Again no title for the Adler Mannheim: after a season full of commitment, the hoped-for triumph did not materialize. How players and coaches look forward to the final and how the next step should be successful.
Adler Mannheim’s desire for the title continues to grow. While the Eisbären Berlin celebrated their twelfth championship in the German Ice Hockey League in front of the loudly whistling Adler fansthe Mannheim players stood in the background with their heads bowed.
The hope of a historic comeback after a 3-0 deficit in the final series is gone, Mannheim is still waiting for its first triumph since 2019. “It’s extremely bitter, extremely painful,” said Leon Gawanke in an interview with SWR. “I think we had what it takes to make a big splash this year.”
“It hurts us that we couldn’t give the fans the title,” said captain Marc Michaelis in the “MagentaSport” interview. Nevertheless, he is very proud to be from Mannheim and to play for the Adler.
After four clear defeats and only one win after overtime in game four, the Eagles are only left with the role of congratulators. “It’s extremely bitter to lose a final,” said Tom Kühnhackl, two-time Stanley Cup winner with the Pittsburgh Penguins. “Nevertheless, the team has shown throughout the season that they never give up and always fight until the end – no matter what the situation.”
The home team also tried everything in the ultimately decisive fifth duel and played without a goalkeeper in the final phase. But in the end there was only one goal – once again not enough to put the polar bears in serious trouble. “The disappointment is of course huge because the boys worked so hard and it was a lot of fun throughout the entire season,” said striker Alexander Ehl. “We can be proud of our performance in the playoffs, even if it’s difficult to see it that way now.”
New club DNA thanks to Eakins
After five unsuccessful attempts, the Eagles once again made it past the semi-finals. In the 2019/20 season, the season was also canceled due to the corona pandemic. Now coach and sports manager Dallas Eakins has given his team and the club a new DNA – only the coronation was missing – at least for the time being.
Eakins believes that his team can benefit from the experience that series champion Berlin has had for years in the future. “Playing a final gives you knowledge and experience,” he said. “I think we handled our emotions well. But there are little things that we need to improve to take the next step.”
Contactor failure is serious
The Adler were particularly hit by the injury to top performer Justin Schütz in the crucial phase. Due to the loss of the national player, who, according to information from “Mannheimer Morgen”, will not be available for the World Cup in Switzerland, the Mannheim team lost their efficiency.
In the coming season, the Eagles will make a new attempt – with an almost unchanged line-up. “Having some continuity with your players is important. Changing everything after a loss in the final is not smart,” said Eakins. “Of course there is a lot to do, but we have a great core.” The Eagles have undoubtedly taken the next step, but they are still missing the final step.
