The Eisbären Berlin have once again proven their dominance in the German Ice Hockey League, clinching their eleventh championship title with a resounding 7:0 victory over the Kölner Haie on Friday, April 25, 2025. This decisive win marked the fourth in the best-of-seven playoff final series, with the Eisbären showcasing their prowess throughout the competition.
In front of a sold-out crowd of 14,200 at the arena am Ostbahnhof, the fans honored Eisbären striker Tobi Eder, who tragically passed away from cancer earlier this year. The atmosphere was electric as chants of "Tobi Eder" filled the arena, a poignant reminder of the team's spirit and unity. National defender Jonas Müller expressed the team's motivation, stating, "Man hat gemerkt, dass wir es auch für Tobi gemacht haben. Ich bin richtig stolz auf die Mannschaft. Jeder hat sich seinen Arsch aufgerissen und für den anderen gekämpft," which translates to, "You could tell we did it for Tobi. I am really proud of the team. Everyone worked their butt off and fought for each other."
Under the guidance of head coach Serge Aubin, the Eisbären have firmly established themselves as a powerhouse in German ice hockey, securing their fourth title in five years. This latest championship elevates the Eisbären to third place in the all-time list of German ice hockey champions, surpassing SC Riessersee, which has ten titles. They now trail only the Berliner Schlittschuh-Club with 19 titles and EV Füssen with 16.
The Eisbären's victory was not merely a win; it was a statement. They dominated the final series, achieving a staggering aggregate score of 27:3 over five games, with three of those games ending in a 7:0 rout. The Haie, who were making their first finals appearance in eleven years, struggled to keep pace with the Eisbären's relentless attack.
The scoring frenzy began early in the match. Just 2:52 into the first period, Zach Boychuk found the back of the net, followed closely by Gabriel Fontaine at 3:11, giving Berlin a quick 2-0 lead. The Haie, despite a promising start where they nearly scored in the opening minute, could not maintain their momentum. Instead, they found themselves on the receiving end of a two-goal blitz that set the tone for the rest of the game.
As the first period progressed, Ty Ronning added to the Eisbären's tally at 7:51, showcasing his skill with a powerful shot that soared over the goalkeeper's shoulder. Marcel Noebels then made it 4-0 at 11:17, capitalizing on a rebound. The Eisbären were relentless, and the Haie could not find a way to halt the onslaught.
The second period saw the Eisbären continue their dominance. Yannick Veilleux scored at 23:45, and Boychuk struck again at 29:21, pushing the score to 6-0. The Haie managed to create some chances, including a shot from Maximilian Kammerer that hit the post, but they were unable to convert any opportunities into goals.
As the game entered the final period, the Eisbären focused on maintaining their lead while the atmosphere in the arena shifted to one of celebration. Frederik Tiffels capped off the scoring at 53:52, bringing the final score to 7-0. The Eisbären's performance throughout the series was nothing short of spectacular, and their efficiency in front of goal was a key factor in their success.
After the game, Haie coach Kari Jalonen acknowledged the Eisbären's superiority, stating, "Hut ab vor den Eisbären. Die ganze Organisation hat eine neue Dynastie begründet," which translates to, "Hats off to the Eisbären. The whole organization has founded a new dynasty." His sentiments reflect the respect the Eisbären have garnered throughout the league.
Despite the defeat, the Kölner Haie can look back on a season that saw them reach the finals after a long absence. They fought valiantly but ultimately fell short against a team that was simply on another level. National striker Justin Schütz, who will be joining the Adler Mannheim next season, expressed the team's determination to show their resilience, stating, "Unsere letzten Spiele waren nicht finalwürdig. Heute ist die ganze Mannschaft gefragt. Wir wollen allen Leuten zeigen, dass wir uns noch nicht aufgegeben haben," meaning, "Our last games were not worthy of the finals. Today, the whole team is called upon. We want to show everyone that we haven't given up yet."
As the Eisbären Berlin celebrate their championship victory, they solidify their status not just as champions but as a dynasty in the making. With their eyes set on future successes, they have left an indelible mark on the German ice hockey landscape.
