Eisbären Berlin Clinch 12th DEL Title with 4-1 Win over Adler Mannheim
Eisbären Berlin claim 12th DEL title, beating Adler Mannheim 4-1 in Game 5; Ty Ronning scored twice and Jonas Stettmer’s saves sealed Berlin’s championship.
Eisbären Berlin secured the Deutsche Eishockey Liga championship after a 4-1 victory over Adler Mannheim in Game 5 of the final series. The win completed a 4-1 series triumph and delivered the club its record-extending 12th DEL crown. Ty Ronning scored twice, supported by goals from Liam Kirk and Eric Mik, while Marc Michaelis added a late consolation for Mannheim.
Decisive Game 5 in Mannheim
The final contest, played in front of roughly 13,600 spectators, delivered a composed performance from Berlin on enemy ice. The match progressed 1-0 after the first period, with Ronning opening the scoring in the closing minute of the opening frame. Berlin extended the lead early in the second through Liam Kirk, and Ronning’s second in the third effectively settled the outcome.
Mannheim fought to the end, pulling their goalie in search of a late equaliser and converting a penalty late in the game, but their efforts arrived too late to alter the result. Eric Mik scored into the empty net to make it 4-0 before Marc Michaelis converted at 59 minutes to spoil a shutout.
Key scorers and turning points
Ty Ronning emerged as the decisive offensive figure, netting goals in the 20th and 44th minutes that bookended crucial phases of the match. Liam Kirk’s timely second-period goal gave Berlin breathing room and shifted momentum firmly in the visitors’ favor. Eric Mik’s empty-net strike in the final period removed any lingering doubt and secured the margin.
Mannheim’s lone goal by Marc Michaelis came after the outcome was effectively decided, but it underlined the Adler’s refusal to capitulate despite falling behind in the series. Missed chances and an ineffective power play in the second period cost Mannheim opportunities to stay within striking distance.
Berlin’s title run against the odds
The championship was not widely anticipated at the start of the season, as Eisbären Berlin endured a campaign marked by recurring injuries that tested squad depth. Despite those setbacks the club finished the regular season in sixth place, then eliminated Straubing Tigers in the earlier playoff rounds. They followed that with a series victory over regular-season leaders Kölner Haie en route to the final against Mannheim.
The path from a mid-table finish to DEL champion highlights Berlin’s resilience and depth, as well as timely contributions from key players throughout the postseason. The club’s ability to manage injuries and integrate role players proved instrumental during a demanding playoff schedule.
Jonas Stettmer’s performance and team praise
Goaltender Jonas Stettmer was pivotal in Game 5, producing several crucial saves at key moments and limiting Mannheim’s attacking threats. His play between the pipes drew praise from teammates and coaching staff, with captain Manuel Wiederer calling Stettmer’s showing “outstanding” and pointing to the squad’s passion as “the way to the goal” in comments to MagentaSport.
Stettmer’s composure under pressure allowed Berlin to protect slim leads and stymie Mannheim’s attempts to seize momentum, particularly in the middle and final periods. The goaltending display underscored the importance of elite netminding in a championship series, where a single stop can shift a game’s complexion.
Mannheim’s bid fell short; DEL comeback record intact
Adler Mannheim entered Game 5 hoping for a historic turnaround after narrowing the series with an overtime win in Game 4, but the club could not extend that momentum into a full comeback. The defeat means the DEL’s enduring statistical reality remains: no team has overturned a 0-3 series deficit in league history. Mannheim’s search for a championship since 2019 continues.
Despite the disappointment, Mannheim displayed resolve throughout the final and provided periods of sharp, attacking hockey that tested Berlin’s defense. The club will reflect on missed opportunities and its power-play inefficiency in Game 5 as areas to address ahead of the next season.
Eisbären Berlin’s victory adds another chapter to a storied franchise history and cements a successful title defence following intense postseason battles. The club’s blend of veteran leadership, timely scoring from players like Ronning and Kirk, and dependable goaltending proved decisive in lifting the DEL trophy once more.
