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Eislöwen secure DEL professional Alec McCrea for promotion!
The Dresden Ice Lions are strengthening themselves for the DEL with defender Alec McCrea. Debut on September 9th against the Eisbären Berlin.
Eislöwen secure DEL professional Alec McCrea for promotion!
The Dresden Ice Lions are ready to start the new season on September 9th German Ice Hockey League (DEL) to start. The Ice Lions only have eight weeks to prepare for their debut in the top German ice hockey league. A key player in their new squad will be Alec McCrea, who is moving from Düsseldorfer EG to the Eislöwen.
The 30-year-old defender not only has an impressive height of 1.91 meters and a weight of 94 kilograms, but also valuable experience from 192 DEL games. During his time with the Iserlohn Roosters and Düsseldorfer EG, McCrea was able to shine both offensively and defensively. Sports director Matthias Roos rates him as a physically strong defender who has internalized the North American style of play. “He will not only strengthen our defense, but also ensure stability,” said Roos.
A change with foresight
McCrea comes to the Ice Lions at a time when the team is looking for a solid performer. Although he was relegated to the DEL2 with Düsseldorf in 2024, this move saves him from having to go into the second division. “I’m looking forward to the challenge in Dresden and the club’s ambitions,” said McCrea enthusiastically about his transfer.
His time in the DEL so far has been characterized by light and shadow. During his first two years in Düsseldorf he achieved plus-minus ratings of +21 and +12. However, last season this value fell to -6, which clearly reflects DEG's difficulties. McCrea hopes to be able to build on previous achievements in Dresden in order to celebrate success together with his new team.
Looking forward to the season
The anticipation for the new season is palpable among the Ice Lions. The opening game against Eisbären Berlin, scheduled for September 9th, is already a highlight. The tickets sold out in just 30 minutes. The Winter Game is also on the program on January 10th, where the seat tickets were quickly sold out and only standing room tickets are available. The Dresden football arena, with a capacity of 30,000 spectators, promises an exciting atmosphere for ice hockey fans.
A look at the competition shows that other DEL teams are also active. The Iserlohn Roosters signed Daniel Fischbuch from the Adler Mannheim, and the Augsburger Panthers secured Alexandre Grenier, Cologne's top scorer. How the various transfers will impact in the long term remains to be seen, but with the blessing of Roos and McCrea, the Ice Lions appear to be well prepared for the coming season.
The new DEL season is just around the corner and the Dresdner Eislöwen hope to offer their fans exciting and entertaining games. The period of preparations, transfers and strategic considerations is in full swing and the pressure on the players could hardly be greater.