The Opel HBL is off to a fast start. To wrap up the first week of the season, SG Flensburg-Handewitt will host HC Erlangen at the GGW Arena on Saturday at 7 p.m.
Three games in one week. The start of the 2026–27 season has been fast-paced and, so far, successful for SG Flensburg-Handewitt. Following victories over Eisenach and at Bergischer HC, the team is aiming for a perfect finish to this doubleheader on Saturday against HC Erlangen, if possible.
However, Aleš Pajović is sounding a note of caution ahead of the match, knowing that nothing comes easy in the world’s strongest league.
“We’re in for a tough game. The first two games have already shown that every team gives it their all, especially at the start of the season. Even our new players, like Aymeric Minne, have already had to learn that.”
After suffering a hand injury in the season opener, the Frenchman landed hard on his back on Wednesday and was in pain. However, he’ll likely be able to play, just like Emil Jakobsen. At least that’s what things looked like for both of them after returning from Wuppertal. Jakobsen has an ankle injury, and after the final practice, we’ll see how both players respond to the physical demands of the game. As things stand now, the duo is expected to play.
Minne’s one-on-one ability in particular should be crucial. According to Pajović, these duels will be especially important against Erlangen’s “active and aggressive” 6-0 defense. “We have to be present there,” said the SG coach.
Overall, his team needs to build on the positive aspects of their offensive play from the first two games and continue to improve their defense.
“We’ve had stretches recently where we were really good. Against the BHC in the second half, when we gave up only four goals in 20 minutes. We need to build on that,” says “Pajo,” who isn’t too concerned about the opponent’s injury woes. For example, incoming SG player Viggo Kristjansson is questionable for that match. According to Pajović, the team led by former Flensburg player Marek Nissen—who has been joined on the bench this season by another familiar face, Michael Jacobsen, as assistant coach—still has “enough quality.”
However, the SG coach also says: “We’re focusing on ourselves, and our next goal is to put on a good show in front of our home crowd. If we do that, the next two points should normally stay in Flensburg.”