Coach Roger Hansson dismissed; Vice Thomas Dolak appointed as new head coach
In a surprising turn of events, the Düsseldorf DEG has announced the departure of head coach Roger Hansson and the appointment of Thomas Dolak as his replacement. This decision comes after a season that many ice hockey fans believe to be one of the best in recent years for the team under Hansson's leadership.
Roger Hansson, who joined the DEG from the EV Zug organization last summer, marked his first stop in the DEL. His stoic demeanour behind the bench, even in the face of glaring mistakes, earned him respect from players and fans alike. However, some critics pointed to his passivity, citing the team's tendency to lose despite holding the lead.
The decision to part ways with Hansson was made with the long-term sporting success of the DEG in mind. Sports director Niki Mondt, who brought Hansson to Germany from Switzerland, considers him an absolute ice hockey expert and a remarkable personality. Mondt also acknowledged that the team's performances were not always as satisfactory as the results suggest.
The departure of Hansson was not well-received by all ice hockey fans. His tenure with the DEG was marked by some notable successes, including a run that saw the team come close to the playoffs and quarterfinals. Without goalie Henrik Haukeland, it is widely believed that Düsseldorf would have lost many more games.
In a statement, managing partner Harald Wirtz expressed gratitude towards Hansson for his work with the DEG. Wirtz praised the season, the team, and the coach, but later showed Hansson the door. Wirtz wishes Hansson all the best in his future endeavours.
Thomas Dolak, who has been a part of the DEG's coaching staff since 2014, has been appointed as the new head coach. Dolak, who played 871 games in the DEL and scored 157 goals, including 10 for the DEG at the end of his career, brings a wealth of experience to the role. As an assistant coach, he worked closely with the youth team and later with the professional team.
The last quarter-final game saw Düsseldorf leading by three points until the 50th minute, but a subsequent collapse resulted in a loss. Some believe that Hansson should have taken a timeout to calm the situation, but the decision was ultimately his to make.
The coaching change comes at a crucial time for the DEG, who will be looking to build on their successes and improve their performance in the upcoming season. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Dolak's leadership will impact the team.
Thomas Dolak, previously an assistant coach with the DEG, has been appointed as the new head coach following Roger Hansson's departure. With a rich playing and coaching history in the DEL, Dolak's tenure could signal a fresh approach for a sports team aiming to improve their performance in the upcoming season, particularly in the high-pressure situations that proved challenging under Hansson's leadership.
