In a recent video conference, the Deutscher Eishockey-Bund and the North and South leagues determined the procedure for the play-offs for the 2020/21 season. To carry out the final round, the previous Corona testing strategy will be updated and the testing rhythm will be intensified. The clubs agreed to make the previous rapid tests mandatory for teams and referees before games and to use a PCR test at least once a week on a voluntary basis. There will also be a PCR entry test before the start of the play-offs. In addition, the hygiene standards in the implementing regulations have been revised and sharpened - and will apply in this form from Friday.
Oberliga Süd he came DEB agreed that the so-called challenge round among the top six in the table will be foregone. After the end of the main round, which is definitely set for March 16th, these teams will go straight into the play-off quarter-finals (“best-of-five”); the pre-play-offs for the teams in places seven to ten will take place (May 19th). . and March 21). The originally planned placement round is also cancelled. The Oberliga Nord will host its champion in best-of-three mode in all rounds from the quarterfinals onwards. The pre-playoffs will take place in knockout mode on April 7th.
Since there is still an opportunity for promotion to the DEL2 for the upper league teams, the upper league championship will definitely be played. If a team were to make it to the grand final that does not have the prerequisites for DEL2 promotion, then there would - if possible - be a replacement eligible for promotion. The Oberliga champion should normally be determined after a “best-of-five” series by May 9, 2021 at the latest. It is also possible to host a league final and an additional promotion final. The exact scenarios and the design of the replacement regulations will be precisely defined by the start of the play-offs.
The following general procedure was agreed in the case of quarantine regulations before play-off series:
If a team is subject to a quarantine obligation before the start of a play-off series in any round (up to a maximum of 30 hours before the opening faceoff) and does not demonstrate a minimum strength (9+1) by the above-mentioned deadline, the team will be eliminated early Play-offs out. In such a case, a replacement regulation applies.
The following general procedure was agreed in the event of positive test results in the play-offs:
If a team has a positive corona test result (rapid test or PCR) during a play-off series, this team is not entitled to continue taking part in the series for the time being. The instructions of the respective health authority and the league management DEB-Association doctor must be followed. Every game that the team misses due to a lack of clearance from the health department or the DEBs missed, it is considered lost according to the game rules. If both teams in a play-off series are eliminated, a replacement rule applies.
DEB-League leader Markus Schubert: “We constructively and collaboratively discussed the final path to the Oberliga final of this extraordinary season with all the Oberliga clubs. The approval of the clubs for the medical department's approval is commendable DEB proposed test strategy for the play-offs. It is clear to every club that an intensified and stricter testing strategy as well as similar hygiene requirements are absolutely necessary to ensure that the play-offs run as safely as possible and to provide even greater protection for the health of everyone involved. All clubs have implemented the previous test strategy with great care within the scope of their possibilities. With the measures we have decided and specified, we hope that we can carry out the play-offs properly within the specified calendar. We are very confident because we started the season with 'professional league' status, we want to do justice to that and end the season properly with responsibility for ice hockey throughout Germany."