Germany is crazy for soccer but there is one exception; Straubing is a self-identified ice hockey town. The Tigers and their fans are exceptionally excited for their first Spengler Cup appearance.

‘In Straubing, hockey is more than a game – it is a passion and a way of life that unites generations. We celebrate victories together and overcome defeats as a unit’, says Gaby Sennebogen. She is the managing director and simultaneously main sponsor of the Straubing Tigers. Ice hockey is and will remain a matter of the heart and an indispensable part of Straubing, a town with a population of 50,000. ‘’The sport has been deeply rooted in our community for over 80 years and continues to bring people together – fans, youth players, volunteers, players, player families, employees, partners, and shareholders. Together we are a big family, which is marked by solidarity, support, and trust’, Sennebogen continues.

In 2006, the Straubing Tigers promoted to the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL) completely unexpectedly. The team has finished in the top four of the regular seasons in every season since 2019-20. Still, they remain an underdog. The many fans know that as well. ‘As the underdog, you have to prove yourself’, says the deputy managing director, Pirmin Ostermeier. ‘Our fans do just that. Our home arena, “Pulverturm”, thrives off this madness. They bring energy and generate emotions. We want to agitate the others in the DEL with passion, heart and soul.’

The fans demonstrated exactly what that means on November 15. Then, the Straubing Tigers spectacularly upset the overwhelming favourite EHC Red Bull Munich in their brand-new SAP Garden in Munich with a 5-2 win. Thousands of Tigers fans had made the 140km-long journey from their home near the Czech border to the Bavarian metropolis and created a breathtaking atmosphere in the stadium. The Straubing fans’ singing and cheering oftentimes overpowered that of the home team’s fans and virtually carried the team to success. The combination of passionate effort on the ice and magnificent support from the stands made this evening a highlight for everyone involved.

Now it is not only the team of the Straubing Tigers, but also their fans, who are looking forward to their Spengler Cup premiere. Hundreds of supporters will accompany their favourites to Davos and support them vocally in the ice palace. Many have found accommodations in Prattigau and all the way down to Landquart. They were pleasantly surprised to hear that their game ticket includes a free train trip with RhB.

The Swedish defenseman Philip Samuelsson expresses what the Spengler Cup means to the team. ‘It will be fantastic to represent Straubing on such a big stage. After all, the tournament is not only popular in Switzerland but across Europe. It will certainly be a blast.’ Samuelsson will, however, have no time for his big hobby in Davos. The 33-year-old is a passionate skier.

Text: Spengler Cup-Onlineredaktion    Foto: Straubing Tigers