match. The series concluded 2–1 in Shaheen’s favor, propelling them to their inaugural EIHL final. 
The championship series saw an all-Abu Dhabi showdown, pitting Shaheen against their city rivals, the Storms.
“The first final game was one of the most exciting and well-played matches in the history of Emirati ice hockey,” said Hayez Al Moheirbi, founder of Shaheen and a pivotal figure in the development of the sport in the UAE.
The opening game of the final went into overtime, with a tense 10-minute 3-on-3 sudden-death period. After a goalless overtime, the game was decided in a dramatic shootout. Shaheen emerged victorious thanks to excellent goaltending and two successful shots in the shootout.
“Our goalie and top line delivered when it mattered most. This victory shows the mental strength of our team,” said captain Aleksi Hirvonen, who had scored the equalizer to tie the game at 2–2 during regulation.
The second game of the final saw Shaheen assert their dominance. With sharp execution and disciplined team play, they clinched a 7–3 victory, securing the title and delivering their most complete performance of the season.
“That was our best game, exactly what we aimed for all year: improving daily and playing as a cohesive unit across all zones,” Hirvonen said. “This championship is the result of our commitment and hard work.”
For many of the team’s younger players, this victory was a milestone, but it was especially significant for veterans Vice Captain Milan Rabas and Hirvonen, who both have over a decade of experience in the EIHL. “I always believed one day I’d lift this cup,” said Rabas. “This moment shows why I never considered retiring. We love this game, and it’s a huge part of our lives. I hope our journey inspires others and attracts more players to the sport across the UAE.”
Looking ahead, Shaheen’s ambitions extend beyond the men’s team. The club is focused on nurturing junior talent, developing Emirati players, and collaborating with other local clubs to foster healthy competition and the sustainable growth of ice hockey in the region.
“Our goal is to represent Abu Dhabi at regional and international tournaments and to help build a lasting ice hockey culture here in the UAE,” said Hirvonen.
“The level of ice hockey in the UAE has evolved significantly in recent years. With new rinks and arenas opening in Dubai, we hope Abu Dhabi will soon follow to meet the rising demand. We are determined to play a key role in the future of ice hockey in the country, and we believe the future is bright.”
