Ahead of the start of the upcoming Champions Hockey League season, we asked the Head Coaches of Eisbären Berlin's six Regular Season opponents what their thoughts are on the German team - here's what they had to say!
Storhamar Hamar Head Coach Petter Thoresen: “We will go into every game believing we can win. A strong belief in ourselves is important — then we’ll see if our skills are enough. I expect Berlin to be a well-organised teams that is physically tough to play against."
KAC Klagenfurt Head Coach Kirk Furey: “As everyone has seen over the past couple of years, Eisbären Berlin have been a very successful and also dominating team in the German league. Serge Aubin has built a great group, just like he did previously in other locations, including our domestic league. We are familiar with the way his teams play, also with the adaptability of their style. We’ll be prepared for a fast game in front of our home crowd.”
Lukko Rauma Head Coach Tomi Lämsä: “The reigning champions of Germany. The team includes many high-quality German players. It will be very interesting to test ourselves against the level of the DEL.”
Grenoble Head Coach Per Hånberg: “Berlin have won four of the last five DEL seasons and been the dominant team since Serge Aubin joined the club as head coach. Their offensive mindset is led by their two top offensive players, Ronning and Pfoderl, who topped the league in goals and points scored.”
Frölunda Gothenburg Head Coach Robert Ohlsson: “German champions with a strong collective, both in defence and offence. A high-pressure team with a firm defensive structure. Ty Ronning is a player that really stands out.”
Red Bull Salzburg Head Coach Manny Viveiros: “Berlin were a top team in the DEL all season long so it was no surprise they won the championship in Germany. This will be a real good test as both teams will have time to find their game and structure before we meet in October. We look forward to the challenge.”