Home game against ERC Ingolstadt: It will be full again at the Eisbären Berlin – Sport
The framework for a dignified reception in the new sporting home was set. After Eisbären access Frans Nielsen, 37, and his family had safely landed in Berlin, moved into their new home and inspected the cabin, nothing stood in the way of a debut against ERC Ingolstadt on Sunday in the arena at Ostbahnhof (14 Watch / Magentasport). With more spectators than last, now that only those who have recovered and are vaccinated (2G) are allowed to enter the hall – but according to the specifications – all seats and standing places are allowed.
On Saturday, however, it is not yet entirely clear whether Nielsen and die viewers will be able to get to know each other on Sunday. The first planned training session with the new colleagues on Friday had to be canceled due to a gastrointestinal infection that the Dane had caught. The next day, the 949-time NHL crack was finally on the ice and coach Serge Aubin was optimistic that Nielsen’s debut in the EHC jersey against the weak can take place in the season that has just started. “He looked good on the ice and of course we hope that he can play.” Because the final medical decision was still pending.
With all the anticipation, from a purely sporting point of view there is no need for the polar bears to rush Nielsen’s premiere. Because the Berliners won the last five competitive games and seem more well-rehearsed and harmonious from week to week. Striker Marcel Noebels says: “We also have some new players who have come into a new environment here. Now that everyone has gathered, we’re getting better and better. ”So there is justified hope of regularly celebrating a home win with the fans. As is well known, the flight home after four league defeats ended on their own ice last Sunday with the 5: 3 against Kölner Haie.
Noebels is looking forward to what feels like normality
Little by little, dying energy from the stands will feel like it did in the past for the players. However, it is not to be expected that the hall will be fully utilized. On the other hand, the polar bears only received the certainty on late Friday afternoon that the application for a 2G approval would be granted. It will also take time for this new state to be established. Major events in pandemic times remain a challenge.
Of course, the polar bears’ 2G decision not only met with approval. Employees of the office, who for this reason sometimes let themselves be insulted. The association reacted clearly in the social networks: “NO employees of the Eisbären Berlin are insulted, neither by phone nor online. We will also pass on the very hard cases to the appropriate offices. We expect normal manners and tones from everyone. “
“Ice hockey with a mask is no fun”
Spencer Theile, the 1st chairman of the Fanbogen Förderverein only knows one person in his environment who completely rejects the 2G rule and therefore keeps a distance from the association. Otherwise he had the impression “that people are getting involved.” As a supporter who regularly accompanies the team on away trips, he has repeatedly experienced framework conditions in recent months that massively reduce the enjoyment of ice hockey. At the away game in Bietigheim almost two weeks ago, for example, he still had to wear a mask in the guest block. “Ice hockey with a mask is no fun,” he says. Traveling away from home without catering is even less fun, as experienced at the Dolomites Cup in summer. Accordingly, he is looking forward to the new freedoms in Berlin.
In return, he is happy to accept that the crowd at the food stands in the arena at Ostbahnhof will increase again. And on the ice, access to Frans Nielsen could soon raise the athletic level even further.
