The Eisbären Berlin were in a class of their own. © Social Media / Eisbären Berlin

Total dominance: Eisbären Berlin are German champions again

The Eisbären Berlin have won the German Ice Hockey League championship for the eleventh time. On Friday evening, the defending champions won the decisive final game against the Kölner Haie.

25 April 2025

From: dpa

For the third time in a row, the record champions won 7-0 (4-0, 2-0, 1-0), thus taking the best-of-seven series 4-1. Zach Boychuk scored a brace, while Gabriel Fontaine, Ty Ronning, Marcel Noebels, Yannick Veilleux, and Frederik Tiffels also scored for the capital city team, who once again dominated in every respect. Goalkeeper Jake Hildebrand kept a clean sheet for the third consecutive game.

In front of 14.200 spectators in the sold-out arena at Ostbahnhof, the hosts seamlessly continued their brilliant performance from the start, finishing 48 hours earlier with a 7-0 away win. Boychuk opened the scoring in the third minute, and Fontaine doubled the lead just 19 seconds later.

Berlin a class better

Cologne coach Kari Jalonen called an early timeout and substituted goalkeeper: Tobias Ancicka replaced Julius Hudacek. The former Eisbären goalie couldn't prevent another thrashing victory against the uncompetitive Haie. Goals from Ronning (8th minute) and Noebels (12th minute) put the Berlin team ahead 4-0 in the opening period. After the first break, the hosts didn't let up: Veilleux (24th minute) and Boychuk again (30th minute) extended the lead for the capital city team, who, as in previous matches, defended with focus and showcased their individual talent in attack.

It wasn't until the final period that the Eisbären relaxed, given their clear lead, especially since the fans in the stands had already begun to celebrate. Tiffels, however, ensured that Berlin won their third game in a row, 7-0 (54th minute).