Kölner Haie

In the summer of 1972, the ice hockey division of Kölner EK separated from its parent club to become an independent entity. The founding of Kölner EC (KEC) provided greater decision-making freedom and better financial resources. The name "Kölner EC" was later complemented by "Die Haie" ("The Sharks"), a symbol that has since become the club's trademark. In their inaugural 1972/73 season, the Haie achieved promotion to the Bundesliga. Despite early struggles and internal challenges, they secured their first championship in 1977. This success was followed by a mix of ups and downs, including a golden era from 1983 to 1988, when they won multiple German championships. Over the years, the Haie established themselves as one of Germany's strongest teams, dominating the league for extended periods, though they often faced financial difficulties and internal crises.

The 1990s brought both triumphs and setbacks. Following the establishment of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL) in 1994, the Haie celebrated their first DEL championship but were unable to defend the title in subsequent years. Even with the move to the state-of-the-art LANXESS Arena, consistent success eluded them, despite high-profile players and coaches. The KEC faced numerous transitions and financial challenges but remains a cornerstone of German ice hockey.