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Ice Bears Berlin Prepare for Defending DEL Title Amid Captain's Injury
The Ice Bears Berlin, defending champions of the Deutsche Ice Hockey League (DEL), are gearing up for the new season, which kicks off on September 9 with a sold-out home game against the Dresden Ice Lions. Despite a setback with their captain, Kai Wissmann, the team remains optimistic about their chances.
Wissmann, who suffered an Achilles tendon injury in training, is expected to be sidelined for approximately four to six months following surgery. However, the team's spirits remain high, with sports director Stéphane Richer expressing satisfaction with the current team composition.
The Ice Bears Berlin have made few personnel changes for the current season, with only Zach Boychuk, Gabriel Fontaine, and Olivier Galipeau leaving the club. New additions to the team include Andreas Eder and Markus Vikingstad.
Before the DEL season opener, the Ice Bears Berlin will be challenged twice in the Champions Hockey League (CHL). The French champions Brûleurs de Loups de Grenoble will visit the Ice Bears Berlin on Sunday, followed by a visit from the Finnish team Lukko Rauma on Friday at the Wellblechpalast.
Despite the competition, Serge Aubin, the head coach of the Ice Bears Berlin, and Richer are confident about the team's readiness for the competition. Aubin believes that the Ice Bears Berlin are motivated to keep experiencing success after their recent championships.
The DEL is a strong league with many teams making reinforcements. Other teams in the DEL aim to beat the Ice Bears Berlin, but the team is considered a favourite for the current season.
Meanwhile, Maxim Schäfer and Elias Schneider will continue their development with North American junior teams, ensuring a bright future for the Ice Bears Berlin.
The Ice Bears Berlin have won the championship four times in the past five years, a testament to their consistent performance and dedication. As the new season approaches, fans are eagerly awaiting another successful campaign from the defending champions.
