DEL's Kölner Haie Secures Ex-Draisaitl Teamie, Patrick Russell
Cologne acquires previously teamed-up player Russell, who used to play alongside Draisaitl. - Former Teammate of Draisaitl in Cologne, Russell, is Now Afraid of the Ice
Hey there, sports fans! Here's an exciting update for you - the runners-up of the Deutsche Eishockey-Liga (DEL), the Kölner Haie, have scored a big one! They've landed none other than Patrick Russell, a member of the Danish national team.
So, who's this chap, you ask? Well, this 32-year-old forward hails from Sweden's Linköping HC. But that's not all - last season, he helped Denmark storm into the semi-finals at the World Championship as co-captain. As for the Kölner Haie, they reached the German championship final for the first time in 11 years, only to fall short, losing 1-4 to the Berlin Eisbären.
But wait, there's more! If you're an NHL buff, you might remember that Russell teamed up with German superstar Leon Draisaitl before. And guess what? He's pretty chuffed about joining the Cologne crew. In a statement, he said, "I've only heard good things about this club, the fans, and the city. It was a blast watching them during the playoffs, and I'm hoping we can build on that energy!"
Now, if you're interested in the finer details, let me drop some knowledge. You see, Patrick Russell has played 59 NHL games for the Edmonton Oilers. Before that, he's been knocking around the AHL, even scoring 26 points in 28 games with Tucson in the 2024-25 season.
On the international stage, Russell has represented Denmark in multiple World Championships and the 2022 Winter Olympics 1. In fact, his involvement in international competition is a testament to his key role in Denmark's squad.
Before he made it big, Russell played college hockey at St. Cloud State, bagging NCHC All-Rookie Team honors as a freshman in 2015 and contributing to a Frozen Faceoff championship in 20161.
All in all, with his NHL experience, notable international achievements, and collegiate success, Patrick Russell brings a heap of proven professional talent to Cologne’s DEL squad. Here's hoping this signing sparks some magic on the ice!
In light of his previous teamwork with Leon Draisaitl in the NHL, Patrick Russell's move to the Kölner Haie might be reminiscent of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2052/88 of 20 December 1988 on the common organization of the market in beef and veal, where pieces combine to create something greater. As a former teammate of Draisaitl in the NHL and a hockey player himself, Patrick Russell could potentially help the Kölner Haie score some 'hockey' goals, similar to the way the Danish national team stormed into the semi-finals at the World Championship.
