Penalty order: Coach fired in the middle of the playoffs!

With the German ice hockey second division team
Bietigheim Steelers

A drastic step comes in the middle of the crucial phase of the season: Head Coach
Alexander Dück
was released with immediate effect. The decision came just one day before the sixth semi-final game against
Kassel Huskies
.

Background: allegations and penalty order

The reason for the measure is a criminal order that was issued at the request of the public prosecutor. There are allegations of sexual harassment against Dück. Two victims are said to have filed a complaint as early as March 2025.

The investigation was confirmed by the public prosecutor’s office, and now the next legal step followed. After this new development became known, the club reacted immediately.

The club draws clear conclusions

The Steelers emphasized in an official statement that they had taken the allegations seriously from the beginning. A “safe and respectful environment” is a top priority.

In coordination with the management, supervisory board and shareholders, it was therefore decided to immediately relieve Dück of his duties.

New man in the gang

In terms of sport, the team now faces a major challenge: in the middle of the playoff series, the assistant coach takes over
Boris Blank
initially the role of head coach.

The situation is explosive: Bietigheim is behind 2-3 in the series and is already under pressure in the next game.

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