The Dresdner Eislöwen have reacted to their sporting misery and relieved coach Niklas Sundblad of his duties with immediate effect. This was announced by the promoted team in the German Ice Hockey League. Sports director Matthias Roos is also no longer responsible for the sporting aspects of the team, which is bottom of the table. Roos will continue to support the club in administrative tasks for the time being, while sporting responsibility will be realigned, the statement said.
Niklas Sundblad came to the Elbe in January 2024, celebrated the DEL2 championship title with the Dresdeners last season and led the team to promotion. The experienced Swedish coach and his players sparked great euphoria at the club.
The 52-year-old, who won German championship titles as a player and coach, put together a team with many older, experienced players together with sports director Matthias Roos in the summer. However, the euphoria quickly gave way to disillusionment. The team has shown itself to be unfit for the first division in several areas and has just three wins and nine points to its name in 23 games to date.
