Tag: DEL

Löwen Frankfurt finalises shareholder reshuffle

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Löwen Frankfurt has completed a planned reorganisation of its shareholders. The Heureka GmbH and the ancoth GmbH have each acquired a ten per cent minority stake in Löwen Frankfurt Eishockey-Betriebs GmbH, bringing the club’s shareholder structure to five parties. The distribution of shares is now 40% Stefan Krämer, 30% PRANGE Beteiligungen AG, 10% Eintracht Frankfurt Fußball AG, 10% Heureka GmbH and 10% ancoth GmbH. Stefan Krämer remains the sole managing director. The club frames the moves as part of a strategic reorientation that ties tradition to professionalisation and economic stability, following earlier entries by PRANGE and, in June, Eintracht Frankfurt.

Key Facts

  • Announcement date listed in the club statement:.
  • Heureka GmbH and ancoth GmbH each acquire a 10% minority stake in Löwen Frankfurt Eishockey-Betriebs GmbH.
  • Shareholder structure after the transaction: 40% – Stefan Krämer; 30% – PRANGE Beteiligungen AG, Plattenberg; 10% – Eintracht Frankfurt Fußball AG; 10% – Heureka GmbH, Frankfurt; 10% – ancoth GmbH, Frankfurt.
  • Stefan Krämer remains sole managing director of Löwen Frankfurt Eishockey-Betriebs GmbH.
  • PRANGE entered the shareholder circle nearly two years earlier and is cited as having contributed to the club’s professionalisation under the “Mission 2030” strategy.
  • Eintracht Frankfurt Fußball AG joined as a shareholder and strategic partner in June 2026, bringing expertise in marketing, merchandising and digitalisation, according to the club statement.
  • Ken Oliver Fritz is managing director and sole shareholder of Heureka GmbH and is described as a banker, entrepreneur and long-term Frankfurt resident.
  • Gregor Böhm is the sole shareholder of ancoth GmbH.
  • Statements from the involved parties stress regional roots, a long-term view and the intention to support sustainable development for the club.

IHM Discussion

The additions of Heureka and ancoth complete a deliberate enlargement of Löwen Frankfurt’s ownership base that began with PRANGE’s involvement and continued with Eintracht Frankfurt joining in June. The club presents these minority stakes as elements of a strategic course: combining local ties and private-sector expertise with the professionalisation already underway. PRANGE is credited with helping to lay a foundation for the club’s economic development under the Mission 2030 programme, while Eintracht Frankfurt is described as adding commercial capabilities in marketing, merchandising and digitalisation.

Taken together, the new shareholders broaden the club’s access to commercial experience without changing executive control: Stefan Krämer remains managing director and retains the largest single stake. That continuity at the top, paired with a wider pool of minority investors, is the structure the club says will underpin sustainable development. The reshuffle is complete, having been concluded before the start of the new season.

Why It Matters

For the team and its supporters, the completed ownership structure provides clarity off the ice. The entry of regional business figures who emphasise long-term, locally rooted support is presented as complementary to the commercial and professional skills brought by PRANGE and Eintracht Frankfurt. The club explicitly links the reorganisation to additional perspectives for future development and to the structural conditions for sustainable growth. The deal retains the existing management structure while expanding the group of stakeholders involved in the club’s development.

Mini Q&A

Who are the two new shareholders in Löwen Frankfurt?

The Heureka GmbH and the ancoth GmbH, each taking a ten per cent minority stake.

What is the revised share distribution at Löwen Frankfurt Eishockey-Betriebs GmbH?

40% – Stefan Krämer; 30% – PRANGE Beteiligungen AG; 10% – Eintracht Frankfurt Fußball AG; 10% – Heureka GmbH; 10% – ancoth GmbH.

Does the change affect the club’s management?

No. Stefan Krämer remains the sole managing director according to the club statement.

What reasons does the club give for the new shareholders joining?

The statement says the new investors bring regional roots, entrepreneurial experience and expertise that strengthen the strategic course, support professionalisation and create perspectives for sustainable development.

