On Friday, September 13th, the time has come: The DEL2 starts its twelfth season! The past season has seen the Fans with breathtaking moments and a wealth of surprises. With the Event Games, a main round that was fought over until the last minute and four quarter-final series, all of which went the full distance of seven games - a first in German ice hockey - the 2023/2024 season will remain unforgettable. The crowning glory was the surprise champion, the Polar Bears Regensburg, who won the title after a thrilling playoff series.
An important innovation is the adapted promotion and relegation rules between the PENNY DEL and the DEL2, which was decided in spring. In particular, the infrastructure requirements were revised. One significant change concerns the minimum capacity of the arenas, which is now no longer required. This adjustment opens up the possibility for more locations in the DEL2 to prove that they have an arena for promotion through infrastructural improvements. This year, five clubs were therefore able to submit the required land guarantee, the application and the stadium proof to the PENNY DEL on time: the EC Kassel Huskies, the Krefeld Pinguine, the Dresden Ice Lions, the EV Landshut and the Starbulls RosenheimBut promotion won't be that easy - the DEL2 has already proven that many times. Regensburg and before that the Ravensburg Towerstars showed that nothing in this league is predictable or given to you for free.
As Favorite for promotion The Kassel Huskies are once again in the running. With a new coaching team and targeted reinforcements in the squad, they are targeting the first league. But there is competition. The Dresden Eislöwen have a strong goalkeeping duo, including none other than Danny aus den Birken, as well as experienced DEL players like Drew LeBlanc. They are joined by Andrew Yogan, the DEL2 player of the year. Krefeld also wants to have a say, as the traditional club still has great ambitions to return to the first league. The squad includes 17 players with experience in the DEL, which can further increase the chances of promotion.
Landshut and Rosenheim are also part of the extended circle of favoritesBoth clubs have strengthened themselves well and could shake up the league. However, the DEL2 would not be the DEL2 if one or two surprise teams would cause a sensation. Last year, in addition to the Eisbären, the Eispiraten Crimmitschau played a prominent role. Who will it be this time? Will it be the league newcomer who Blue Devils Weiden – the promoted team from the Oberliga.
Weiden has established itself as a stable location in German ice hockey in recent years. The region lives for the sport, and promotion to the DEL2 is a significant step in the development of the club. Or is it the Lausitzer Füchse, which currently has the youngest team with an average age of 24,6 years. The reigning champions, on the other hand, are not aiming to defend their title, but to stay in the league. And this will be a tough battle. Because the clubs that finish in 11th to 14th place after the main round will have to fight in the playdowns to avoid relegation.
Photos: DEL2
Around sporting competition In order to keep things exciting right up to the last matchday, the playdown mode was adjusted last year and made more precise this season. Depending on the point difference between the opponents, the better placed team needs fewer wins to stay in the league - this ensures excitement right up to the last minute.
If the gap is small, the respective series is shown in “Best of Seven“-mode.
0 – 10 points distance: Playdown round in best-of-seven mode.
11 – 20 points distance: The better placed team needs 3 wins to win the round, the worse placed team needs 4 wins.
More than 20 points difference: The better placed team needs 2 wins to win the round, the worse placed team needs 4 wins.
For Young Talents There is also another positive innovation: with the new "trial sponsorship contract", young players can prove themselves over a period of four weeks. If they are convincing, the contract will be converted into a U21 sponsorship contract - a big step towards the targeted promotion of young talent. There are visible changes in terms of safety: from this season, neck protection is compulsory for all players - a measure that is intended to reduce the risk of injury in this area.
The DEL2 is also breaking new ground in the media. Sportdeutschland.TV The league has found a new media partner. All games will now be broadcast on this platform, and the highlights will also be available on Magenta TV.
The Positive trend in Europe’s most popular second ice hockey league continued on an economic level. In the past season, the league recorded a total turnover of 61,8 million euros. For the coming season, the league is planning a budget (excluding finals) of 57,6 million euros.
The DEB wishes all teams and players in the DEL2 a successful season.