A strong 98 points after DEL's regular season not only helped the Straubing Tigers finish 3rd, but also guaranteed their qualification for the upcoming Champions Hockey League season. For the first time in the team's history the Lower Bavarians will participate in this European competition. This comes also to the delight of long-standing captain Sando Schönberger who has already been active in the Eisstadion am Pulvertum since 2009.
"For the club and for me personally this is a big milestone. It means a lot to us, that we are now able to also compete in Europe. I'm already looking forward to it and hope we can get as far as possible. For the town, for the fans and for the club this is wonderful."
Quick Facts about the Straubing Tigers
- Founded in 1941
- Rebranded as the Straubing Tigers in 2002
- Promoted to the DEL in 2006
- Secured first-ever CHL qualification this year
The team is still in full pre-season mode and the Straubing Tigers will have to wait a few more days until they can step onto the ice again. Nevertheless, the focus has to be there during the training sessions, even though the start of the season has been delayed several times.
"For us, this obviously isn't easy as we didn't know for a long time how the new season even would look like. However, I try not to think about this at all. In the end, what counts is that we all are in excellent form when ice hockey returns. Of course, I hope that we will be able to go over to playing games as soon as possible," stresses Schönberger regarding the start of the German championship which right now is scheduled for 13 November and the first leg of CHL's round of 16, which is scheduled for 6 October. Straubing will first face Genève-Servette in Switzerland.
"Swiss ice hockey is very attractive and fast."Sandro Schönberger, captain of the Straubing Tigers
"I'm really excited to see how we will perform against the Swiss. Swiss ice hockey is very attractive and fast. I'm looking forward to play against Geneva. Those will be great games for sure."
It's important to note that before the first play-off game of the new CHL season, Sandro Schönberger's team won't be able to play a single competitive game. According to the captain, it might be a bit of a challenge to start immediately with a game that has a significant impact on the chances of reaching the second round.
"We won't have played in almost seven months and immediately start into the play-offs. This is a bit unusual. But I have already mentioned this in regards to training. We have to be in an excellent form when ice hockey returns and every single member of our team will be."
Being an underdog doesn't make much difference in the fight for the European ice hockey throne as the Augsburger Panther proved last year. In the end, they were able to qualify for the play-offs in their first attempt and impressed all of Europe with their loud fans and a strong-willed way of playing. "We'd like to continue their legacy a bit and take Augsburg as an example. They really did well. We'd like to represent the DEL and the town of Straubing equally well in the coming season."
Schönberger is well aware that it won't be easy for Straubing to repeat their recent success. "It's clear that we have to give everything to be able to be as successful. This won't be a surefire success but I'm sure that every one of us will do their best."
He describes his team as highly motivated, always focused, and with complete commitment. "From the first to the last minute of play, we stick together and give everything for the win. This is what constitutes the Straubing Tigers on the ice!", he said of the way his team plays.
According to Schönberger, some highlights of the town of Straubing are the town centre and the Gäuboden fair that takes place annually. "Straubing isn't exactly big, but very pleasant. You can live here very well. My family and I are very content. I can recommend the trip to Straubing to the Powder Tower to every CHL fan in case it should be really possible by then."