The ERC Ingolstadt has fended off the first match ball of the Cologne Haie in the semi -finals of the German Ice Hockey League (DEL). The main round winner defeated the Rhinelander 3-0 (1: 0, 1: 0, 1: 0) after three defeats, in the best-of-Seven series it is now 2: 3 from the point of view of the Upper Bavaria.
The Rhinelanders have the next chance to reach the final for the first time in eleven years in front of their own fans in the Lanxess Arena. There is defending champion Eisbären Berlin, who had clearly prevailed against the Adler Mannheim in his semi -finals. A possible game seven between Cologne and Ingolstadt would take place on Tuesday.
Daniel Schmölz (20th), Austen Keating (37th) and Mathew Bodie (58.) secured the efficient hosts. Ingolstadt determined the game over long distances. Cologne initially set only a pineapple, but Justin Schütz (34th) gave the clearest opportunity to equalize. The increased attack efforts of the guests in the final third remained unrequested, Bodie made the decision with his conclusion in the empty Cologne goal.
The sharks were last in the DEL final in 2014, at that time there was a 3: 4 against Ingolstadt. After the success on Friday evening, ERC may hope for his first move into the final series since 2023 (1: 4 against Red Bull Munich).