Overview

• Reigning champions Eisbären Berlin host promoted Dresdner Eislöwen tonight at 19:30, with MagentaSport streaming the opener free of charge.
• The 14,000-seat Uber-Arena is sold out, and Dresden expects 3,000 to 4,000 traveling supporters including sponsor contingents and multiple fan buses.
• Most DEL coaches again pick Berlin as clear title favorites, though the long-term absence of defender Kai Wissmann and recent CHL losses are noted weaknesses.
• Dresden coach Niklas Sundblad targets a tight defensive start to withstand early pressure and strike through counters and special teams with an experienced roster.
• DEL managing director Gernot Tripcke cites preliminary revenues just under €200 million and warns arena capacity is nearing its limits, with Düsseldorf’s relegation reducing overall spectator capacity compared with Dresden’s smaller venue.