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DEL

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description DEL Overview

The Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL) is Germany's premier professional ice hockey league, founded in 1994 as the successor to the Ice Hockey Bundesliga. The league features clubs primarily from Germany and operates with promotion and relegation to the second-tier DEL2. It is one of the top ice hockey leagues in Europe and has produced players who have gone on to compete in the NHL.

help DEL FAQ

What is the DEL in German ice hockey?

The Deutsche Eishockey Liga, commonly called DEL or PENNY DEL for sponsorship, is Germany's top professional ice hockey league. It was founded in 1994 as the successor to the German Ice Hockey Bundesliga.

Does the DEL have promotion and relegation with DEL2?

Yes, the DEL and second-tier DEL2 operate under a promotion and relegation agreement. The system was reintroduced for German professional ice hockey and has allowed clubs such as the Dresden Eislöwen to move up from DEL2.

How is the DEL season decided?

Teams play a regular season and then compete in playoffs, with the championship decided through postseason series. The exact number of clubs and playoff format can change under the league regulations for a particular season.

Which clubs are well known in the DEL?

Eisbären Berlin, Adler Mannheim, and Düsseldorfer EG are among the historically prominent German clubs associated with the DEL. Their rivalry and championship histories are part of the league's identity since its 1994 launch.

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