The most experienced coach in the German Ice Hockey League (DEL): Don Jackson. − Photo: Preiss, dpa
After the top favorite’s false start in the play-offs, Don Jackson pulled out all the stops. The record coach of the German Ice Hockey League (DEL) showed video clips of the greatest successes, sent a World Cup hero to the stands – and found the right words.
“We had an incredible speech,” reported match winner Filip Varejcka following the 7-1 thrashing of main round winner Red Bull Munich in the third quarter-final once morest Fischtown Pinguins Bremerhaven, “the coach added highlights, did everything to push us once more. ”
With success, because following the two defeats at the start of the “best of seven” series, the Munich team finally lived up to their role as favorites. “When you’re 2-0 down, everyone is angry,” said Varejcka, who made a significant contribution to the first win with two goals and two assists, “everyone has covered the other’s back.”
While the native of Munich, trained at the Red Bull Academy, played a leading role, Frederik Tiffels had to watch. The international, celebrated as a penalty hero at the 2017 World Cup in his hometown of Cologne, fell victim to Jackson’s changes. The best buddy of NHL superstar Leon Draisaitl, who switched from the Haien to Munich in 2021 with great advance praise, disappointed this season with only six goals in the main round.
Before the start of the play-off, Tiffels had his mouth particularly full. “Who do you want to eliminate from us? I don’t know how an opposing coach wants to do that. We have depth like no other team, and we’re healthy too,” said the 27-year-old. Then the first two games once morest Bremerhaven, bottom of the table, were lost 1:3 and 2:3 – and suddenly the top favorite had his back to the wall.
“We needed a change,” said Varejcka, with five points in three games so far the most effective scorer in the play-offs, “that was good.” Above all, Munich also held back physically, with a total of 50 penalty minutes, fists flew at the end . “The first third was the hardest I’ve ever played,” admitted Varejcka.
“With the same commitment” it should continue on Wednesday (7 p.m. / MagentaSport) in Bremerhaven – following all, following five years, the winner of the main round “finally” wants to become champion once more. It would be the ninth title for successful coach Jackson – and possibly the crowning glory. Former national coach Toni Söderholm, who was not immediately successful with the big Swiss club SC Bern, has already been traded as his successor. “That’s not an issue now,” said the 66-year-old Jackson, who wants to decide on his future following the season.
For sports director Christian Winkler, the American still acts like “a young deer”. At least he knows exactly how to motivate players who might be his grandchildren.
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