Kick-start of ice hockey season in Germany's league sees icy determination in sports gambling as well
The 30th season of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL) is underway, and with it comes the excitement of potential new champions. The DEL, which replaced the old Bundesliga in 1994/1995 and was modelled after the North American National Hockey League (NHL), has seen some thrilling moments over the years.
The Berlin Polar Bears hold the record for the most championship wins, with a impressive nine titles to their name. However, they surprisingly missed the qualification for the Pre-Playoffs last season, leaving the door open for other teams to claim the title.
The reigning champions, EHC Red Bull Munich, are considered the favourites by bookmakers to win again this year, with odds of 2.20 at bwin. Trevor Parkes, a forward for the team, has stated that they want to be champions again. The Red Bull Munich has also made a strong start this season, taking seven points from four games.
The Adler Mannheim and Red Bull Munich have been traditional strong contenders in the DEL, with seven and four championships respectively. The Mannheim team, however, has yet to find their form this season, with only four points from four games.
The Cologne Sharks, who won the first DEL championship in 1995, have made a strong start this season with ten points from the first four games. They are closely followed by the Berlin Polar Bears, who have nine points, and the Straubing Tigers, who have eight points.
There are some teams in DEL history that have not yet won a championship, including the Straubing Tigers, who reached the semifinals in the 2011/2012 season but lost to the Berlin Polar Bears. The Schwenninger Wild Wings and the Augsburger Panther are considered clear outsiders, with odds of 101.0 each!
The DEL season promises plenty of excitement this year, with the possibility of a new team emerging as champion. The unpredictability of the league is evident in past seasons, such as when ERC Ingolstadt upset the Cologne Sharks in 2014. This just goes to show that betting on the future DEL champion can be challenging, and it's always best to consult dedicated sports betting sites or the official DEL website closer to or during the season for the latest odds and expert analyses.
Sports enthusiasts in Germany can engage in online sports-betting, with many platforms offering odds on the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL). For those who enjoy football, some online casinos in Germany also provide sports-betting options for the sport, such as bwin, which currently offers odds of 2.20 for EHC Red Bull Munich to win the DEL again this season.
