Sad news out of Germany, as DEL club Eisbären Berlin announced on Wednesday the passing of center Tobias Eder from complications related to cancer.
-The Eisbären Berlin are in shock. Tobias Eder has died at the age of 26. The forward succumbed to complications from cancer.
Our deepest condolences go out to his family, his fiancée, his friends and everyone who knew and loved him. Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time.
We ask that you refrain from further inquiries (both to us and to his relatives).
Eder was diagnosed with a malignant tumor during a routine physical at the start of training camp in August. Eder did not play this season but was spotted at games on occasion. According to German sports website Footboom, Eder briefly appeared on television in December and said, “I’m doing well under the circumstances.”
On Tuesday morning, the team was notified that Eder’s condition had taken a turn for the worse. Coach Serge Aubin cancelled practise in favor of a team meeting. Later that day, Eisbären Berlin, ERC Ingolstadt and the DEL issued the following statement:
-Due to the critical deterioration of Tobias Eder's health, the Eisbären Berlin team is unable to compete. Both clubs and the league have mutually agreed to postpone the game to Feb. 26, 2025. The game will start at 7:30 pm as before. Tickets already purchased remain valid.
Please refrain from further enquiries to the clubs and especially to the Eder family.
Eder was born in Tegernsee in the Bavarian Alps and played youth hockey for the clubs TEV Miesbach and EC Bad Tölz. He eventually turned pro with Red Bull Munich before moving to Düsseldorfer EG, and then last year to Berlin.
In 2023-24, Eder had 37 points in 67 combined regular-season and playoff games, helping Die Eisbären to the DEL title. He also played in his first-ever IIHF World Championship, playing three games for Germany and scoring one goal.
Eder’s older brother Andreas currently plays for Munich in the DEL.
Correction: Tobias Eder was mistakenly referred to as a different player in parts of the article. We apologize for the error.