Eisbären Berlin Begin Search for New Head Coach
Berlin, May 17 – The Eisbären Berlin, fresh off a championship season, are now in the midst of a crucial search for a new head coach. This follows the departure of their championship-winning coach, Serge Aubin, who is moving to SC Bern in the Swiss National League. The question of who will succeed Aubin is one of the most anticipated developments in the PENNY DEL this summer.
Benoit Groulx Emerges as a Key Candidate
According to information obtained by Eishockey NEWS from two independent sources, Benoit Groulx is a prominent name on the list of potential candidates for the head coach position in Berlin. Groulx, a 58-year-old French-Canadian, most recently served as head coach for EV Zug in Switzerland, where he took over from Michael Liniger in January and remained until the end of the season.
Extensive Coaching Background
Groulx’s coaching career boasts a diverse and impressive resume. Earlier in the 2023/24 season, he coached Traktor Chelyabinsk in the KHL, leading them to their first final appearance in twelve years, where they ultimately lost 1:4 to Lokomotive Yaroslavl. He left the Russian club in mid-November, reportedly due to exhaustion.
His experience also includes a significant tenure as a head coach in the American Hockey League (AHL). Groulx spent seven consecutive years leading the Syracuse Crunch, a testament to his consistency and skill in one of North America’s most competitive minor leagues. Prior to that, he spent two years in a leadership role with the Rochester Americans.
On the international stage, Groulx achieved gold with the Canadian U20 national team at the World Juniors in 2014/15. He also found success in junior hockey at the beginning of his coaching career, leading his hometown team, the Gatineau Olympiques, in the QMJHL.
Familiarity with European Hockey
Before his coaching career, Groulx played junior hockey in Belgium and France. He is also not entirely new to the PENNY DEL, having observed games in Germany during the 2023/24 season, alongside attending matches in Switzerland. This suggests a pre-existing familiarity with the league and its dynamics, which could be a significant advantage in his potential role with the Eisbären Berlin.
The search for Aubin’s successor is a critical decision for the Eisbären Berlin as they aim to maintain their competitive edge and continue their success in the upcoming PENNY DEL season. The club is expected to make an announcement regarding their new head coach in the coming weeks.
