Farewell spectacle for Grambusch - Ladies' team relinquishes championship title
The German hockey team, currently led by national coach André Henning, is preparing for a new era following the retirement of Mats Grambusch, the team's former captain. Grambusch, who played his last game for the team in the European Championship, was awarded the title of the tournament's best player.
Despite Grambusch's departure, the team remains optimistic about its future. André Henning expressed his confidence in the team's ability to maintain and build competitive strength, with the aim of achieving success at major upcoming tournaments, including the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup and the Olympic Games.
The team qualified for the 2026 World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands by reaching the final of the EuroHockey Championships 2025, where they won gold against the Netherlands. This reflects a strong team that is developing to compete at the highest international levels.
The team's focus on the Olympics is not exclusive to ice hockey. The general trend captures a broader ambition across German hockey to perform well on international stages in 2026. For instance, there is a plan to challenge traditional powers with a team led by top NHL players in ice hockey. By analogy, German field hockey aims to leverage its youth and talent pipeline to keep progressing internationally.
With veteran players like Grambusch and Lukas Windfeder no longer part of the team, Germany is integrating new talent. Notable young players such as Justus Weigand and Gonzalo Peillat have contributed significantly in recent tournaments, showing a strong upcoming generation ready to fill the gaps. The team emphasizes using this fresh talent to sustain and improve performance.
The youngest player on the team, Jean-Paul Danneberg, showcased his potential during the European Championship. His outstanding performance in goal during the final against the Netherlands, which Germany won in a penalty shootout with a score of 4:1, was a testament to his talent. Danneberg expressed his joy and appreciation for the team during an interview with Magenta TV.
The women's German hockey team also participated in the European Championship, where they won a silver medal, losing to the Dutch team in the final with a score of 1:2. Despite this loss, the German Hockey Federation is satisfied with André Henning's leadership and approach.
As the German hockey team prepares for the future, the focus remains on maintaining championship-level performance and building on its rich history of success. With a mix of youthful enthusiasm and experienced guidance, the team is poised to continue its journey towards international hockey dominance.
Football is not part of the German hockey team's current focus, but they share a similar ambition to excel in their respective European leagues. Just as the men's team aims to challenge traditional hockey powers at the Olympics, the motivated German footballers seek to leave their mark in the Champions League, symbolizing international dominance within their sport too.
