The Dolomitencup is set for a very special summer. From 21 to 23 August, the 20th edition of the prestigious preparatory tournament will take place in Neumarkt/South Tyrol. There will be a special reunion: record champions Augsburg are back in the running.
When the Dolomitencup was launched in the distant summer of 2006, the Augsburger Panther were one of the four inaugural participants. What no one could have guessed at the time was that the renowned traditional tournament and the Bavarian cult club would develop a very special connection in the years to come.
Today, 20 years later, the Panthers not only have the most appearances under their belt (ten in total), but are also the record champions. The trophy has found its way into the hands of the traditional DEL club no less than five times. The impressive figures are one thing. The emotional aspect is another. And so the Dolomitencup has become a matter close to the hearts of the passionate Augsburg fans. In recent years, hundreds of them have made the pilgrimage to the Würtharena, transforming it into a veritable cauldron.
After a two-year break, Augsburg fans and their favourite players will return to the Dolomitencup stage this year. Augsburg has not had an easy time recently in terms of sport. The Panthers have narrowly avoided relegation from the DEL on several occasions. However, there are signs of an upturn this year, and the 2010 German vice-champions are currently still fighting for a place in the playoffs.
In August, AEV will be chasing its sixth Dolomitencup title – and will face some stiff competition. Both Eisbären Berlin (Germany) and EV Zug (Switzerland) have already confirmed their participation. The fourth and final participant will be announced shortly.
