Manuel Wiederer (r.) fights against Daniele Grassi (center) for the puck Photo: picture alliance/KEYSTONE
From BZ/dpa
The Eisbären Berlin suffered another defeat at the end of their pre-season training.
On Saturday evening, the German ice hockey champions lost 6-1 (0-1, 0-3, 1-2) to the Swiss first division club HC Ambri-Piotta. A goal by Marcel Noebels was not enough for the Berliners to avert the fourth friendly defeat in a row.
In front of 5557 spectators in the Gottardo Arena, André Heim with two goals, Diego Kostner, Michael Spacek and Valentin Hofer gave the hosts a clear lead before Noebels scored the only goal for the Berliners in a power play eight minutes before the end of the game. The final point was set by Heim again, who scored a third time outnumbered.
The polar bears will play their first competitive game of the season next Thursday. Then they will play against French champions Grenoble at the start of the Champions Hockey League (CHL).
The main round in the German Ice Hockey League (DEL) begins for the defending champion on September 18 with an away game at the Nürnberg Ice Tigers.