The Straubing Tigers compete in Germany’s top league, the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL), and this season they finished just ahead of Eisbären Berlin to secure third place in the league standings. Despite the cancellation of the remainder of the season and the playoffs, this position has earned Straubing their first ever Champions Hockey League qualification. A total of four German teams will compete in the upcoming 2020/21 CHL Season, including regular season champions Red Bull Munich and regular season runners-up Adler Mannheim.
Founded in 1941 and rebranded in 2002, the Straubing Tigers began their journey in the second tier of German hockey and after two quarter final losses and one final loss, the team was finally promoted to the DEL in 2006. Straubing have continued to climb the ladder into the upper positions of Germany’s top league. Over the last 5 seasons, they have shown their skill and determination on the ice, forging their way into 3 playoff qualifications but never finding ultimate success.
The roster of the Straubing Tigers is led by Head Coach Tom Pokel, and comprises of a mix of predominantly German and North American talent, including the team’s top scorer Mike Connolly. The skilled Canadian forward, who started his DEL career with the Augsburger Panther, is entering his sixth season with the Tigers. Connolly totalled 45 points in 52 games last season and has amassed a total of 275 points in 326 DEL matches.
Pokel’s vast coaching experience throughout top European leagues is, without a doubt, another factor in Straubings’ steady rise in the DEL. “I think playing in the CHL is a valuable experience for our players for mainly two reasons: The first one is that playing in the CHL gives our players the recognition they deserve for their accomplishments in the last DEL season. The second one is that it will give our team the opportunity to face the best teams internationally that we would normally never see in a regular season,” said the Head Coach.
"I expect the games to be very fast and at a very high skill level.”Head Coach Tom Pokel
Straubing Tigers General Manager Jason Dunham is equally excited about the team’s inclusion in the upcoming CHL Season: “Being able to play at the highest level was always a dream of ours. I am very proud of everyone involved and I'm looking forward to the top European competition. I believe we are ready for the challenge.”
German teams will have a strong representation in the 2020/21 CHL Season, along with Finland who also have 4 teams in the league. Only Switzerland and Sweden showcase more teams in the CHL with 5 teams apiece.