The star program of the Deutscher Eishockey-Bund (DEB) eV for the promotion of young talent remains a success story. Five years after the start of the measure as part of the overall POWERPLAY 26 concept, further progress has been made. The number of clubs in the three highest German leagues that received the highest rating of five stars has increased from 12 to 13. In the German Ice Hockey League (DEL), nine clubs and three clubs in the DEL2 received this award Oberliga Süd another club. 12 of 14 DEL clubs were rated four or five stars. Overall, a slight increase in the level of the DEL can be seen based on the points system. Almost 60 clubs are part of the DEBstar program.
It is noticeable that the DEL2 clubs received high ratings, especially in the areas of U9/U11 and U13/U15 teams. In the Oberliga Süd Many clubs have improved their scores significantly over the past five years, including in the Oberliga Nord A positive overall development can be observed in some cases. The evaluations were based on over 300 visits to the club DEB, in which training and education were examined and discussed, but issues of player support also played a role.
As part of the star program, the clubs below the DEL will receive a total of 2019 euros as a bonus for their young talent commitment in the 20/851.500 season, which means an increase of 73.000 euros compared to the previous season. The best grade of all clubs for the 2019/20 season was received Kölner Haie with 189 out of a maximum possible 193 points.
Ernst Höfner, DEB-Head coach club support and talent support:
“After five years of the Star Programme as part of the DEB-Concept POWERPLAY 26, we have noticed a clearly positive development when it comes to the training of young ice hockey talent. On the one hand, the existing top locations were able to maintain their level or even expand it further. On the other hand, through our incentives and intensive, personal support, we have succeeded in bringing other clubs to the desired level - even if there is still a need for optimization here and there.
Our main task therefore remains to inspire even more children and young people to take up our sport and to create the necessary infrastructure in clubs across the country. This is the only way we can succeed in bringing even more future national players up to the top international level. More and more young players are currently making the leap into professional play and all of our national teams are first class."
The “Five Star Clubs” at a glance:
Eisbären Berlin (DEL)
Krefeld Pinguine (DEL)
Iserlohn Roosters (DEL)
Kölner Haie (DEL)
Adler Mannheim (DEL)
Schwenninger Wild Wings (DEL)
Augsburger Panther (DEL)
ERC Ingolstadt (DEL)
Düsseldorfer EG (DEL)
Bietigheim Steelers (DEL2)
Dresden Ice Lions (DEL2)
EV Landshut (DEL2)
EV Regensburg (OL South)