Because of the corona pandemic, the German Ice Hockey League (DEL) is only playing one relegated team this season. The responsible persons of the DEL and the DEL2 agreed on this.
“I am convinced that we have found a good solution for everyone involved through this agreement,” said DEL supervisory board chairman Jürgen Arnold: “Now we are looking at the continuation of the main round and the upcoming playoffs.”
Because of the corona effects with game transfers and ghost games, several DEL clubs had called for relegation to be suspended. The sporting and economic uncertainty is too great due to the pandemic.
After the rise of the Bietigheim Steelers, the DEL is currently playing with 15 clubs. Therefore, the bottom two of the table would actually have to be relegated if the Löwen Frankfurt were to become second division champions. The Hessians are the only club that had applied for promotion.
The compromise now provides that in the event of Frankfurt’s promotion, 15 clubs will also start in the coming season. After that, however, it should definitely be reduced back to 14.
“Together we have found a good solution, especially for sport, under the corona-related influences,” said Peter Merten, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of DEL2: “We see the special situation of the DEL in the current season and have found a way to support without losing the Suspend promotion and relegation again.” In return, the DEL of the 2nd league accommodated by guaranteeing possible promoters.