From BZ/dpa
Also because of the long-term major injury worries, the DEL champion has so far lagged behind his own claims. But now coach Aubin has some additional options on the defensive.
Before the next DEL home game, the Eisbären Berlin have unfamiliar personal opportunities on the defensive.
Eisbär Korbinian Geibel is back, coach Serge Aubin is now hoping for more stability in defence Photo: City Press
With Brendan Guhle and Corbinian Geibel Before the game against the Nürnberg Ice Tigers on Friday evening (7.30 p.m.), two defenders who had been injured for a long time trained fully with the team again, and Rayan Bettahar, another defensive talent, was signed at the beginning of the week.
“It’s definitely nice to see so many players on the ice,” said coach Serge Aubin on Thursday. “This is immediately evident in the higher pace in training. The energy seems to be very high.” Which of the three defenders will be in the line-up on Friday will only be revealed on the day of the match. “Once I know exactly how everyone is feeling, I’ll make the final decision,” Aubin said.
Polar Bear trainer Serge Aubin. A win against Nürnberg would be important to catch up in the table Photo: City Press
It is quite possible that Guhle and Geibel will still be spared and that 18-year-old Bettahar will be able to celebrate his DEL debut. The German U18 international only moved to the capital from the Canadian junior league Western Hockey League (WHL) a few days ago, but he has already made a good impression. “Obviously it’s a big step from junior to pro hockey, but it just got better and better as the week went on,” said Aubin.
Bettahar himself is already looking forward to his premiere in polar bear jersey: “I actually couldn’t refuse the offer from Berlin. The decision was very easy for me,” said the German-Pole with his Algerian father. Bettahar emphasized that his dream of establishing himself in North America has not yet burst. “Berlin and the DEL have proven that many players manage to go over there again and assert themselves.”