Riley and Sarah

In an attempt to be good Canadians we decided to take in an ‘Eishockey’ game while in Munich. The league is known as the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL), or the German Ice Hockey League, and the game featured EHC Munich versus the Straubing. Interestingly enough the DEL has the highest number of Canadian and American players outside of North America.

Although the skill level was lower than I had anticipated, I was impressed and entertained with the fans. The arena wasn’t huge, but it was full of very enthusiastic people. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen so much cheering, chanting, jumping, and flag waving at a hockey game. It looked and felt much more like a Soccer game to me.

I can honestly say that we got our money’s worth. After three full periods and a five minute overtime the two teams faced off in a shootout. Forty five minutes later each team had sent at least twenty shooters to the ice and only 9 goals had been scored. Straubing finally come out on top. I have never seen such a long shootout and I couldn’t figure out whether it was great goaltending or horrible breakaway skills. It seemed the only reason it came to an end was due to goaltender exhaustion.

As we exited the building many fans hadn’t moved from their seats and continued to cheer and chant for their team; that’s dedication.

All in all, a great experience!