Roller-Coaster Season in Cologne

[Beketov 9,102]

It’s been a bumpy ride for the Cologne express but hopefully one that can end in a playoff birth. The Express currently sit just one point behind Conference rivals Vasteras for the final European playoff spot and have arguably a much easier schedule to finish off a season that has seen a large number of roster changes.

 

With poor play and attitudes toward practice running wild in Cologne management has stripped the team down to its essentials, a move that appeared to be setting the team on course for a rebuild but has turned out for the best. Cologne has gone from having no hope to a new light at the end of the tunnel. It may not appear as if they have much life left but they are at least making a push for the playoffs this season. Goaltender Evgeni Chekhov commented on the matter:

 

“It’s been an up and down year for sure. We’ve seen a lot of players leave after being with us for several seasons. If you would have asked me a few weeks ago about the playoffs I wouldn’t have thought it possible but now its looking like we might be able to. It certainly hasn’t been our best season by far but if we’re going to rebuild at least we can try to end on a high note."

 

When pressed for more details on the subject of a rebuild Chekhov refused to comment, stating that its “team business” and they will “handle it as best they can.” One thing is for certain, Cologne’s had a rough season on and off the ice but they aren’t laying down without a fight.

[BOOM 8,818]

Whatever approach Cologne takes, all the best with it.