What commercial partner joined Löwen Frankfurt earlier this year?

Eintracht Frankfurt Fußball AG joined as a shareholder and strategic partner in June 2026, with the club citing additional expertise in marketing, merchandising and digitalisation.

Coach Mark Comment

A settled ownership structure gives the hockey operation a clearer framework heading into the season. With Stefan Krämer remaining managing director, the immediate focus can remain on preparation, conditioning and integrating any new players.

What Comes Next

The club says the shareholder reorganisation was completed before the start of the new season and that its focus is now on sporting success for the coming campaign. That emphasis on performance is the next checkpoint the club has identified publicly.

IHM Final View

Löwen Frankfurt has finished a phased rebalancing of its shareholder base by welcoming two Frankfurt-based minority investors. The move consolidates the club’s previously signalled strategy: retaining executive continuity while widening commercial and regional engagement. The club’s next focus is sporting success in the coming season, with the ownership restructuring now complete.

PENNY DEL 2026/27 season shaped by home World Championship

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

The PENNY DEL 2026/27 season opens with title-holder Eisbären Berlin hosting the Straubing Tigers on Thursday 17 September (19:30 CET), a fixture that carries extra weight after the recent playoff battles between the clubs. Berlin will raise the banner for their 13th championship before puck drop and can become the first club in DEL history to win four consecutive titles. The season will play out under the shadow of the 2027 IIHF World Championship, hosted in Mannheim and Düsseldorf, with players aiming to impress new Germany head coach André Rankel. Newly promoted Krefeld Pinguine return to the top flight and will welcome Fischtown Pinguine Bremerhaven to the Yayla-Arena for their home opener on the first weekend, while Kölner Haie captain Moritz Müller needs 18 games to overtake Mirko Lüdemann’s DEL appearance record of 1,200 games and could reach the mark as early as 20 November in Munich.

Key Facts

  • Eisbären Berlin open the season against the Straubing Tigers on Thursday 17 September at 19:30 CET.
  • The Eisbären will raise the banner for their 13th DEL championship before the opening match.
  • Eisbären Berlin can become the first DEL club to win four titles in a row in the upcoming season.
  • The season opener will be shown live and free on MagentaSport and Magenta TV; all other season matches will also be live on MagentaSport.
  • The 2027 IIHF World Championship will be hosted in Mannheim and Düsseldorf; Germany begin their tournament campaign on 13 May 2027 at Schalke against Switzerland in front of more than 60,000 spectators.
  • New German national coach André Rankel is expected to attend the PENNY DEL season opener as a spectator.
  • Krefeld Pinguine return to the PENNY DEL as promoted club more than four years after relegation and were German champions in 2003.
  • Krefeld’s home opener is scheduled for the first weekend of the season at the Yayla-Arena against Fischtown Pinguine Bremerhaven, Thomas Popiesch’s long-time club.
  • Krefeld have already sold more than 3,000 season tickets and expect a near sell-out for their home opener.
  • Kölner Haie captain Moritz Müller needs 18 more DEL games to surpass Mirko Lüdemann’s record of 1,200 DEL appearances and could reach the new mark earliest on 20 November in an away game at Red Bull München.
  • Kölner Haie drew 18,104 spectators before the season to set a Champions Hockey League attendance record.

IHM Discussion

The 2026/27 PENNY DEL season carries added national significance as German players seek to impress new national coach André Rankel ahead of the 2027 home World Championship. For Eisbären Berlin, the early-season spotlight is twofold. Raising their 13th title banner is a ceremonial high point, while the prospect of a fourth straight championship gives opponents a clear target. Straubing’s status as a difficult playoff opponent in each of the past two years adds immediate competitive edge to the opener.

Krefeld’s return is another major storyline. Promotion restores the 2003 German champions to the top flight and has already generated substantial local demand: more than 3,000 season tickets have been sold and the home opener is close to selling out. Their first opponent, Bremerhaven, adds a personal link through Thomas Popiesch’s long association with the club.

