Germany - Austria tour

The KES group of 35 left Halifax late Thursday, March 6 destined for Munich Germany and an 8-day tour of both Germany and Austria. Arriving in Munich on Friday, March 7, our group of KES boys’ hockey players, coaches and family members left the jet lag behind and departed for Augsburg. Upon arrival we immediately left for the rink to watch our first Elite pro hockey game, Augsburg Panthers vs Red Bull Munich. The walk to the old arena took us about 10 minutes, and as we approached, we could hear the supportive fans from both teams singing and chanting. The game was sold out and the standing fans continued to sing throughout the game, and we could still hear them singing during our walk back to the hotel.

Saturday was sunny and at least 20 degrees and, fortunately, the same weather followed us throughout our trip. A full practice on the international ice was exactly what everyone needed to get the legs going and the mind ready for the coming games. Family members also participated, and we had a great scrimmage to finish the session. A tour of Augsburg and the famous Fuegerrei (the world’s first social housing in 1516) was followed by lunch in the Ratskeller (city hall basement). Our next stop was in Kempten.

After another early start, we travelled to Neuschwanstein castle in the Bavarian Alps. Following our hike up to the castle and a tour, we had lunch at the base of the beautiful castles. We then headed through the mountains in Austria to Garmisch Partenkirchen where we walked around the famous village. After some ice cream and coffee, we were back to Fussen to see a Division 3 play-off hockey game with Fussen vs Frieburg.

On our first game day, we left the Alps and headed to Heilbronn. On the way we stopped at the Sinsheim Technik museum where we saw all forms of automation, air travel and military equipment. After our first game vs Heilbronn, our players received their first requests from fans for autographs and photos! After our first win in Germany we were treated to a meal with the host players and staff.

On the fifth day of our trip, we visited the medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber and toured the historic, walled town. After lunch we made our way to the city of Nurnberg where we played in the professional arena for game two. 

Again we had a great game where we defeated the host team EHC 80 Nurnberg. We were invited to another post game meal with our hosts. Our players adjusted well to the style of hockey and the big ice surface.

We had another full day touring Nurnberg and its castle and underground world. Next we travelled to the beautiful city of Regensburg for a brief tour and excellent Italian meal. For our third game vs Deggendorf Fire, we experienced for the first time, playing in an arena that was partly outdoors. After losing to a very strong team with a couple of 20 year olds and pro players, we headed for our new hotel in Landshut.

During the last couple days, we visited Salzburg, the salt mines of Bertchesgarden, Munich and the former concentration camp Dachau. The last couple of hockey events included a skills night with players and family and our last game in Moosburg. The game was preceded by quite a show with dimmed lights, smoke machines and loud music. The boys were treated like pros! A very special treat for the team was a visit from alumnus Felix Jungmeier (2003-05) who arrived wearing his old KES hockey jersey from 2005!

We had a wonderful, busy, 8-day trip of history, culture and sports. Thank you to all the players and family members for their positive attitude and patience on the Germany trip. Also kudos to Carl Lavigne, Gyorgy and Joseph who were excellent organizers, tour guides and drivers. Thank you!

Jeff MacLeod