Ice Hockey National Players Demand Better Promotion - Germany’s women’s hockey triumph exposes youth development crisis in the sport
Germany's women's ice hockey team has been crowned champions of the Deutschland Cup after a dominant 9-1 victory over Hungary. The triumph has sparked calls for improved youth development in the sport.
The team's captain, Daria Gleißner, playing for ERC Ingolstadt, stressed the importance of better support for girls in youth hockey. She warned that without adequate resources, talented players drop out during their teenage years. Laura Kluge, a professional in North America's PWHL, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for earlier development.
Head coach Jeff MacLeod faces a challenge in selecting the Olympic squad due to a limited talent pool. Franziska Feldmeier of Eisbären Berlin lamented that girls in youth hockey have to outshine top boys to get noticed. The German Women's Bundesliga, with only five teams, including one based in Budapest, also highlights the struggle for growth in the sport.
Germany's women's ice hockey team's Deutschland Cup victory has shone a light on the need for improved youth development. Players and coaches alike have urged increased commitment from men's professional clubs and better resources for girls in youth hockey. With a limited talent pool, the future of the sport in Germany depends on these changes.
