German Champions Adler Mannheim reached the Playoffs after winning all four of their CHL games. Mannheim lost only one point in Tychy. The Round of 16 was reached after the home match against the Vienna Capitals, where Mannheim won comfortably 4-0. Dennis Endras started in goal and looks back contentedly on the first games.
Dennis, Adler Mannheim reached the Playoffs after four CHL games. This was the team's goal from the outset, wasn't it?
"We are always good if we take it step by step. We do not want to set such big goals. We have also planned this for CHL. We think from game to game. Of course it's great that we reached the Round of 16 so quickly. But there are still two very difficult games against the Swedes waiting for us. Here we want to show how good we are. And of course we want to win".
It seemed like the home games were not that difficult for you. Is that correct?
"There are no easy games. Even if it sometimes looks like it: we only have good opponents here. All teams demand a lot from us. It doesn't matter whether you are away or here in Mannheim. You saw how many ice packs were needed after the game. These are tough games here. That goes for the CHL and also for the domestic league. We're going to Nuremberg next weekend. It will not be easy there either. As I said: there are no bad opponents and certainly no easy games."
Mannheim will play against Djurgården Stockholm at the beginning of October. Have you begun preparations or is it too early?
"No, not yet. It will take a few more weeks. We have to focus on the DEL first. When the time comes, the coaches will prepare us well. They do an outstanding job here. We will be perfectly prepared."
The CHL is good preparation for domestic leagues, but it is much more than a pre-season tournament, isn't it?
"Of course! The CHL is a terrific tournament. The development is very positive. I really like the concept. The audience numbers continue to rise. There were a lot of Mannheimers travelling to Vienna and Poland. The home games are well attended. That's a very good sign. And for us players? Of course this is more than just a pre-season tournament. For me anyway. We can win a championship here. That's always interesting and of course much more exciting than the normal pre-season. We do not just want to prepare here, we also want to win in the end. We compete with the best teams in Europe. Winning is always awesome!"
Missed the game against Vienna? It's all good! We have the highlights for you once again.