The nationwide taster week was also in its second year. “We are ice hockey” a complete success. Numerous clubs from the PENNY DEL, the DEL2, a DEB leagues (Oberliga Süd, Oberliga Nord, German Young Talent Leagues) and the State associations They once again participated in the action week and opened their doors to children interested in ice hockey and their families.
The response was overwhelming: Many children, whether with prior experience or not, seized the opportunity to discover ice hockey and gain their first experiences on the ice. They tried their hand at Kids Days, skating schools, short training sessions with professionals, and other interactive activities with visible enthusiasm. All necessary equipment was provided, allowing all participants to get started without any hassle.
Parents also received comprehensive insights into entry opportunities, procedures, and club structures. Numerous volunteers and coaches were highly committed and expressed their satisfaction with the event and its reception. A big thank you goes to them all.
For families who missed the taster week or whose nearest club was unable to offer a specific program, regularly scheduled running schools and beginner training sessions are available as alternatives. A list of relevant clubs can be found at: https://www.deb-online.de/5-sterne-programm/schnupperwoche/
The taster week once again demonstrated the high level of interest in ice hockey. Thanks to the many dedicated clubs, both children and parents were equally enthusiastic. A follow-up to the "We are Ice Hockey" taster week in November 2026 is therefore already being considered.
Ulrich Liebsch, Young Talent Coordinator of the PENNY DEL"Participation in the Action Week among the PENNY DEL's founding clubs was once again very high. A wide variety of activities were offered – from taster days at the skating school to a so-called 'buddy training' where young talent players could bring friends along to practice, to kids' days on the sidelines of PENNY DEL games. The Action Week definitely drew a lot of attention to young talent ice hockey. And we are very optimistic that the skating schools at both the large and smaller clubs in Germany will continue to be well-attended throughout the rest of the season. Therefore, we would like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who helped out."
Talent and location development DEL2 Markus Gleich: "We are very pleased with the participation and implementation at our locations again this year. The clubs did a fantastic job, thank you all! There were many activities for children at all locations. It was also wonderful to see the professional teams involved. This meant that many children and coaches could be seen live on TV during halftime interviews, games, press conferences, the introduction of the starting six, as player escorts, and in many other activities. Sabine Hahn's reading session was also a great success." Starbulls Rosenheim. "
DEB-Head coach talent development and club support Florian Ondruschka"This year's action week was also..." We are ice hockey A resounding success! Many locations organized events this week that allowed children and parents to easily get to know the sport. The collaboration between the national federation, state associations, and the PENNY DEL and DEL2 leagues is particularly gratifying and is set to be further expanded in the coming years. "We would like to sincerely thank everyone who so actively supported the Young Talent Ice Hockey program and thus made it possible once again to offer and carry out the numerous activities of the taster week."