The Kölner Haie captain needs 18 more DEL games to move beyond Lüdemann’s 1,200 appearances.

Why It Matters

The home World Championship gives German players an added incentive throughout the DEL campaign as they compete for places in André Rankel’s squad. Eisbären Berlin also have the chance to make league history by becoming the first club to win four consecutive DEL titles. Krefeld’s return to the top flight and Moritz Müller’s record chase add further storylines to a season that runs until a German champion is confirmed by 30 April 2027 at the latest.

Mini Q&A

When and who plays the PENNY DEL season opener?

Eisbären Berlin host the Straubing Tigers on Thursday 17 September at 19:30 CET.

Can any team make DEL history this season?

Yes. Eisbären Berlin can become the first club in DEL history to win four consecutive championships.

How is the 2027 World Championship affecting the DEL season?

The 2027 World Championship, hosted in Mannheim and Düsseldorf, will put a spotlight on DEL players hoping to earn places in André Rankel’s Germany squad; the national team opens the tournament on 13 May 2027 at Schalke against Switzerland.

Which club has returned to the PENNY DEL this season?

Krefeld Pinguine return to the PENNY DEL as promoted club, more than four years after their relegation.

What milestone is Moritz Müller chasing?

Kölner Haie captain Moritz Müller needs 18 more DEL games to surpass Mirko Lüdemann’s record of 1,200 appearances and could reach the new mark earliest on 20 November in Munich.

Where will fans be able to watch the DEL matches?

The season opener will be shown live and free on MagentaSport and Magenta TV. All other season matches will also be live on MagentaSport.

IHM Final View

This PENNY DEL season will be watched with an intensity that exceeds a normal campaign. The dual storylines of domestic title ambitions – with Eisbären Berlin aiming for a fourth straight championship – and the selection process for a home World Championship make the coming months a crucial proving ground for players and clubs alike. Krefeld’s return and Moritz Müller’s record chase provide additional human-interest threads that will keep supporters engaged from opening puck drop to the spring finale.

Esbjerg Energy play at 16:30 in Bremerhaven this weekend

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Esbjerg Energy will play in Bremerhaven at 16:30 as part of the swb-Energie Cup. With no Metal Ligaen hockey this weekend, the club have headed south for a tournament that has often welcomed Danish visitors.

Key Facts

  • Esbjerg Energy will play in Bremerhaven at 16:30 (source title).
  • A semi-final is due to get under way at the swb-Energie Cup.

IHM Discussion

With the Metal Ligaen programme paused this weekend, Esbjerg Energy have opted for competitive action in Bremerhaven. The swb-Energie Cup provides a 16:30 fixture in a long-standing tournament that has regularly featured Danish visitors.

The semi-final is due to get under way at the tournament. The available details do not name an opponent, but the trip gives Esbjerg a live-game date during the domestic break.

Why It Matters

The Bremerhaven trip gives Esbjerg Energy competitive ice time during a weekend without Metal Ligaen action. It also places the club in a tournament with an established history of Danish participation.

Kölner Haie crowd breaks Champions Hockey League attendance record

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

A Champions Hockey League attendance record was set in Cologne when 18,104 spectators attended the Kölner Haie v Frölunda Gothenburg match. The figure surpasses the previous CHL record of 14,567, a mark that dated back to 7 December 2016 when SC Bern hosted Sparta Prague in the 2016/17 quarter-finals; that earlier record had stood for nearly ten years.

Key Facts

  • A crowd of 18,104 attended the Champions Hockey League match between Kölner Haie and Frölunda Gothenburg in Cologne, Germany.
  • The 18,104 figure established a new all-time Champions Hockey League attendance record.
  • The new total surpassed the previous CHL attendance record of 14,567 spectators.
  • The former record of 14,567 was set on 7 December 2016 when SC Bern hosted Sparta Prague in the Quarter-Finals of the 2016/17 CHL season.
  • The previous record had stood for nearly ten years.

