Pantkowski's arrival imminent; Niederberger to depart.
New Goalie Trio Takes the Stage at Düsseldorfer EG (DEG)
Düsseldorfer EG (DEG) has shaken up their goalie lineup for the upcoming season, with the addition of three new netminders and the departure of a former starter.
The newcomers, Ryan Bednard, Niklas Lunemann, and Leon Hümer, bring a mix of experience and youth to the team. Ryan Bednard, an American goaltender, recently joined DEG after winning a championship with Nottingham in England’s league, where he had a save percentage of 92.3% over 23 games. Bednard, a left-catching goalie, has signed a contract through 2026 and is in the process of acquiring a German passport. Management believes Bednard has the experience and skills to be a top goalie in DEL2 and help challenge and push the young goalies Lunemann and Hümer for the starting position.
In comparison, the departing goalie Mathias Niederberger was DEG’s previous starter. Niederberger, an established DEL goaltender, debuted for DEG Metro Stars in the DEL in 2010 and played a total of 211 games for the Red-Yellows. In 2015/16, Niederberger was voted "DEL Goaltender of the Year." However, his departure from DEG is due to not receiving a contract that matched his market value.
DEG manager Niki Mondt is optimistic about the new goalie trio, stating that it emphasizes a mix of experience in Bednard with youth in Lunemann and Hümer, aiming to foster internal competition and long-term development. Mondt also considers Mirko Pantkowski and Hendrik Hane to be a strong and exciting goaltending duo, with Pantkowski joining DEG as a new goaltender, forming a duo with Hane.
Pantkowski, a 21-year-old native of Kassel, has played two of his four total DEL games in the 2019/20 season while being the third goaltender in Mannheim. He has signed a two-year contract with DEG and has previously played for the German champions Adler Mannheim. Prior to playing for Adler Mannheim, Pantkowski was a regular in various youth national teams and has played two A games for Germany.
Hane, a DEG homegrown talent, made a strong impression in his DEL debut last season. Hendrik Hane remains with DEG for the new season, and DEG manager Mondt is confident in the potential of this young goaltender.
Another fan favourite will remain with DEG, as both Zanetti and Jensen are mentioned. Marc Zanetti will remain with DEG for two more years, and Nicholas B. Jensen will remain with DEG until at least the end of the 2022/23 season.
In summary, DEG's new goalie trio of Bednard, Lunemann, and Hümer brings a mix of experience and youth, aiming to foster internal competition and long-term development. The departure of Mathias Niederberger marks a shift in DEG's goalie lineup, with a focus on younger, homegrown talent and experienced acquisitions.
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