Hannover Scorpions
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- Germany Oberliga 72 Club Friendlies (Regulation Only) 5
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Wikipedia - Hannover Scorpions
The Hannover Scorpions are a professional ice hockey team, which plays in the Oberliga, Germany's third tier ice hockey league. They previously played in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga from 1996 to 2013.
History
Founded in 1975 as ESC Wedemark, the team was renamed Wedemark Scorpions in their first DEL season in 1996 after the rock band Scorpions, who also call Hanover, Lower Saxony their home. The next season, the Scorpions relocated to Hanover proper and began playing their home games at TUI Arena in 2000.
Despite playing in the region's top venue, as well as enjoying sizeable corporate and political support, the team has struggled to generate sustained interest in Hanover.
Before relocating there in 1997, the Scorpions played their home games in Mellendorf, a small town located 20 km north in Wedemark township. They were actually considered rivals of Hanover. Thus, many local fans resented their longtime foe taking over the Hanover market at the expense of the city's historic hockey team, the less-favored Indians, and refused to support the Scorpions. []
With the club stricken by financial problems at the conclusion of the 2012–13 season, the Scorpions were forced to sell their DEL license to 2nd Bundesliga club the SERC Wild Wings on June 14, 2013. The Scorpions were then placed in the Oberliga, Germany's third tier league.
Known for their aggressive playing style and strong defensive tactics, the Hannover Scorpions have a loyal fan base and a reputation for being a tough opponent on the ice. The team's logo features a menacing scorpion, reflecting their fierce and competitive nature.
Over the years, the Hannover Scorpions have had success in the DEL, winning the league championship in 2010. They have also produced several talented players who have gone on to play in top leagues around the world.
With a rich history and a commitment to excellence, the Hannover Scorpions continue to be a force to be reckoned with in German ice hockey.