Great Britain head coach Pete Russell has been named as the DEL2’s Coach of the Year for 2019-20.
Russell, who led GB from the third tier to the top flight of world ice hockey, had a very successful season with EHC Freiburg.
With a low budget, many expected the side to struggle this season but Russell led them to third place in the standings.
He told the DEL2 website: “I am overjoyed to be awarded the coach of the year in DEL2.
“It is a great achievement. Without such a great team, Daniel Heinrizi and the whole club, that would not have been possible. I couldn’t be happier.
“Coming from Great Britain, to receive such an award in my first year in Germany is fantastic and I thank everyone for it.”
EHC Freiburg were set to face Ravensburg in the playoffs before the DEL cancelled the season because of the worldwide situation with the coronavirus.