Düsseldorfer EG's relegation from the German Ice Hockey League (DEL) has been finalized by the promotion of the Dresdner Eislöwen. The Saxons won the DEL2 play-off series against the Ravensburg Towerstars by 2:1 in the decisive seventh final game and will compete in the DEL for the first time next season.
The decision was only made in overtime with a goal from Tomas Sykora. Bruno Riedl (22) had previously put Dresden in front, but Robbie Czarnik (56) equalized for the hosts.
If Ravensburg had won the final series, DEG, which had been relegated from the DEL, would have been saved after all. Unlike Dresden, Ravensburg does not meet the economic requirements for promotion.
DEG relegated for the first time ever
For the eight-time champions from Düsseldorf, it is the first ever relegation from the DEL in sporting terms. The traditional club had only announced on Friday that it had financially secured the next two seasons - regardless of the league. For a long time, DEG had no plans for DEL2 at all.
The two new managing directors Andreas Niederberger and Rick Amann must now put together a completely new team and find a new coach in the next four months.
Dresden first promoted team since 2022
Dresden is the first DEL promoted team in three years. Back then, the Löwen Frankfurt were promoted and the Krefeld Pinguine were relegated. Düsseldorf's local rivals have been struggling in vain to regain promotion ever since.
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