December 17, 2022 was a historic evening for Hannover, for the Oberliga and especially for German ice hockey. 35.000 spectators experienced a true spectacle of musical and sporting highlights with the Ice Hockey Open Air in the Heinz von Heiden Arena. The highlight of the day was the unique city derby between the Hannover Scorpions and the Hannover Indians.
The unforgettable day started with two U11 young talent games. The ESG Hannover, a joint team of the Scorpions and Indians, duelled with the young ice hockey stars from Stuttgart and Bad Tölz. The victories went to the youth team from Hanover. Afterwards, the bands "Culcha Candela" and "Fury and the Slaughterhouse" warmed up and prepared the audience for the upcoming charity game in which the Per Mertesacker Foundation challenged the team from Kinderherz Hannover eV. The celebrities from sport, politics, business and culture as well as former ice hockey professionals played for a good cause. Per Mertesacker, Oliver Pocher, Tino Boos and Patrick Köppchen, among others, put on ice hockey jerseys and ensured an absolutely exciting match, which the Per Mertesacker Foundation team won 4:3 in the end.
Image: Oliver Vosshage -
Image: Oliver Vosshage
DJ "Alle Farben" then created a sparkling atmosphere. The mood couldn't have been better - despite the prevailing sub-zero temperatures. Before the derby provided the crowning finale, a grandiose opening show gave the spectators in the stadium goosebumps. Rudolf Schenker from the Hanover hard rock band Scorpions was also there. In addition to touching music, a pyrotechnic, fire and light show ensured absolute enthusiasm. The opening show came to a fitting end with the German national anthem, sung LIVE by Sophia.
And now we went into the derby. The omens predicted a victory for the Scorpions, after all they are unbeaten in twelve derbies against the Indians. Head coach Kevin Gaudet's team also dominated the game in the first third and consequently took a 2-0 lead into the first break. In the middle period it was 3-0, but then it was the Hannover Indians' time. They came close again with two goals and the atmosphere in the arena was shaking. Ultimately, the Scorpions didn't let this deter them and secured a 5-2 win, their 13th derby win in a row and their 15th win in a row in the current main round. With a lead of 23 points, they are still the measure of all things in the Oberliga Nord.
Marc Hindelang, DEB-Vice President “Congratulations to the organizers who made this event possible and brought international attention to the Oberliga. This symbiosis of sport, entertainment and charity has never existed before in ice hockey. Like such events from the Fans “Being accepted is a huge support for our sport and will certainly have a positive impact on our German bid to host the 2027 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship.”
Nicholas Rausch, commercial Director DEB-Leagues: “A big thank you also goes to the clubs for this great event. The entire event was not only a great advertisement for German ice hockey, but also showed what importance the top league now has. In addition, a new record was set for a major league game with 35.000 spectators.”