The German Ice Hockey Federation (DEB) is moving with its home tournament and returns to its roots. After three years in Augsburg – and a total of nine years in Bavaria – the Deutschland Cup will be held in Krefeld from November onwards.
“Going to the birthplace of the DEB after 55 years is a historic highlight,”said DEB President Franz Reindl on Thursday at the KönigPalast, the home of the Krefeld Penguins in the German Ice Hockey League (DEL).
The DEB and the operators of the Krefeld Arena agreed on a three-year contract:”There were several applicants. We believe that we have a large catchment area in North Rhine-Westphalia,”said Reindl. The DEB was founded in Krefeld in 1963.
As an opponent of the German national team at the 29. So far, only Slovakia has been chosen for the second edition of this traditional tournament. Canada, Russia and Switzerland competed for the other two places on the grid.
Reindl has a record number of spectators in Krefeld:”The hall is big enough. It’s a miniature World Cup. In Augsburg last November, 32,000 fans visited the six matches last November. Curious: The King’s Palace has not yet signed a contract with the penguins for the next DEL season:”We’ve always found a way,” said Krefeld’s Lord Mayor Frank Meyer,”I’m still optimistic.