The Augsburg Panthers have signed Christof Kreutzer as coach for the coming season. Kreutzer (55) is moving from competitor Schwenninger Wild Wings to Augsburg, as the club from the German Ice Hockey League (DEL) announced on Saturday.

Kreutzer succeeds the Finn Kai Suikkanen as head coach. The Panthers will finish the DEL season on a relegation zone. Kreutzer should thus set up a powerful team for the DEL2.

The descent is not yet finally sealed. The Panthers only have to go into the DEL2 together with the DEL last Bietigheim if Kassel, Krefeld or Dresden win the playoffs of the DEL2. Only these three teams meet the economic requirements for promotion to the DEL, which will be reduced to 14 clubs for the new season.

In addition to his coaching work, Kreutzer will also be responsible for being the sporting director in Augsburg. "Even if the Panthers could not meet expectations this season, I see Augsburg as a traditional ice hockey location with incredible potential and loyal fans and sponsors," said the 55-year-old.

Communication from the Augsburg Panther