In 2001, these efforts bore fruit, as the Club qualified for the first time in the second highest professional level, the Austrian National League.

The first major success of the club's history was the runner-up title in 2004, after winning the regular season, but then falling in the final to EC Salzburg 0: 3.

In the 2007–08 season, Dornbirn stood again in the finals and claimed their first national league title in club history against EC Salzburg II.

In the spring of 2012, the Dornbirner EC applied after a long planning phase and secure finances for inclusion in the Erste Bank Hockey League.

While continuing the junior development programs, the Bulldogs intend to return to the professional ranks in the 2023–24 season.