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Mathias Niederberger didn't allow a goal
Photo: IMAGO/Eibner press photo / Heike Feiner / IMAGO/Eibner
The Eisbären Berlin have defended their title and are German ice hockey champions for the ninth time.
In the fourth game of the final series against EHC Red Bull Munich, the Berliners easily prevailed 5-0 (1-0, 3-0, 1-0) and are now the sole record champions in German ice hockey.
Among the numerous strong performances by the polar bears, that of national goalkeeper Mathias Niederberger, who was euphorically celebrated by his teammates after the end of the game, stood out in particular.
"That was maybe the best game I've ever seen from him," said Eisbären master coach Serge Aubin afterwards at MagentaSport.
"I gave everything I had," said Niederberger himself.
Don Jackson, coach of the inferior Munich team, also praised him appreciatively: "He was the big difference, no question." The former Berlin champion coach could still be happy: Niederberger should play for the EHC in the coming season.
Early championship helps the national team
In addition to the 29-year-old from Düsseldorf in the Berliner Tor, merciless efficiency and experienced old stars were responsible for the decisive third win in the best-of-five series.
At 10:09 p.m., the polar bears cheered in a golden shower of confetti in Munich with the championship trophy.
Shortly before, the 37-year-old defender Frank Hördler had been named the most valuable player in the DEL playoffs.
Three goals from Matthew White (9th/37th/60th minute) and further goals from Frans Nielsen (25th) and Marcel Noebels (26th) ensured the necessary third win in the final series.
National coach Toni Söderholm should also have been happy that there will be no fifth game: From the two final teams, a good half dozen players could join the squad for the World Cup in Finland (13th to 29th May) in the coming week.
cev