The Graz99ers started in the 1999–2000 season in the Austrian National League, Austria's second division, where they were crowned instant champions.

The EC Graz (also called "the elephant") experienced under President Hannes Kartnig its heyday, finishing three times the runner-up title in the seasons 1991–92, 1992–93 and 1993–94 despite running at a high financial cost.

The team premiered in the second division, the Austrian National League, finishing after 28 rounds played, in first place in the table.

In the semifinals, the team continued after opening game defeat to persevere to a 3: 1 series win against the EHC Lustenau to meet EK Zell am See in the final.

The series was decided in four games with Graz taking advantage of the opportunity for promotion to the Austrian Hockey League.