The Kölner Haie are one of the most storied and recognisable ice hockey clubs in Germany. Based in Cologne, the team was founded in 1972 and quickly developed into a powerhouse of German ice hockey. “Haie,” meaning “Sharks,” reflects the club’s fierce competitive identity.

During the 1970s and 1980s, the Haie established themselves as a dominant force in what is today the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL). The club captured multiple German championships, with particularly golden years in the late 1970s and mid-1980s. Their championship runs in 1977, 1979, 1984, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1995 and 2002 cemented their reputation as one of the most successful franchises in German hockey history. The 1994/95 season was especially significant, as the Haie won the inaugural DEL championship, ushering in a new professional era of the sport in Germany.

The team’s success was built on a combination of strong domestic talent and influential international players, as well as passionate fan support. Over the decades, the Haie became known for their electrifying home atmosphere, currently playing at the impressive Lanxess Arena, one of Europe’s largest multi-purpose arenas. With crowds regularly numbering in the tens of thousands, Cologne developed into a true hockey stronghold. The club’s red-and-white colours and shark logo are instantly recognisable across the country, symbolising both tradition and ambition.

The Haie participated in the inaugural 2014/15 season of the Champions Hockey League but have not returned since, making their qualification for 2026/27 a remarkable comeback to the European club ice hockey scene.