IHM Discussion

The headline number – 18,104 – is notable within the Champions Hockey League context. It replaces a mark that had stood since December 2016. Kölner Haie and Frölunda Gothenburg were the teams involved in the fixture in Cologne, Germany. The previous high of 14,567 came when SC Bern hosted Sparta Prague in a 2016/17 quarter-final.

Why It Matters

Numbers of this scale are relevant to organisers, host arenas and participating clubs because they reflect the potential for larger one-off crowds in the competition. For the clubs involved, the result also offers a moment of public profile: Kölner Haie and Frölunda Gothenburg were the named participants in the match that produced the new high.

William Worge Kreü joins Ambrì-Piotta as cover for Virtanen

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

William Worge Kreü has ended his spell as a free agent by signing with Swiss side Ambrì-Piotta. The 26-year-old had been without a club since Adler Mannheim‘s playoff exit and will now play in Switzerland, initially on a short-term basis.

The deal is intended to cover while Jesse Virtanen remains unavailable. It is also reported to run until 26 December. Worge Kreü, a product of Linköping, played several SHL seasons with his hometown club, two more with Oskarshamn and 47 games for Jukurit in Finland last season. With the Swiss season due to begin in around a week, he has an immediate opportunity to settle in with his new team.

Key Facts

  • William Worge Kreü had been clubless since Adler Mannheim’s playoff exit.
  • He sought a new club primarily abroad after his finish in Germany.
  • Worge Kreü has signed for Swiss club Ambrì-Piotta.
  • The signing is described as a replacement while Jesse Virtanen is unavailable.
  • Reportedly, the contract runs until 26 December.
  • Worge Kreü is 26 years old.
  • He is a Linköping product and played several seasons for Linköping in the SHL.
  • He spent two SHL seasons with Oskarshamn.
  • Last season he played 47 games in Finland with Jukurit.
  • The Swiss season is said to begin in about one week.

IHM Discussion

The move gives Worge Kreü an immediate opportunity in Switzerland after his spell without a club following Adler Mannheim’s playoff exit. His recent experience with Jukurit, together with his SHL background at Linköping and Oskarshamn, gives him a substantial body of experience to bring to Ambrì-Piotta.

The signing is expressly linked to Jesse Virtanen’s absence and is described as running until 26 December. The available information does not clarify how that date relates to Virtanen’s return. No salary terms or longer-term commitment have been indicated.

Why It Matters

Ambrì-Piotta have added an experienced player while Virtanen remains unavailable, while Worge Kreü gets a fresh opportunity in Switzerland after his time without a club. His background in the SHL and Finland gives the move added interest as he begins the next stage of his career.

Slovakia’s 2027 World Championship schedule set for Düsseldorf

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

The Slovak national team will begin its IIHF World Championship 2027 campaign in Germany with a B-group opener against Denmark on Saturday 15 May at 12:20 in Düsseldorf. Slovakia’s B-group fixtures run through Tuesday 25 May and include matches against Kazakhstan, Hungary, Canada, the USA, the Czech Republic and Norway. The schedule and group placements were confirmed on the IIHF website; Slovakia had originally been placed in A-group but was replaced there after Germany exercised host rights.

Key Facts

  • Slovakia opens at the IIHF World Championship 2027 on Saturday 15 May at 12:20 with Slovakia – Denmark in Düsseldorf.
  • Slovakia’s B-group schedule in Düsseldorf (all times given): 15 May 12:20 vs Denmark; 16 May 12:20 vs Kazakhstan; 18 May 20:20 vs Hungary; 20 May 16:20 vs Canada; 22 May 20:20 vs USA; 24 May 20:20 vs Czech Republic; 25 May 16:20 vs Norway.
  • Slovakia had originally been placed in A-group, but Germany used host rights to take that slot; Germany will play its group games in Mannheim.
  • Norway are identified as the bronze medallists from this year’s championship in Switzerland.
  • The Czech Republic beat Slovakia 3:2 at the 2026 World Championship, and the federal derby between Slovakia and the Czech Republic is scheduled for Monday 24 May at 20:20 in Düsseldorf.
  • The tournament opens on 13 May with Germany v Switzerland at 20:20 in the Veltins-Arena, which returns to the World Championship after 17 years.
  • The Veltins-Arena hosted the 2010 opening game when Germany beat the USA 2:1 after overtime in front of a record attendance of 77,803.

