German Ice Hockey League: 2:6 against Augsburg: Eisbären Berlin botched their home debut

The Eisbären Berlin suffered their first bitter setback on the third matchday of the German Ice Hockey League (DEL). On Friday evening, the German champions lost against the Augsburg Panthers 2:6 (1:1, 1:5, 0:0). Marcel Noebels and Mitch Reinke scored for the capital city team, who, after the two away wins at the start of the season, revealed serious weaknesses in defense and build-up play on their home debut.

Before the first home game of the season, the Berliners celebrated their tenth DEL title again with their fans: the championship banner was hoisted in the arena at Ostbahnhof, which was sold out with 14,200 spectators. After that, however, the home team had a hard time and made numerous mistakes right from the start. The guests took the lead in the 5th minute thanks to a powerplay goal from Riley McCourt.

The Berliners conceded five goals in the second third

Noebels was able to equalize in the meantime (11th), but the start of the second third also failed for the Eisbären. Immediately after the restart, Riley Damiani scored for Augsburg (21′). Just 45 seconds later, Alexander Oblinger extended the Swabians’ lead with a shorthanded goal, and Anthony Louis scored the guests’ fourth goal (27th).

Reinke reduced the deficit for the hosts (32′), but Anrei Hakulinen (38′) and Jason Bast (39′) ensured that Augsburg pulled ahead to 6-2 before the second break. In the final section, the Berliners couldn’t find a way to create tension again.