It’s about millions of euros
Traditional club celebrates return to the first division – but there is a catch
April 25, 2026 – 7:21 a.mReading time: 1 min.
A founding member of the DEL wins the final series in the second highest division and thus secures the right to promotion. But a return to the first league is not yet completely certain.
Four years after relegation, the Krefeld Pinguins have managed to return to the German Ice Hockey League (DEL) – at least in terms of sport. The team of former Bremerhaven successful coach Thomas Popiesch also won the fourth DEL2 final at the Kassel Huskies with 5:2 (0:1, 2:1, 3:0) and won the championship of the second league and thus the right to promotion.
It is not yet certain whether the two-time German champion will actually return to the DEL. Penguins main shareholder Peer Schopp recently put the chances of being able to deposit the necessary 1.4 million euros for the licensing process in the DEL at “60:40”. But we are “on a very good path”.
Krefeld had applied for promotion before the season, but expressed concerns a few weeks ago as to whether the financial requirements could be met.
