FIRST TEST: CROCODILES HOST GIJS GRONINGEN

New coach, new season, first real test: On Sunday, things get serious for the Crocodiles Hamburg for the first time at Eisland Farmsen. At 5:00 PM, Head Coach Christopher Scholz and his team will host Dutch Eerste Divisie side GIJS Marne Groningen in the first preseason game of the 2026/27 season.

After the opening weeks of preseason training, the Crocodiles will face an interesting opponent right away – and it will also be the first opportunity for the new coach to see his team perform under game conditions.

Groningen brings plenty of offensive firepower

GIJS Marne Groningen competes in the Dutch Eerste Divisie and is one of the established teams in Dutch ice hockey. Founded in 1969, the club can look back on a long hockey tradition.

A look at last season shows that Groningen had plenty to offer offensively. Henri Ruotsalainen led the team in scoring with an impressive 69 points in 22 games – 25 goals and 44 assists. He was followed by Valtteri Mäkiviinikka with 57 points in 20 games. Defenseman Niko Kuivaniemi also impressed, recording 48 points in 22 games.

For the Crocodiles, it will therefore be particularly important to defend with focus from the opening faceoff and give Groningen as little space as possible to develop their fast-paced offensive game.

Premiere between Hamburg and Groningen?

There has never been a previous meeting between the Crocodiles Hamburg and GIJS Groningen. Sunday’s game will therefore mark a first-ever matchup between the two clubs.

That means not only a first test for the new Crocodiles team, but also a completely new encounter between two teams that have never faced each other before.

Four U20 players get their chance

Sunday will be particularly exciting for four young Crocodiles players.

Leon Thauer, Daniel Krykhtin, Max Schmid and Lukas Sivkov from the U20 team will get the opportunity to prove themselves at senior level and make their case for further appearances.

Thauer, Krykhtin and Schmid already gained plenty of experience during last season’s U20 campaign. Daniel Krykhtin recorded 21 points in 27 games, Max Schmid collected 20 points in 34 games, while defenseman Leon Thauer registered 14 points in 34 games. Goaltender Lukas Sivkov made 17 appearances.

For all four youngsters, the preseason game represents a great opportunity to showcase their abilities in front of the new coaching staff.

Christopher Scholz makes his debut

For Head Coach Christopher Scholz, the game will also mark his first appearance behind the Crocodiles bench.

Of course, the first preseason game is not about having everything working perfectly just yet. Instead, the focus will be on developing the first systems, putting what has been worked on in practice into action, and getting to know each other under competitive game conditions.

For the fans, however, it is the perfect opportunity to see the new team live for the first time and get an initial impression of the 2026/27 Crocodiles.

BE THERE!

The first test of the new season takes place on:

Crocodiles Hamburg – GIJS Marne Groningen
Sunday, September 6, 2026
Faceoff: 5:00 PM
Eisland Farmsen

Tickets are available online in advance. Those making a last-minute decision can also purchase tickets at the box office on game day.

And for all season ticket holders: This preseason game is already included in your season ticket!

So grab your season ticket, bring your friends, and join us as we take the first step into the new season together.

See you Sunday at Eisland!

CROCODILES HAMBURG – TOGETHER INTO THE NEW SEASON!

(AG)