Munich (AP) – Mathias Niederberger just wanted to enjoy the beautiful moment. After his second championship in the German Ice Hockey League, the 29-year-old national keeper did not allow himself to think about his future.
“That’s not a question for now,” said the outstanding goalkeeper, who had led his Eisbären Berlin to a decisive 5-0 in the DEL final series at EHC Red Bull Munich with breathtaking saves and reflexes.
Goalie makes the difference
When he said his words in the golden rain of confetti for the defending champion, the Düsseldorfer stood exactly where he will play in the coming season, according to unconfirmed information – in Munich. “He was the big difference, no question,” said EHC coach Don Jackson with a smile. Niederberger had spectacularly demonstrated to everyone involved why the financially strong club of the Austrian shower empire wanted him for the new season.
“It was one of the best I’ve played. And at the right time, »said Niederberger confidently. His coach Serge Aubin said: “That was maybe the best game I’ve ever seen from him.” Munich’s keeper Henrik Haukeland should also have swallowed. Because until the final series, the Norwegian, who had been re-signed during the season, was considered the keeper in the best form in the league.
Then Niederberger turned up the heat and in the last three finals conceded an average of just 0.78 goals per game with an outstanding catch rate of 97 percent and made it clear: the best German goalkeeper outside of the NHL is also the best DEL keeper.
Munich is waiting for the title
In fact, Niederberger’s commitment could be the piece in the mosaic that the EHC is still missing for the long-awaited fourth championship. The Munich team has been waiting for them since 2018, despite a great deal of effort. When Niederberger left his home club Düsseldorfer EG for Berlin with a heavy heart in 2020, the polar bears became a top team again. In 2021, after eight years without a title, a championship followed for the Berliners. According to reports, an exchange is now taking place: Haukeland should be in the Berliner Tor next season.
For Niederberger, his final demonstration after the Olympic fiasco was also a strong sign towards the national team. Like the entire DEB selection, the son of former national defender Andreas Niederberger had delivered disappointing performances in Beijing. Niederberger now seems to be at his peak of the season and also wants to go back to the World Cup in Finland (May 13th to 28th) – although NHL star keeper and Stanley Cup winner Philipp Grubauer from Seattle Kraken is likely to be set there. “I’m available, let’s put it that way,” said Niederberger. Whether he will also be there will be decided in the coming week.
First, however, the big party was announced – for the first time since 2019 as a boisterous party. “Now we finally have the fans with us again, and I hope that Berlin will be turned upside down in the next three or four days,” said defender Kai Wissmann, who could also slip into the World Cup squad, at MagentaSport. For the DEL, too, the master freestyle in the small Munich Olympia Hall, which was sold out with 5533 spectators, was associated with many hopes of a final return to normality.
Also coming season with 15 teams
After the canceled 2019/2020 season at the beginning of the Corona pandemic, the shortened past season without spectators and also the partially still difficult past season, clubs and the league are finally hoping for more planning security again. “The halls have now filled up again. That’s a great feeling. It’s nice to be able to go into the summer like this,” said DEL Managing Director Gernot Tripcke.
Because Krefeld Pinguine, who were relegated, did not go before the DEL arbitration board, the league was spared an annoying summer theatre. The coming season will also feature 15 teams. The licensing of the sporty climber Löwen Frankfurt is considered a formality. In a year’s time, the playoffs should also be played again in the usual length and in the best-of-seven format. “Hopefully without Corona then,” said Tripcke.
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