Despite the definitive relegation from the German Ice Hockey League, the Bietigheim Steelers' managing director Volker Schoch is still proud. "It was foreseeable and one is sad and disappointed," he told the German Press Agency on Wednesday. "But after a moment's thought, I'm proud that we were in the bel etage for two years with the smallest budget." Due to the 2:3 defeat at ERC Ingolstadt the day before, the Swabians can no longer leave the last place in the table, although there are still two days left.

Schoch and the Steelers announced in early February that they would be separating after this season. That's why Schoch doesn't want to speculate about the club's future direction and goals. "My successors have to deal with that, but I am convinced that ice hockey will continue to exist in Bietigheim," he said.

The newly created position of sporting director will be taken over by Bietigheim's ex-coach Daniel Naud. Rupert Meister supports him as head of sporting development and strategy for professionals and youngsters. Together they will be responsible for the sporting orientation of the club.

At Schoch, staying up in the league in the first season will be remembered positively. He also emphasized the atmosphere in the big arenas that he and the team were able to experience and "the will to fight that the Steelers assumed as underdogs in every game".

Table squad Bietigheim Steelers