DEL2

The second division

The DEL2 is the second tier of German professional ice hockey. It was founded in 2013 and replaced the former 2. Bundesliga. The clubs are shareholders in the league. The DEL2 features traditional clubs, including some former top-flight teams, as well as ambitious promoted sides from the Oberliga.

Format

The season consists of a regular season in which all teams play each other several times. The best teams go into the playoffs, some via pre-playoffs. The weakest teams play in playdowns to avoid relegation to the Oberliga. How many teams take part and exactly what the rounds look like is set by the league each season. More on how series work is in playoffs.

Promotion and relegation with the DEL

For a long time there was no sporting promotion and relegation between the DEL and DEL2. Since the early 2020s it has been possible again: the DEL2 champion can be promoted if it meets the economic and infrastructure requirements of the DEL, for example regarding arena and finances. The bottom team in the DEL is then relegated. This has increased the DEL2's sporting significance.

Import players and youth development

As in the DEL, the number of foreign players is limited. This gives young German players ice time. Many talents gain their first professional experience in the DEL2, often via development licences that allow them to play for both a DEL club and a DEL2 club.

Atmosphere

The DEL2 is known for its atmosphere. Many clubs have smaller, older arenas that are full for derbies. For fans, the league is a way to experience professional ice hockey up close and at lower prices. You can find schedules and rinks on IceHub.

Locations and season

The DEL2 season usually starts in September and ends with the finals in spring, in parallel with the DEL. The clubs are spread across Germany, with concentrations in Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, Saxony and North Rhine-Westphalia. Some clubs have a long tradition and were once German champions; others have been promoted from the Oberliga in recent years. Derbies between neighbouring cities are among the highlights.

The Oberliga below

Below the DEL2 is the Oberliga, which is split into a northern and a southern group. Its best teams play for promotion to the DEL2. For many players, the Oberliga is the transition between youth and professional sport. If you are interested in clubs in your region, you can find them via IceHub's team and rink search.