At this end of the ice age, spring fever is in play.
The Löwen Frankfurt demonstrated their class in an impressive way.
It was not surprising that many of those involved, who like to present themselves as die-hard puck hunters, were suddenly overwhelmed by their emotions when it was finally done.
They have been working towards this success for a long time.
The German Ice Hockey League (DEL) is no longer a closed society.
The desire for exclusivity, which is unusual in this country, was given up under pressure from the fans, who found the attraction of a promotion and relegation battle more appealing than the financiers of the teams, who lost planning security.
The budgets are limited at the DEL locations because the proceeds from TV marketing are by no means as lavish as in the football business.
The money from ticket sales accounts for around two thirds of the income.
This is one of the reasons why the Frankfurt lions would be welcome companions from now on: The club has a fan base that loves to travel and who remained loyal when twelve years ago insolvency made it necessary to start over in the amateur camp.
Their return to the limelight could hardly have been more impressive: they marched through the DEL2 play-offs with 12:0 wins.
The Frankfurters have done a lot right since their downgrading and earned their comeback with conscientious (young) work.
The team was led by Bohuslav Subr, a professional who, with the far-sightedness with which he proceeds to action, has already aroused the interest of ambitious competitors.
Despite all the achievements, it is unclear whether the Czech will actually be able to continue his development work from late summer onwards with duels against Munich, Mannheim or Cologne.
The lions do not yet know how to finance their happiness.
When Vladimir Putin ordered his troops to invade Ukraine in February, Frankfurt acted with a consequence at management level that many clubs and associations should have liked to follow: they immediately parted ways with their Russian sponsor.
Since then, the up-and-coming ice hockey ensemble has been supported by a private community of solidarity, which stepped in to ensure the game was running for a short period of time.
In order to start the DEL adventure, there is still time until May 3rd, when the documents, which also show the economic qualifications, must be submitted.
The city of Frankfurt, of all people, has so far been reluctant to help.
This Wednesday, the team and coaches are invited to the ceremony in the town hall.
The lions, they owe it to themselves, will roar loudly.
It may then also dawn on some representatives of the people that their metropolis, which they like to praise on many occasions as a sports city, could use other showcase addresses in addition to Eintracht: The lions deserve help to help themselves.