IHM Discussion

The published IIHF schedule places Slovakia in a compact B-group programme in Düsseldorf, with a mix of European and North American opponents across ten days. The calendar includes back-to-back fixtures at the start of the campaign and late-evening games against Canada and the USA, placing a premium on recovery between games. The federal derby with the Czech Republic on 24 May will be a high-profile encounter after the Czechs won 3:2 when the teams met at the 2026 championship. Slovakia finish group play against Norway, identified as this year’s bronze medallists.

Why It Matters

The match order matters for preparation and momentum. Opening against Denmark on 15 May gives Slovakia a midday start and a clear schedule rhythm with a second game the following day against Kazakhstan. Mid-week fixtures against Canada and the USA represent the toughest matchups on paper and could be decisive for group standings. The derby with the Czech Republic carries additional rivalry significance and recent history, which can influence both selection and game planning.

Mini Q&A

When does Slovakia start at the 2027 World Championship?

Slovakia opens on Saturday 15 May 2027 at 12:20 against Denmark in Düsseldorf.

Which teams are in Slovakia’s group and who are their opponents?

Slovakia’s B-group opponents in Düsseldorf are Denmark, Kazakhstan, Hungary, Canada, the USA, the Czech Republic and Norway.

Why is Slovakia in B-group rather than A-group?

According to the IIHF website cited by the source, Slovakia had originally been placed in A-group, but Germany used host rights and replaced Slovakia; Germany will play its games in Mannheim.

When is the federal derby against the Czech Republic?

Slovakia faces the Czech Republic on Monday 24 May at 20:20 in Düsseldorf.

Where and when does the tournament open?

The tournament opens on 13 May at 20:20 with Germany v Switzerland at the Veltins-Arena, which is hosting World Championship games again after 17 years.

What Comes Next

Key checkpoint: Slovakia’s first game is Saturday 15 May at 12:20 in Düsseldorf against Denmark. The team’s full B-group schedule runs through Tuesday 25 May, concluding with Norway at 16:20.

IHM Final View

The published schedule gives Slovakia a clear, tightly packed B-group programme in Düsseldorf that mixes manageable early tests with high-risk clashes against Canada, the USA and the Czech Republic. How Slovakia manages recovery and match preparation across consecutive fixtures will be central to their progress at the 2027 World Championship.

Växjö outplayed in CHL opener by Adler Mannheim

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Växjö Lakers began their Champions Hockey League campaign with a 3-1 defeat away to Adler Mannheim. The German side controlled large parts of the game, turning a goalless first period into a multi-goal advantage early in the second, and ultimately sealing the win with an empty-net goal late on. Växjö’s only strike came from Dennis Rasmussen in a power play.

Key Facts

  • Adler Mannheim defeated Växjö Lakers 3-1 in the CHL opening match.
  • Score by period: 0-0, 2-1, 1-0 (Mannheim – Växjö).
  • Mannheim scorers: Matthias Plachta, John Gilmour and Anthony Greco.
  • Växjö’s lone goal was scored by Dennis Rasmussen, on the power play.
  • Mannheim opened their scoring with two goals early in the second period, both coming in the same power play; CHL rules allow the power-play to continue even after a goal.
  • Two Mannheim goals arrived within 1:17 of one another in the second period.
  • An early Mannheim shot went high past Växjö goalkeeper Åhman; Plachta struck a subsequent goal into the top corner.
  • John Gilmour finished a break by putting the puck into an open net during the sequence that made it 2-0.
  • Shot count was heavily in Mannheim’s favour, 31-8; Växjö registered only eight shots on goal in 60 minutes.
  • Växjö travel next to face Slovak club Nitra on Sunday.

