Head coach Serge Aubin from the Eisbären Berlin wants to extend their lead in the league table in the home games against Straubing and Munich Photo: Andreas Gora/dpa
By Oliver Knaack
It couldn’t be harder: This weekend, the DEL table leaders Eisbären Berlin have to play at home against their pursuers Straubing (2nd) and champions Munich (5th).
The record champions recently won four clear victories in a row. Last weekend there were six points with the two away wins in Cologne (5:2) and in Wolfsburg (5:0). Coach Serge Aubin’s (48) team appears to be in top shape for the tasks ahead.
Aubin still warns about Straubing (Friday/7.30 p.m.): “They play very well in all three zones, have the second-best defense in the league and are dangerous in the power play. We have to play a complete game to win.”
Eisbär Morgan Ellis (here against Augsburg’s Terry Broadhurst) expected a tough weekend against Straubing and Munich Photo: picture alliance/Eibner Press
Sunday’s opponent (3:15 p.m.) Munich made a change in the coaching position in the summer. After nine years and four championships, Don Jackson (67), the most successful coach in the Munich club’s history, has stepped down.
Former Eisbären coach Don Jackson has handed over the coaching staff to Toni Söderholm in Munich Photo: tha
His young successor Toni Söderholm (45) has led his team back on the road to success after a bumpy start. Three of the last four games have been won. Attacker Michael Bartuli: “It was a very intense game. But if we implement our plan, we should win the duel.”
His teammate Morgan Ellis can hardly wait: “We did our job in the two away games last weekend. Then it’s especially nice to come home,” said the defender. “We look forward to giving fans a great weekend.”