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Kölner Haie Appoint Thomas Berglund as Head Coach Through 2028

The move signals a bid to convert recent progress into a long‑awaited championship.

Overview

  • Haie confirmed Thursday that Berglund, 57, will take over for the next DEL season on a contract running to 2028.
  • He succeeds Kari Jalonen, who planned a return to Finland after guiding Cologne to the 2025 final and the 2026 regular-season top spot before a semifinal exit.
  • Berglund arrives from Luleå HF after nine years that brought the 2025 Swedish title, a 2022 runner-up finish, and Champions Hockey League finals in 2023 and 2026.
  • He will be joined by longtime assistant Henrik Stridh, marking the first coaching post outside Sweden for both coaches.
  • Sporting director Matthias Baldys said their goals align, a fit he believes can help end the club’s DEL title drought that dates to 2002.