Harzer Falken start the regional league: home game against Hamburg!

Harzer Falken start the regional league: home game against Hamburg!

Braunlage.Things get serious for the Harzer Falken at the Wurmbergstadion on Friday evening: at the start of the North Ice Hockey Regional League, they welcome the Crocodiles Hamburg. Kick-off takes place at 8 p.m., followed by another exciting duel on Sunday against the Beach Devils on the picturesque Timmendorfer Strand, where the puck love begins at 5:30 p.m.

For the Harzer Falken the situation is clear: the team that won the title last season is striving to win the championship ring again. Coach Jozef Potac leaves no room for doubt: “Our goals are always the highest, that’s exactly how we approach the league.” The performances in the test matches, which included four wins, show the Falken's ambition, even if the comparison with the competition from Timmendorf and Adendorf is challenging.

Strong restart for the Crocodiles

However, special attention is paid to the Crocodiles Hamburg. After bankruptcy in spring 2023, in which they had to withdraw from the Oberliga Nord, they celebrated a successful comeback in the association league by winning the title and being promoted to the regional league. With their coach Jaczek Darowski they hope to do well in the new league. Hamburg have some experienced players in their ranks, but the majority are quite inexperienced.

The three Finnish newcomers in particular could play a key role. Goalkeeper Riku Lindroos, defender Timi Liivalahti, and striker Markus Lepistö bring a lot of hope for a powerful start. The Ukrainian Maksym Andriienko, who impressed all around in the German youth league, could also cause a stir there.

The challenge in the goal

There is some uncertainty on the Falcons' side. Injuries plague the strikers, and the question of the goalkeeper also remains open. Canadian Taylor Dupuis, who returned from vacation on Tuesday, does not yet have the necessary match practice. Therefore, Philip Grittner, who played well in the friendlies, could take his place between the posts.

The Regionalliga Nord remains in the usual format: nine teams compete against each other in the main round, and then the playoffs follow for the best eight teams. The first rounds are played in best-of-three mode, while the final takes place in best-of-five.

The Harzer Falken ask their fans to get their tickets for the home game against Hamburg online in advance via the ticket shop. The club explained that in the past there have been longer waiting times when purchasing tickets at the box office. Shopping online can reduce these wait times and make game entry more seamless.

For further information about current developments in sport and the league structures, you could go to www.harzkurier.de look. The start of the season promises not only sporting progress but also exciting encounters and unexpected twists and turns. A final favorite for the title does not seem to have been decided yet, and the first games will decisively show the direction of the coming season.