HISTORY

The Crocodiles Hamburg are a German ice hockey club based in the Hamburg district of Farmsen. Since their foundation in 1990, they have been part of Farmsener Turnverein (FTV). Until 2023, the club's first team competed in the Oberliga Nord, Germany's third-highest league. Today, the club fields the men's first team, a second men's team, a women's team, and seven youth teams.

The Crocodiles play their home games at Eisland Farmsen, an ice arena with a capacity of approximately 1,980 spectators. As one of the founding members of Germany's 2. Bundesliga in 1998, the club has played an important role in German ice hockey and even applied for admission to the DEL (Deutsche Eishockey Liga) in 2000. The club's colours are red and black, complemented by white and green.

In April 2023, the operating company responsible for the first team's professional activities filed for insolvency. As a result, the Crocodiles returned to the umbrella of Farmsener Turnverein for the 2023/24 season and restarted in the Verbandsliga Nord, focusing on rebuilding the club. The team secured immediate promotion and has competed in the Regionalliga Nord since the 2024/25 season.

History

Early Years and Rise (1990–1996)

The ice hockey department of Farmsener Turnverein was founded in 1990 as FTV Crocodiles, becoming the direct successor to 1. EHC Hamburg. All teams and players from the former club joined the FTV, with the first team starting in the Landesliga. The Crocodiles won their first home game 2–0 against Altonaer SV, with Hans Sulzgruber scoring both goals.

In the mid-1990s, Hamburg entrepreneur Klaus-Peter Jebens became involved with the club as part of his plans to build a modern multi-purpose arena in eastern Hamburg. Although the project was ultimately rejected, his investment helped transform the Crocodiles into one of northern Germany's most ambitious ice hockey clubs.

Success in the Second Division (1996–2000)

In 1996, Jebens became the sole shareholder of the first team, which had been separated from the parent club. The club introduced a new logo and modernised the arena with seating upgrades, improved facilities, a press box, and VIP areas.

Backed by one of the strongest budgets in the lower leagues, the Crocodiles earned several promotions and reached the 1. Liga Nord, qualifying for the newly established 2. Bundesliga. Crowds regularly filled the arena, especially when renowned clubs such as Düsseldorfer EG visited Hamburg.

Insolvency and Rebuilding (2000–2010)

After reaching the play-off quarter-finals in 2000, the Crocodiles attempted to purchase a DEL licence but were unsuccessful. Shortly afterwards, the planned arena project was abandoned, financial support ended, and the operating company was dissolved.

The first team returned to the parent club and competed in the Verbandsliga, beginning a period of rebuilding. Despite limited financial resources, the Crocodiles gradually worked their way back, earning promotion to the Regionalliga while placing an increasing emphasis on youth development and long-term stability.

Oberliga Years (2010–2023)

Following a restructuring of German ice hockey leagues, the Crocodiles became members of the Oberliga Nord in 2010. Over the following years, the club established itself as a respected competitor despite recurring financial challenges.

The signing of former Hamburg Freezers captain Christoph Schubert in 2016 marked the beginning of a successful revival. New sponsors joined the club, experienced coaches such as Herbert Hohenberger and Jacek Plachta took charge, and the Crocodiles once again became one of the most popular ice hockey clubs in northern Germany.

Although another insolvency of the operating company occurred in 2018, the club managed to continue thanks to strong support from sponsors and fans.

A New Beginning (Since 2023)

At the end of the 2022/23 season, the operating company filed for insolvency once again after a major sponsorship agreement collapsed. The City of Hamburg declined financial support, making a fresh start necessary.

Since the 2023/24 season, the Crocodiles have once again operated entirely under the umbrella of Farmsener Turnverein. With a renewed focus on financial sustainability, youth development, and community engagement, the club secured immediate promotion from the Verbandsliga Nord and now competes in the Regionalliga Nord, continuing to build a strong future for ice hockey in Hamburg.