Vice World Champion
The heads of German ice hockey success
The German national team poses for a photo after winning the silver medal. photo
© Pavel Golovkin/AP
The German ice hockey selection at the start of the World Cup was not expected to become vice world champion. But the squad of national coach Kreis plays splendidly. Some players stand out.
Germany is vice world champion in ice hockey. What seemed unthinkable just a few years ago and hardly anyone thought possible even before the World Cup happened: Germany was in the final in Tampere, Finland, which they lost 5-2 to record world champions Canada.
However, the selection of the German Ice Hockey Federation inspired at the World Championships in Finland and Latvia. These are the leaders of success:
Harold Circle
The 64-year-old was viewed with skepticism before his first World Cup as national coach. After younger successful predecessors Marco Sturm (44) and Toni Söderholm (45), Kreis did not seem to stand for the future. think! Under the veteran, the self-confident appearance of the players continued seamlessly. “All the goals that were given to us have been met – and more,” said Kreis proudly after the final. He also promoted young talents and played modern ice hockey.
Nico Storm
The NHL striker also experienced his World Cup premiere and immediately became the outstanding German World Cup player and leader in the team. The Stanley Cup winner impressed with commitment, overview and six goals. Everything the 28-year-old did on the ice made sense.
Wojciech Stachowiak
The German discovery of the World Cup par excellence. Kreis decided early on that the 23-year-old from Ingolstadt would have a place in the squad and was rewarded for it. The attacker stood out from the otherwise outstanding fourth line of attackers with playfulness, overview and commitment. It wouldn’t be surprising if Stachowiak gets a chance in North America after this World Cup.
John Jason Peterka
The 22-year-old top talent of the Buffalo Sabers from the NHL was the German top scorer at this World Cup, but needed a wake-up call from the national coach. In the first games, the noble technician wanted too much. In the 4-2 preliminary round win against Austria, Kreis accused Peterka of not sticking to the system and left him on the bench in the final third. Kreis was rewarded for this courage: After that, things went well for Peterka. He was voted the best forward of the entire tournament.
Moritz Seider
The top defender in the German team. The 22-year-old from the Detroit Red Wings astounded early on with his down-to-earthness and has steadily improved over the past few years. In a few years, Seider could become one of the best, if not the best, defender in the NHL and therefore in the world. He is in a relationship with short tracker Anna Seidel, who took part in the 2022 Olympic Games.