The Löwen Frankfurt from the German Ice Hockey League have announced a new coaching appointment: 58-year-old Tom Pokel will take over as coach of the Hessians with immediate effect.
Pokel brings extensive DEL experience to Frankfurt. Most recently, the American was very successful at the Straubing Tigers for eight and a half years and led the team to the playoffs six times in a row, to the Champions Hockey League (CHL) three times and even to the Spengler Cup final in 2024. His expertise in the top German league is undisputed and makes him the ideal choice for the struggling Lions.
In addition to his long DEL history, Tom Pokel also has a close and successful connection to the Austrian ice hockey league (today’s ICEHL). His greatest feat in the league came in the 2013/14 season when he surprisingly led HC Bozen to the championship in their debut season in the then EBEL. This title win by the Italian team in the Austrian league was a minor sensation at the time.
In the 2014/15 season, Pokel was under contract with the Vienna Capitals, where he also led the team into the playoffs. Pokel previously worked in Austria, including as head coach of the Graz99ers (2007/08) and the VEU Feldkirch.
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