102 years young: Ernst Baumgartner inspires as the oldest ice hockey fan!

102 years young: Ernst Baumgartner inspires as the oldest ice hockey fan!

What an evening at the Augsburg Panthers ice hockey game! On November 2nd, 2025, Ernst Baumgartner, at the age of 102, created a very special moment in the stadium. During the game against the Fischtown Pinguins Bremerhaven, the impressive pensioner was shown on the stadium camera and received minutes of standing applause from the Panther fans. A truly heartwarming sight!

Ernst Baumgartner, who may be considered the oldest ice hockey fan in the world, was completely triumphant and wore a jersey with the number 100. For him, the sporting result, a 5-2 defeat for the Panthers, played only a minor role. What counted was the fun of the game and the atmosphere in the stadium. He was accompanied by his carers Stefanie Gramlich and Nicole Scheuermeyer from the Albaretto seniors' residence, who ensured that he was able to enjoy the visit to the fullest.

Ice hockey in an international context

But what kind of sport is it that produces such loyal fans as Baumgartner? Ice hockey, which evolved from full-contact sports, is played on skates in an arena. Two teams use sticks to fight to get a vulcanized rubber puck into the opponent's goal. For a goal to count, the puck must cross the goal line - each goal earns one point. The team with the most points after three periods wins the game, although a tie in regular time goes to extra time or a penalty shootout. The game is extremely popular not only in North America but also in many European countries such as Germany, Austria and Switzerland. [Wikipedia] notes that ice hockey is even considered Canada's national sport.

Ice hockey has a long and eventful history. The modern form of the sport developed in Canada, where the first indoor game took place in 1875. Since then, the game has changed and become more and more popular - not least because ice hockey is also an integral part of the Winter Olympics, which have been taking place since 1920. The NHL, which was founded in 1917, is now considered the best and most attended ice hockey league in the world.

Ice hockey and its diverse fan base

Ice hockey is known for its exciting, thrilling games and passionate fans. The crowd can create an atmosphere at every game and also motivate the players, which can be seen night after night in stadiums all over Germany. Baumgartner's performance is no exception. He is a very special example of how people of all ages can be connected to ice hockey and burn for the thrill and community in the arenas. Despite his old age, he doesn't let it stop him from being part of this vibrant sports culture.

When Ernst Baumgartner is escorted into the stadium atmosphere by his supervisors, he not only embodies the passion for this sport, but also the solidarity and joy that ice hockey brings. It seems he's not just a fan - he's an unforgettable part of the hockey community!