The German Hockey League Introduces 90-Second Commercial Breaks

The German Hockey League (DEL) revealed that it will introduce "Power Breaks," during each game of the '12-13 season, according to the SID. Power Breaks are 90-second commercial breaks that "provide teams and league broadcaster ServusTV with an additional opportunity to generate sponsorship money." Hamburg Freezers Managing Dir Michael Pfad, who is also a member of the DEL Media and Marketing Commission, said, "I'm convinced that the league will become more attractive because teams will be able to use their top lines more often. In addition, Power Breaks are an attractive marketing tool, which clubs can use to provide their sponsors with an additional promo time." Power Breaks are restricted to once a period, but only if there are less than 12 minutes left to play and there is a stoppage in the game. In addition, both teams have to be at full strength, and Power Breaks cannot occur during the final minute of the first and second period as well as during the last two minutes of the third period (SID, 9/3).