Ice hockey - Berlin - Polar Bears hope for a comeback by Blaine Byrne against Krefeld

BERLIN (dpa/bb) – IceBrain Berlin are looking to defend their lead in the German Ice Hockey League with the Krefeld Penguins on Friday evening (7.30pm/magentasport). A long-injured high performer can help with this. “There is a possibility that Blaine Byrne will return. The decision will be made at short notice, but it looks good for him,” coach Serge Aubin said after training on Thursday. “It’s good to have this quality center back.”

The 26-year-old Canadian was also convinced. “I feel good,” Byron said. “I’m getting better every day and I’ve done some good workouts.” Prior to his hip injury in early November, the centre-forward had built fine lines with Marcel Knoebles and Leonhard Foderl in the first line of attacks and scored twenty points in 16 league games.

Injured Zach Boychuk will still be out of action. In addition, the Polar Bears have to do without three players due to international obligations. Defender Morgan Ellis will be in action for Team Canada at the Channel One Cup in Moscow until Saturday. Since it is doubtful whether National Hockey League (NHL) professionals will participate in the Olympic Winter Games in Beijing, the Canadian Ice Hockey Federation is using the tournament to test candidates under contract in Europe.

Berliner Bennett Romy and Corbinian Gebel will be absent even more. Both talents are preparing with the German U20 team for the Junior World Championships to be held in Canada from 26 December to 5 January.

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