German hockey fans show they are better than NHL supporters... at arts and crafts

The DEL Winter Game is one of the most incredible bi-annual hockey events that you’ve never heard of. Since its inception in 2013, the contest that features two teams from Germany’s top hockey league going at it on an outdoor rink is always one worth keeping an eye on.

The 2015 edition between the Cologne Sharks and Duesseldorf EG in front of 51,125 spectators broke the European league attendance record. DEG came out on top in that one by a final score of 3-2.

Four years later, the two sides clashed once again in the 2019 Winter Game hosted by Cologne on Saturday. The game itself was fantastic as John Henrion found the back of the net 2:14 into overtime to lift Duesseldorf EG to a 3-2 victory.

That wasn’t the highlight, though.

With the event taking place in a soccer stadium, fans of the Cologne Sharks seemed to harness some inspiration from the incredible visual displays that supporter groups put together for big matches.

Sure, we’ve seen flags in NHL rinks during national anthems, but the amount of time, planning and choreography that goes into a display of this size has to be respected. It’s the kind of Tifo that would surely get a nod of approval from fans of the top soccer clubs in the world.

So, grab a bunch of Bristol board and your markers, NHL fans. Germany has raised the bar when it comes to supporting your side.

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