Ice Hockey: DEL: Straubing hires coach Pokel

US-American Tom Pokel is the new coach of the Straubing Tigers from the German Ice Hockey League (DEL).

The 50-year-old follows Bill Stewart, who was fired from the last man in the standings a good week ago. Pokel will make his debut alongside co-trainer Rob Leask on Friday in the away game at Eisbären Berlin.

Pokel last worked at the HC Bolzano in South Tyrol. In Germany he has worked for Schwenningen, Ingolstadt and Bietigheim in the past.

He knows the scene in Europe and is very experienced,”said Tigers Sports Director Jason Dunham.