Munich, Germany - Two days after the Mannheim Adler and fourth-year head coach Bill Stewart parted ways, former player Helmut de Raaf was introduced as the new head man behind the Adler bench.

During the last four years, the 42-year-old German has enjoyed big success as the head coach of Mannheim’s junior team, “Jungadler”, leading them to two championships in the DNL (Deutsche Nachwuchs Liga). He joined the Adler organisation as a third-string goaltender in 1999.

De Raaf’s contract runs through the end of the current season. A possible extension will be considered later. Stewart’s assistant, 38-year-old Canadian Rico Rossi, will continue to serve as assistant coach.

During his 21-year-career, de Raaf won a total of 11 German championships with the Kölner Haie, Düsseldorfer EG and Mannheim Adler. He also participated in several World Championships and Olympics with Team Germany.

One of his most memorable games on the international stage was the 1992 Olympic Quarterfinal between Canada and Germany in Lillehammer, Norway. After a dramatic overtime game, Eric Lindros lifted Team Canada to a 4-3 win after penalty shootout.