The Eisbären Berlin are sticking with head coach Serge Aubin. On Tuesday, the club announced that the 48-year-old Canadian’s contract had been extended despite a disappointing season and failure to qualify for the playoffs. “Serge Aubin is the right coach for the polar bears. We are absolutely convinced of his qualities and have never doubted him. He has led us to two championships,” sporting director Stephane Richer was quoted as saying in a club statement. “Even if the season ended too early for us, we want to build on the successful time together again.”
Not in the playoffs for the first time in 22 years
The polar bears missed the playoffs for the first time in 22 years this season. As the reigning German champions, they are only the third defending champion to miss the championship round (after the Düsseldorf EG in 1997 and the Krefeld penguins in 2004).
“I’m happy about the contract extension and I’m honored to continue working for the Eisbären Berlin. I’m very grateful to everyone for the trust that has been placed in me. We have a lot of work ahead of us,” said Aubin. The former NHL professional has been the head coach of the polar bears since the summer of 2019. In both 2021 and 2022 he led the Berliners to the championship title.
Broadcast: rbb24, March 7th, 2023, 6 p.m
