Much anticipation ahead of the Eislöwen vs. Eisbären open-air duel in the east

The first Eastern clash in open-air conditions between the Dresdner Eislöwen and the Eisbären Berlin is set to be a spectacle. Accordingly, there is great anticipation for the German Ice Hockey League (DEL) Winter Game this Saturday (17:00, live on MagentaSport and DF1) with around 32,000 spectators in the Rudolf Harbig Stadium, where second-division soccer team Dynamo Dresden normally plays its home games.

"We're really looking forward to the game," emphasized Berlin's sporting director Stéphane Richer, adding: "It's not just the players and coaches who are looking forward to it. The families and office staff are also there." Around 10,000 Berlin fans will accompany their team. "We are extremely proud to be able to host this game. It's a historic event for our club, the city and the entire region," explains Eislöwen Managing Director Maik Walsdorf. For the German champions from Berlin, however, it's also about important points in the fight for direct qualification for the play-off quarter-finals.