"Like a game seven in the final": East derby at DEL kick-off

A highly emotional East derby is on the program for the season opener of the German Ice Hockey League (DEL). On Tuesday evening, the defending champions Eisbären Berlin will host the ambitious up-and-coming Dresdner Eislöwen (7.30pm, live on Magentasport).

The arena at Ostbahnhof has been sold out for a long time. "It was like a game seven in the final - that's how high the demand for tickets was," said Eisbären managing director Thomas Bothstede. The guests from Saxony can also count on vociferous support. "3,000 to 4,000 fans" will accompany the Eislöwen to the capital, announced Dresden's managing director Maik Walsdorf in an interview with the Tagesspiegel.

Despite weak European Cup games: Anticipation prevails at the Eisbären

Before the start of the game, the Berliners want to celebrate their latest triumph once again. The championship banner for the eleventh DEL title won in April will then be hoisted under the roof of the arena. Afterwards, the Eisbären will have the chance to make up for their recent disappointments in the Champions Hockey League (CHL). At the weekend, they suffered sobering home defeats in the European Cup against Lukko Rauma from Finland and French champions Grenoble.

"I think everyone is fired up. The DEL is finally starting again," said defender Korbinian Geibel. "Sure, we've already had Champions League games, but the league is something else. We're really looking forward to it now."

Coach Serge Aubin is also looking forward to the "fresh start" in the league. "The enthusiasm and energy will be high on both sides," he said. "But we have to make sure we also play in a controlled way."