"Cracking the Code" "Never Seen This Before": DEB team navigates World Cup's unexpected ice challenge
No previous occurrence: DEB team clinches unconventional World Cup encounter
Catch the buzz on Facebook, Twitter, Whatsapp, E-Mail, Print, or Copy Link as the German ice hockey squad, including NHL star Tim Stützle, make waves at the World Cup, even on a bit of a slippery slope. In their third preliminary round game against Norway, they clinched a 5:2 (2:1, 2:0, 1:1) win, with Stützle contributing two assists.
Sitting pretty with nine points, the DEB team faces tough challenges ahead: their next opponents include the arch-rival Switzerland, USA, and defending champions Czech Republic. The highly anticipated match against Switzerland takes place on Thursday (16:20/ProSieben and MagentaSport).
"Cracking the Code"
Stützle, fresh off his playoff loss with the Ottawa Senators, quickly got to work, setting up a slick 1:0 goal. The 23-year-old displayed his tough side, body-checking an opponent hard.
Mere minutes before the end of the first period, a large chunk of ice broke off the boards, pausing the game and prompting both teams to head to the locker rooms for repairs. Reportedly, this was not the first time the ice had given way at the Jyske Bank Boxen, with players previously expressing frustration over the poorly maintained surface. "I've never seen anything like this," said Stützle on ProSieben, "Hopefully, we have competent ice techs!" Fans took to their feet during the second interruption, jeering, "All you're breaking is the ice!"
"Sixty Second Superman"
Stützle narrowly missed notching his first goal with a brilliant solo effort towards the end of the game. The club's top scorer Frederik Tiffels scored instead, wrapping up the victory with a 5:2 final score.
Forward Lukas Reichel had to leave the game in the second period due to an injury and was unable to return. Joining the squad were Berlin-based defender Eric Mik for his World Cup debut, and clubmate Jonas Müller, who celebrated his 100th game with the team. In goal, Philipp Grubauer remained the go-to option, while Mathias Niederberger watched from the sidelines.
Aggressive Norway started the game strong but could not keep up with Germany, who scored four times after giving up the initial goal.
Sources: ntv.de, ses/sid
- World Championships
- Ice Hockey
- Norway
Enrichment Data:The extraordinary interruptions during the 2025 Ice Hockey World Championship group stage match between Germany and Norway in Herning, Denmark, unfolded when a player's skate broke the ice, creating a dangerous situation on the rink. Overall, the game was disrupted twice, leading to immediate locker room visits while repairs were made. Criticism of poor ice quality was widespread from players and coaches alike, with goalie Philipp Grubauer expressing concerns for player safety and cautioning that the ice was akin to playing on a melting pond.
Repeated ice issues throughout the game raised concern, prompting an extended twenty-minute break for thorough repairs. Stricter maintenance protocols were implemented for the following games at the Herning venue, Jyske Bank Boxen.
The DEB team, comprising young athletes and veteran NHL stars, is utilizing social media platforms to share updates about their unpredictable journey in the World Championships, withstand tough opponents, and navigate the unusual ice conditions at the Jyske Bank Boxen. Stützle, a key player, is using the skills honed in the NHL to contribute assists and showcase his aggressive play in the sport of hockey during the tournament.