IHM Discussion

The game was defined by Mannheim’s territorial superiority and a striking imbalance in offensive output. The 31-8 shot differential underlines how often the German side were able to carry play into Växjö’s end and create quality chances. Växjö’s only real offensive breakthrough came from structured power-play possession that produced a tidy finish by Dennis Rasmussen, but that single goal was not enough to alter the match’s momentum. Mannheim converted twice in quick succession early in the second – one goal described as a high shot over Åhman and another by Matthias Plachta into the top corner – then added a finish from John Gilmour as Växjö’s defence was opened up. The late empty-net strike by Anthony Greco ensured the scoreline reflected Mannheim’s control.

Why It Matters

The defeat increases the importance of a response in Växjö’s next fixture. The shot statistics are troubling: eight shots on goal across a full match suggests the team struggled to sustain pressure or create consistent shooting opportunities.

Mini Q&A

What was the final score?

Adler Mannheim 3-1 Växjö Lakers.

Who scored for Växjö?

Dennis Rasmussen scored Växjö’s only goal on the power play.

Who scored for Mannheim?

Matthias Plachta, John Gilmour and Anthony Greco.

How one-sided was the shot count?

Adler Mannheim led the shots on goal 31-8; Växjö managed only eight shots in 60 minutes.

When is Växjö’s next CHL match?

Växjö face Slovak club Nitra on Sunday.

What Comes Next

Växjö have a chance to respond on Sunday when they face Slovak side Nitra.

IHM Final View

A clear win for Mannheim that reflected their control and shot advantage. Växjö must find a way to create more offence in their next CHL outing.

Augsburger Panther reshape roster ahead of DEL season

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

The Augsburger Panther enter the 2026/27 DEL season with a significantly altered roster, particularly up front. Bill Peters remains head coach for a second season and will be supported by new associate coach Gerry Fleming. Tobias Ancicka arrives from the Kölner Haie and will form the goaltending group with Peyton Jones following Michael Garteig’s retirement. Defence and attack both saw multiple arrivals and departures: Kyle Wood, Alec McCrea and Noel Hoefenmayer join the blue line, while Sean Malone, Luke Toporowski, Felix Maegaard Scheel and Trevor Parkes bolster the forward group. Several established contributors left over the summer, and the new group must prove it can gel. Augsburg are tipped to challenge for Pre-Playoff places rather than the DEL’s top tier.

Key Facts

  • The DEL regular season starts on 17 September 2026.
  • Bill Peters remains head coach of the Augsburger Panther and begins his second season in charge.
  • Gerry Fleming joins Augsburg as an associate coach.
  • Michael Garteig has ended his playing career and will not be in Augsburg’s roster.
  • Tobias Ancicka was signed from the Kölner Haie and is expected to share goaltending duties with Peyton Jones.
  • Justus Roth and Dave Dützka are listed as Förderlizenz (loan/development) goalkeepers for Augsburg.
  • Defensive signings include Kyle Wood (from Iserlohn), Alec McCrea (from relegated Dresden) and Noel Hoefenmayer (from the KHL).
  • Ryan Button and Kyle Mayhew remain part of Augsburg’s defensive core.
  • Additional defensive additions are Maximilian Glötzl (from Köln), Fabrizio Pilu and academy graduate Liron Pellizzari.
  • Madison Bowey, Thomas Schemitsch and David Farrance are among the defensive departures; Farrance moved to Pustertal and Schemitsch to Schwenningen.
  • Forward reinforcements include Sean Malone (from Örebro), Luke Toporowski (from AHL side Colorado Eagles), Felix Maegaard Scheel (from Schwenningen) and Trevor Parkes.
  • Returning forwards and squad players include Tim Wohlgemuth, Cameron Wright, D.J. Busdeker, Jimmy Lambert, Alexander Blank and Philipp Krauß. Moritz Elias, Christian Hanke, Enrico Henriquez-Morales and Sebastian Zwickl add depth and youth to the group.

