Overview

• The DEL season begins on September 9 in a sold-out Uber Arena against the Dresdner Eislöwen, with 3,000 to 4,000 away fans expected according to Dresden’s chief executive.
• Sports director Stéphane Richer states the target is another championship after four titles in five years as contenders across the league bolster their squads.
• Captain Kai Wissmann faces an estimated four to six months out with an Achilles injury, and a blue-line signing is possible depending on Markus Niemeläinen’s fitness.
• The roster remains largely intact with additions Andreas Eder and Markus Vikingstad, and Eder will wear No. 43 to honor his late brother Tobias.
• DEL newcomer Dresden publicly sets a top-ten and playoff goal and reports a budget of roughly €8 to €8.5 million for its first season at this level.