Slight upward trend : new arrival Ortega to the polar bears on the Play-offs, hope

Austin Ortega proved that stunning body measurements are no longer necessary conditions in order to survive in modern hockey. The only 1.73 metres tall striker who was only changed in the international break, the German hockey League (DEL) games of the Eisbären Berlin, contributed on Sunday at his home premiere two goals and one assist for the 6:3-victory against the Krefeld penguins. The 24-year-old American, had related content to the fact that most of the spectators were cheering in the sold-out Arena at the Ostbahnhof after four home defeats in a hugely important victory were in the fight for the Pre-Play-off-places.

Smart and consistently

"That was a super debut, the Fans know him now," said defender Florian Kettemer. The fast, technically skilled winger is the smallest Pro in the squad, plays for Kettemer no role: "He is showing his size is different." Praise from the coach Stéphane Richer. "He's a smart player," said the Canadians, who had brought Ortega in his role as sporting Director to Berlin. "He has great offensive skills, but he also plays consistently on the Defensive."

in fact, Ortega, who was previously at the Swedish masters Växjö Lakers with the defensive game, showed, on his first weekend that he can be for the polar bears as an enrichment. On his League debut last Friday in Schwenningen, Germany, he had prepared two goals.

So five scorer points for him after two Games already to book. The interested in the attacker, however, hardly. "I just try to play my game and work as hard as I can," he said. In addition, the Pucks were jumping at his gates, "happy".

Aubry put against Krefeld five goals

But it was not only to Ortega's successful debut, the polar bears after a long, disappointing season, five games in front of the main end of a round, suddenly, hope for a successful Play-offs to germinate. During the international break recovering professionals impressed in the recent two Victories – above all, Louis-Marc Aubry, against Krefeld equal to five goals prepared. If the delicate upward trend is sustainable, it must be already this Tuesday (19.30, live on Magenta sports), when the Berlin compete for the Straubing Tigers.