IHM Discussion

Augsburg’s transfer activity looks like an attempt to rebalance the roster. The club have added experience while retaining a group of young players. The most significant change may be in goal: Ancicka arrives from the Kölner Haie with DEL and international experience, and he joins Peyton Jones following Garteig’s retirement. If the new pairing provides the stability Augsburg hope for, it would ease the burden on a reworked defence.

On the blue line, the Panthers have recruited from within Germany and abroad. Wood, McCrea and Hoefenmayer join a group that retains Ryan Button and Kyle Mayhew, providing some continuity. The exits of David Farrance and Thomas Schemitsch nonetheless alter the make-up of the defence, so the new pairings will need time to settle.

Augsburg made their biggest additions in attack. Malone, Toporowski, Scheel and Parkes bring experience from North America and European leagues. Yet the departures of Cody Kunyk, Anthony Louis, Jason Bast and Riley Damiani, along with the retirement of long-serving T.J. Trevelyan, leave offensive quality to replace. The forward group is intriguing on paper, but unproven as a unit.

Why It Matters

For Augsburg, the summer moves shape the club’s immediate ambitions. The revised roster gives younger players the chance to develop alongside experienced recruits. How quickly newcomers and returning players form a functioning unit will help determine whether Augsburg can secure a Pre-Playoff place or push higher up the table. Consistent goaltending and balanced scoring could prove decisive.

Mini Q&A

Who is coaching the Augsburger Panther in 2026/27?

Bill Peters returns as head coach for his second season, with Gerry Fleming joining as an associate coach.

Who are Augsburg’s goaltenders for the new season?

Tobias Ancicka, signed from the Kölner Haie, is expected to share netminding duties with Peyton Jones; Justus Roth and Dave Dützka are listed as Förderlizenz goalkeepers.

Which notable defensive signings did Augsburg make?

The Panthers added Kyle Wood from Iserlohn, Alec McCrea from Dresden and Noel Hoefenmayer from the KHL, and also signed Maximilian Glötzl and Fabrizio Pilu while retaining Ryan Button and Kyle Mayhew.

Which forwards joined the club over the summer?

Augsburg recruited Sean Malone (from Örebro), Luke Toporowski (from the AHL’s Colorado Eagles), Felix Maegaard Scheel (from Schwenningen) and Trevor Parkes.

What is the immediate expectation for Augsburg’s season?

The club should be in the mix for Pre-Playoff positions if the new players integrate quickly, but the roster is not yet judged deep enough to guarantee a jump into the league’s top group.

Coach Mark Comment

A new roster needs clarity early. Establishing reliable defensive pairings, defined forward roles and a consistent approach without the puck will be important during the opening weeks. The goaltending partnership also needs a settled rhythm, giving the skaters a dependable base as the new group develops chemistry.

What Comes Next

The DEL 2026/27 season opens on 17 September; how quickly Augsburg’s new signings gel in the opening weeks will be the earliest indicator of whether the club can compete for Pre-Playoff places.

IHM Final View

The Augsburger Panther have reworked their roster with an emphasis on experience and depth. The plan balances established additions with opportunities for younger players, but the squad is not yet an obvious top-tier contender. Their season will hinge on how quickly the new group comes together, the goaltending delivered by Ancicka and Jones, and whether the forwards can replace the offensive quality lost over the summer. Augsburg should be competitive in the race for the Pre-Playoffs.

Russell stars as Kölner Haie open CHL with 5-2 win

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

A Danish national-team forward identified only as Russell scored a goal and supplied two assists as Kölner Haie opened their Champions Hockey League campaign with a 5-2 away victory over Salzburg. Russell was directly involved in three of Köln’s five goals in Thursday’s match, which ended with the German side leading 4-2 after two periods and sealing the result early in the third.

