"Craving for Victory": Polar bears pursuing further triumphs
Berlin Polar Bears Ready for Two Challenging Champions Hockey League Matches and DEL Season Opener
The Berlin Polar Bears, the defending champions of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL), are gearing up for an exciting start to the new season. The team, led by captain Kai Wissmann, one of the best defenders in Europe, will kick off their DEL campaign on September 9 with a sold-out home game against promoted team Dresden Ice Lions.
Before the DEL season begins, the Berlin Polar Bears will face two challenges in the Champions Hockey League (CHL). On Friday, they will host the Finnish team Lukko Rauma at the Wellblechpalast. This will be followed by a home match against the French champions Brûleurs de Loups de Grenoble on Sunday.
The team has made two new additions, Andreas Eder and Markus Vikingstad, to strengthen their roster. However, the departure of Maxim Schäfer for Canada for the 2025/26 season implies some roster changes, but specific new signings are not detailed in the available information.
Stéphane Richer, sports director of the Berlin Polar Bears, is satisfied with the team composition and has stated that their goal is to win the DEL again. He acknowledged that other teams in the league have made reinforcements and the team is prepared for the competition.
Coach Serge Aubin expressed confidence in the team's motivation to continue their success. However, the injury of Kai Wissmann, considered a "heavy blow" by Richer, could potentially impact the team's performance. Wissmann is expected to be out for four to six months due to an injury to his Achilles tendon.
Despite the challenges, the Berlin Polar Bears are ready to face the upcoming season. They are four-time champions in the DEL in the past five years and are determined to add another title to their trophy cabinet.
As the new season approaches, fans are eagerly awaiting the return of the Berlin Polar Bears to the ice. The team's first home game against Dresden Ice Lions promises to be a thrilling start to what promises to be an exciting DEL season.
