Ice Lions celebrate their first home win – lucky charm Mari Fleming on site!

Ice Lions celebrate their first home win – lucky charm Mari Fleming on site!

During the contemplative Christmas season, the Dresden Ice Lions show that they not only spread a festive atmosphere, but can also really give it their all on the ice. On December 27, 2025, the team under new head coach Gerald Fleming (58) finally got their first three points in regular time in front of their home crowd, after a whopping 14 attempts. This positive turnaround is due not least to the presence of Mari Fleming (35), who, in her role as a television presenter from Estonia, has not only attracted attention in the media business, but also as a lucky charm on the ice. Mari was seen at the game and, if she comes to Germany more often, could have a positive effect on the team's motivation, which could prove to be a decisive factor.

The two, Gerald and Mari Fleming, met in a Chinese restaurant in Berlin in 2018 when Gerald was still an assistant coach at Eisbären Berlin. This seems to be a true success story, as Gerald has already emphasized that Dresden is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, which underlines both the coach's personal and sporting commitment to the club. Next Sunday they will be on the ice with the Eislöwen against EHC Red Bull Munich, a game that promises excitement.

Background and meaning

The importance of ice hockey in Germany has increased enormously in recent years. Loud Statista Around 4.9 million Germans are interested in the sport. In particular, the German Ice Hockey League (DEL), the country's top division, is seeing increasing audience interest. The final cut saw a record attendance with an average of almost 7,800 spectators per game. This shows how lively and attractive ice hockey is in this country.

The Eisbären Berlin are always a topic of conversation as the eternal opponents of the Dresden Eislöwen. The team won their eleventh championship title in 2025. In contrast, the Ice Lions hope to continually improve in the coming seasons under coach Fleming. The 2025 Ice Hockey World Cup further fueled interest and resulted in an exciting final battle between the USA and Switzerland, while the German team finished seventh.

What is at stake?

For the Dresden Ice Lions, it's not just about points, but also about consolidating their position in the league. With the appointment of Gerald Fleming, the club has brought a breath of fresh air into its ranks. In addition, the more frequent presence of Mari Fleming, who brings international flair to the team through her TV shows, could provide valuable impetus for the team and the fans. The next pressure test will be against EHC Red Bull Munich, and the eyes of many ice hockey fans will be on this duel.

The Ice Lions are not only looking for better results, but also for a stronger emotional connection with their fans and the city.