From BZ/dpa
The capital city team has put the messed up previous season behind them and is confidently heading into the new DEL season. At the start on Friday, a demanding task awaits the runner-up.
To the Eisbären Berlin and trainers Serge Aubin A real test awaits at the start of the season in the German Ice Hockey League (DEL). “I think this will be one of the biggest tests we will experience this season,” said the national player Marcel Noebels with a view to the home game against runner-up ERC Ingolstadt on Friday evening (7.30 p.m.).
“For me, Ingolstadt is still a top five team – but because we want exactly the same thing, it would be nice if we could set an example straight away,” said the 31-year-old attacker after training on Thursday. “But I assume that we have to play our best game in order to be able to score any points.”
Marcel Noebels has put a stop to the disappointing last season Photo: City Press
In any case, the conditions are positive for the capital city team: During the course of the preparation, the thoroughly restructured squad came together better and better, and the last three test matches were all won. “I think we are all very, very well prepared,” said Noebels. “I’m happy that we’re finally in the starting blocks.”
The disappointing previous season, in which the DEL record champions missed the playoffs, has long been over for him. “This is history,” emphasized Noebels. “Now we have a new start that we want to make a positive start to – and hopefully collect points right at the beginning that will help us on the long road of the season, perhaps to swim right up there.”
The Berliners are also confident that they have hardly any personnel concerns: only the ailing new signing Patrice Cormier is expected to be missing on Friday.