Kölner Haie Return to Action Against Dresdner Eislöwen After Olympic Break
After a nearly four-week pause coinciding with the Winter Olympics, the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL) resumes play this Wednesday, February 25th. The Cologne Sharks (Kölner Haie) will host the Dresdner Eislöwen at the Lanxess Arena, with puck drop scheduled for 7:30 PM CET. This marks the start of the final stretch of the regular season for both teams, as they compete for playoff positioning. The Lanxess Arena is expected to be sold out, though fans are encouraged to check the official ticket shop for potential resale opportunities.
The Kölner Haie enter the game as heavy favorites, boasting a dominant record this season. However, they experienced a rare setback just before the Olympic break, falling to the Löwen Frankfurt 1-4 on January 31st, ending a remarkable 16-game winning streak. Despite this recent loss, the Sharks have historically dominated the Eislöwen, winning all three previous encounters this season by a combined score of 18-3. Their October matchup in Cologne resulted in a decisive 5-0 victory, with Patrick Russell scoring a hat trick, supported by goals from Gregor MacLeod and Frederik Storm. Sofascore provides detailed statistics and game information.
Team Form and Standings
KEC (Kölner Haie): Prior to the Olympic pause, the Sharks had been on an extraordinary run, securing 16 consecutive wins. Their recent defeat against Frankfurt was their first since early December. The team’s offensive prowess has been a key factor in their success, and they currently rank second in the DEL with 52 goals scored in the first period, trailing only Nürnberg Ice Tigers by one goal. Patrick Russell leads the league with a +30 plus-minus rating, demonstrating his all-around impact on the game.
DRE (Dresdner Eislöwen): The Dresdner Eislöwen face a significant uphill battle as they navigate their inaugural season in the PENNY DEL. They have struggled recently, losing their last eight games and winning only one of their past eleven, a 5-2 upset victory against Mannheim in early January. With three wins in 22 away games (in Mannheim, Augsburg, and Frankfurt), the Eislöwen currently occupy the last place in the DEL standings with 23 points, trailing the 13th-placed Löwen Frankfurt by 19 points. The PENNY DEL website provides detailed standings and game schedules.
Key Statistics and Player Performance
- The Kölner Haie are the second-most prolific first-period scoring team in the DEL, with 52 goals, just behind Nürnberg. The Dresdner Eislöwen, in contrast, have scored only 24 goals in the first period, placing them near the bottom of the league.
- Patrick Russell of the Kölner Haie currently holds the best plus-minus statistic in the DEL, with a +30 rating.
- In their three previous matchups, the Kölner Haie conceded only three goals even as scoring 18 against the Dresdner Eislöwen.
- Gregor MacLeod of the Kölner Haie has recorded a point in each of his last five games, while Rourke Chartier of the Dresdner Eislöwen has achieved the same in his last four.
- During their January encounter, the Kölner Haie capitalized on two power-play opportunities.
Ticket Information and Away Game Access
Fans planning to attend the Kölner Haie’s away games can uncover ticket information and purchase options through the respective clubs’ official websites. For the game against the Eisbären Berlin on September 9th and December 7th, tickets are available through the Eisbären Berlin website. Tickets for the matches against the Iserlohn Roosters can be purchased via the Dresdner Eislöwen website, with pre-sale starting on July 21st for standing room tickets and August 25th for seated tickets. The Kölner Haie offer tickets for their home games through their official ticket shop, with group tickets available through fan support. Pre-sale for the February 25th game against Dresden began on September 17th, and the December 10th game on December 10th.
Player Insight
“We want to find our game again after the break, to get back to where we were before and what we did well throughout the season. It might take a little while for everyone to be fully in the flow, but I think we’ve done a good job over the past two weeks of training.”
DOMINIK BOKK
Dominik Bokk’s statement highlights the team’s focus on regaining their momentum after the Olympic break. The Sharks recognize the potential for a slight adjustment period as they reintegrate into game rhythm, but express confidence in their preparation during the training period.
The Kölner Haie’s return to DEL action promises an exciting contest against the Dresdner Eislöwen. While the Sharks are heavily favored, the Eislöwen will undoubtedly be looking to defy expectations and secure a much-needed victory. The game at the Lanxess Arena is expected to draw a large crowd, creating a vibrant atmosphere for both teams.
The next scheduled game for the Dresdner Eislöwen is against the Fischtown Pinguins on March 15, 2026, in Bremerhaven. Fans can stay updated on the team’s schedule and results through the official PENNY DEL website and the Dresdner Eislöwen’s social media channels.
What are your predictions for the game? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with fellow hockey fans!