Jonas Müller’s Instagram image
BERLIN – Big news was announced February 20th, when the Eisbären Berlin, in person of General Manager Peter John Lee, invited the media for an extraordinary press conference. Also present, the President of Operations of the Los Angeles Kings and all time highest scoring Left Wing in the NHL, Luc Robitaille. They addressed a significant change in the leading structure of the Berlin hockey club.
Philip Anschutz, who Peter John Lee fondly calls “Mr. A”, owns both clubs, which yet were existing as independent sister franchises. Anschutz is the head of the Anschutz Entertainment Group, which controls the financial operations of the Eisbären since 1999. They also built the Mercedes-Benz Arena, formally known as O² World, where the Eisbären play their home games since 2008, when they had to leave the legendary Wellblechpalast. Due to this constellation, the Kings were involved in the NHL Hockey Abroad Event in 2011, when they opened their season in Berlin against the Buffalo Sabres. This was the first time, two NHL clubs heading up on German ground.
Furthermore, the AEG will officiate as Owner, giving the LA Kings the responsibility and supervision for hockey and financial operations regarding the Eisbären Berlin. Luc Robitaille highlights the fact, that the Eisbären will now report everything to the Kings, with the purpose of a closer relationship and actually provide the Eisbären with certain benefits, like NHL scouting, as well as support in the medical and financial sector. Robitaille states, the Franchise wants the Eisbären, to be the best club in Europe.
This was just music to the ears of every suffering supporter. The last time the Eisbären could celebrate a championship in Berlin was 2013 and with these addressed changes, eventually the next one will be right around the corner.
Both franchises already collaborated during the past two off-seasons, when the Kings invited two Eisbären prospects into the Prospects camp in LA. These were Defensemen Jonas Müller and Kai Wissmann and both enjoyed this experience big time. Both played for Germany in every Junior Level and are a steady part of the Eisbären roster this season. Despite their age, they play an intense game and seem always reliable. In a poor squad, plagued by injuries, these both kids are another reason to be optimistic for years to come.
Peter John Lee expects a completely different team for next season. He wants to make significant changes all along the roster and Robitaille will likely support that, when negotiating the budget with Mr. A.
The Eisbären will not serve as an affiliate team though, but it is possible to sign players, not making the cut in Los Angeles or Ontario. Nevertheless, do not expect this agreement a one way. The Kings will expand their scouting in Germany and we might see players, like Müller and Wissmann play in the NHL one day.
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