A record career ends for Mirko Lüdemann

Mirko Lüdemann is a legend. Not just for his team Kölner Haie, that he spent his whole 23-year career with, but also for the DEL, whose beginnings he experienced on the ice 22 years ago. After 1197 games for the Sharks, 176 goals and 363 assists for a total of 539 scorer points, the announcement of him changing sides was made today.

Lüdemann will exchange his skates for a job in the marketing and youth development department of the Kölner Haie organisation. „I am very grateful for the club giving me the chance of a fluent transition into another period of life. I always said that it is the club, that decides whether I continue as a player or not.“

The fact that he never went to play for another team after coming over from his junior time in Canada with the Fort McMurray Oil Barons as a 19-year old made him a fan favourite in Cologne. He won two championships along the years in 1995 and 2002 with the Sharks and could even hoist the traditional Spengler Cup in 1999.

Among his opponents Lüdemann has always been respected especially for his calm character and his amazing skating skills. Still last season one opponent, who was the cable guy for the broadcasting company, was overheard saying to his teammate on the bench: „Unbelievable! That guy is a million years old and you still can't outskate him.“ He made it a habit in his career not to talk a lot, but when he did people were listening as he spoke from his heart. So it happened, when he was once asked if he could play with the injury he had picked up in the last game and he replied: „Of course I'll play. I'm not a footballer.“

His character also made him a big part of the German national team for 11 years, for which he participated in 8 World Championships, 2 World Cups and 3 Olympic tournaments.

Haie-CEO Peter Schönberger already confirmed that his jersey number 12 will be retired now and not handed out to other players anymore. „Mirko Lüdemann's career and club loyalty is unique. Of course we will also talk to him about a due farewell game. As of May 1^st a new life starts for him and we are glad to have him as a team member in our backoffice“.

Lüdemann himself is also looking forward to it: „23 years ago I was the young player, who got a spot in the team, to develop myself. Now it will be another one. I am enjoying the new challenge.“

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