Key Facts

  • Kölner Haie defeated Salzburg 5-2 in the Champions Hockey League opener.
  • Russell, described as a Danish national-team forward, had one goal and two assists.
  • Russell scored at 16.03 of the first period on a power play to make it 1-0.
  • Twenty-nine seconds after Russell’s goal, Marcel Noebels scored to make it 2-0 with Russell credited for the first assist.
  • Salzburg reduced the deficit in the second period; Kölner responded when Gregor MacLeod scored at 29.05 with Russell on the assist.
  • Russell was therefore involved in three of Köln’s five goals before the halfway point of the game.
  • Frederik Storm played for Kölner Haie on Thursday evening but did not record a point.
  • Köln led 4-2 after the second period and finished the match 5-2 with a goal early in the third.
  • Kölner Haie are one of the opponents Herning Blue Fox will face later in the CHL; Herning travel to Köln in October.

IHM Discussion

Russell’s contribution – a goal and two assists – made him the standout figure for Köln in their opening CHL fixture. His power-play goal opened the scoring, and he set up the second goal 29 seconds later to give the visitors an early platform. He added a further assist on Gregor MacLeod’s second-period goal, completing his three-point night before the game reached its midpoint. Frederik Storm also featured for Köln but finished without a point. For Danish hockey observers, the result offers an early indication of the challenge Herning Blue Fox will face in Köln in October.

Why It Matters

The game matters for two reasons. On the Champions Hockey League front it gave Kölner Haie a convincing start to the tournament. From a Danish perspective, Russell’s display is significant because the Danish champions, Herning Blue Fox, are due to visit Köln in October; Thursday’s result provides an early warning of the quality and finishing the Danish side may encounter.

Mini Q&A

Who was the standout player for Kölner Haie?

A Danish national-team forward named Russell was the standout, with one goal and two assists.

What was the final score and who were the opponents?

Kölner Haie beat Salzburg 5-2 in the Champions Hockey League opener.

When did Russell score and how did the goal sequence unfold?

Russell scored on the power play at 16.03 of the first period. Twenty-nine seconds later he recorded the first assist on Marcel Noebels’ goal, and he later assisted Gregor MacLeod’s 3-1 goal at 29.05.

What does this result mean for Herning Blue Fox?

Kölner Haie are among Herning Blue Fox’s later CHL opponents, with Herning due to travel to Köln in October. The result offers an early indication of the challenge they may face.

What Comes Next

Herning Blue Fox are scheduled to travel to Kölner Haie in October; Thursday’s opening match offers an early benchmark for that upcoming tie.

Kölner Haie win 5-2 in Champions League return

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Kölner Haie marked their return to the Champions Hockey League with a 5-2 victory over Red Bull Salzburg on 3 September 2026. Cologne scored twice on their first power play to take control in the opening period of a physical contest punctuated by penalties and altercations. Thomas Berglund’s side also saw Dominik Bokk and Maximilian Kammerer leave the game.

Key Facts

  • Date in report: 03 September 2026.
  • Kölner Haie defeated Red Bull Salzburg 5-2 in the Champions Hockey League opener.
  • Dominik Bokk and Maximilian Kammerer left the game for Thomas Berglund’s side.
  • The contest was described as hard-fought and repeatedly interrupted by penalties and altercations.
  • Cologne had four power-play opportunities, while their opponents had ten.

IHM Discussion

Cologne’s 5-2 win was built on a fast start, with two goals on their first power play putting them in control during the opening period. The physical edge and frequent stoppages made discipline a central part of the night, particularly as the visitors faced ten opposition power plays. Bokk and Kammerer leaving the game is an immediate concern for Berglund as Cologne moves forward in the competition.

Why It Matters

The result gives Kölner Haie early momentum on their return to the Champions Hockey League. Their first-period power-play burst proved decisive, while the volume of opposition power plays underlined the importance of managing discipline in a tight European schedule.

Mini Q&A

What was the result of Kölner Haie’s CHL return?

Kölner Haie defeated Red Bull Salzburg 5-2.

Which players did Cologne lose during the match?

Dominik Bokk and Maximilian Kammerer left the game.

How did special teams feature in the match?

The Haie scored twice on their first power-play attempt. Cologne had four power plays, while their opponents had ten.