With Paul Mattwich, a true Hamburg homegrown player returns to the Crocodiles. Born in Hamburg, the defenseman learned the game in the Crocodiles Hamburg youth system, progressing through several age groups. Still at a young age, Mattwich made the step into senior hockey and earned his first appearances with the Crocodiles’ Oberliga team.

During the 2017/18 season, Mattwich played 15 games in the Oberliga Nord for the Crocodiles’ first team. At the same time, he continued to gain valuable experience in Hamburg hockey, steadily developing from a junior player into a reliable senior defenseman.

His career eventually took him to Bavaria for his studies. In 2022, the Hamburg native joined EHC Bayreuth, where he quickly found a new hockey home. In his first season with the club, he appeared in 16 competitive games, recording two goals and two assists.

Over the following years, Mattwich developed into a regular part of the Bayreuth defense. In total, he made 70 appearances for EHC Bayreuth, contributing three goals and 15 assists. His role was primarily defined by his reliable work in his own zone and his ability to provide stability on the defensive side of the game.

Now, his journey brings him back to Hamburg – and to the club where his hockey career first began. Along with his experience at senior level, Mattwich brings a special connection to the Crocodiles. He knows the club and Hamburg hockey from his own youth career and has already worn the jersey of the Crocodiles’ first team.

With his experience, defensive reliability and composure, Mattwich is expected to add further stability to the Crocodiles’ blue line. At the same time, his return to his hometown club brings his hockey journey full circle.