Eisbären Berlin hold White and Boychuk

Berlin (dpa / bb)? Three days after winning the title in the German Ice Hockey League (DEL), personnel planning at Eisbären Berlin is already in full swing. On Monday, sports director Stéphane Richer announced a series of landmark decisions at a digital press conference. “The preparation for the new season begins now,” said the Canadian.

The attackers Matt White, Zach Boychuk and Giovanni Fiore will remain loyal to the German champions. The three import players have extended their contracts by a year, said Richer. “Everyone has shown their quality here and are very important for the team,” said the sports director. Especially White and Boychuk, who was only signed at the end of January, turned out to be absolute top performers. So White contributed seven playoff hits to win the title. The 24-year-old Fiore was convincing as a flexible role-player, was outnumbered and outnumbered and scored some decisive goals.

The Berliners also rely on consistency with their German contingent in defense: Captain Frank Hördler and the 21-year-old Eric Mik, who became an integral part of the team over the course of the season, each extended by one year, Jonas Müller and Kai Wissmann even signed new three-year contracts. “They showed in the playoffs that they are all important to us,” said Richer, highlighting the 36-year-old Hördler: “It’s amazing how he played this season at his age.” In addition, the veteran as captain is an “important part” of the team.

On the defensive, however, the capital city also face serious departures: Richer said that negotiations are still under way with Simon Després and Ryan McKiernan. Above all, the possible departure of McKiernan, who was voted the most valuable player in the DEL playoffs, would be a bitter loss: “He has once again reached a different level in the playoffs,” admitted the sports director. “We want to keep him, but the way Ryan played there are a lot of people interested.”

Richer also has little hope of Lukas Reichel’s whereabouts. The departure of the 18-year-old giant talent, who together with Marcel Noebels and Leonhard Pföderl formed an outstanding attack series, was expected: In last year’s draft of the National Hockey League (NHL), the Chicago Blackhawks had already selected Reichel in the first round. “At the moment Lukas is still under contract with us, but we assume that he will sign his first NHL contract and go to North America next season,” said Richer.

Six professionals definitely have to leave the club: Mark Olver, Kris Foucault, Pierre-Cédric Labrie, John Ramage, Fabian Dietz and Thomas Reichel did not receive any new contracts. “It was tough making the decisions, but we have to look ahead,” said Richer.

© dpa-infocom, dpa: 210510-99-543913 / 2

Source: DPA