Generational change at the DSC: Ice rink and new board in focus!

Generational change at the DSC: Ice rink and new board in focus!

Last week the annual general meeting of the Deggendorfer Schlittschuhclub e.V. (DSC) took place in “Haus Kräh”. Around 80 members came not only to look back on the past year, but also to elect a new board. The meeting was harmonious and the change at the top was unanimous. Artur Frank, Stefan Liebergesell and Thomas Thammer handed over the helm into the hands of Franz Niemeier, Romy Niemeier, Martin Behrendt and Mario Kagerbauer-Eberl, who are now responsible for the club's sporting future. Artur Frank looked back on his time in office, even if the weather forced him online that day.

The sporting successes of the DSC should not go unmentioned. The U17 team made it into the highest German youth class (DNL) and the U20 can clearly assert itself in the upper half of the DNL 2 table. The U13 also competed with two teams in Bavaria. The figure skating department also showed its best side and treated the spectators to emotional skating.

Challenges and outlook

But not everything was rosy: the economic challenges did not stop at the DSC. A defect in the ice system caused a four-week shutdown in August, which led to the cancellation of several home tournaments. Despite a small profit carried forward from the previous season, the club had to accept a loss of around 35,000 euros in the 2024/25 financial year. However, DSC Spielbetriebs-GmbH & Co. KG supported the club with an impressive six-figure grant.

The outgoing board of directors was discharged at the meeting without a dissenting vote, which speaks for the trust placed in the former managers. A new travel and mobility concept was also presented, which was deemed necessary due to bus costs increasing by over 80% in four years. The club will organize its own fleet of nine-seater minibuses, with two already rented and another vehicle owned by the club.

An exciting project awaits the members: the creation of a “DSC e.V. performance center”. A modern ice rink that can be used all year round is to be built in Natternberg. The permit planning is expected to be completed this year and financing will be secured by the end of the year. The groundbreaking ceremony for this ambitious project is scheduled for the second quarter of 2026.

Ice hockey on the rise

A look at the overarching developments in German ice hockey shows that the sport has become significantly more important in recent years. Traditionally, ice hockey has often remained in the shadow of football, but recent successes for the German national team, such as second place at the 2018 Winter Olympics and participation in the semi-finals of the 2021 World Cup, have massively increased public interest. In addition to improved promotion of young talent through programs such as “Powerplay 26”, international successes are promising indicators for the growth of ice hockey in Germany.

The professionalization of the structures in the clubs and leagues, especially the German Ice Hockey League (DEL), also contributes to this positive development. However, it is important to overcome the financial challenges of many clubs, especially in the lower leagues, and to strengthen the grassroots work in popular sports. The future of German ice hockey therefore looks promising; with a continued focus on talent development and stable social support, Germany can assert itself among the top nations in ice hockey.

In summary, it can be said that the Deggendorf ice skating club is on a promising path, both athletically and structurally. With a committed new board and innovative projects, the association has the potential to achieve great things not only in the region but also nationwide. Whether in performance-oriented ice hockey or figure skating, the DSC stays in tune with the times.