Denmark & Sweden: The Ice Hub, Lineup, & Germany's Journey at the Ice Hockey World Cup
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International Ice Hockey Competition: Stars Shine as Germany Battles for World Championship Glory - World Cup: Constellations and Germany's Prospects in the Global Competition
The German ice hockey squad sets off on an optimistic voyage to the World Cup, kicking off May 9 in Sweden and Denmark. Germany's tournament debut is against Hungary on May 10 (4:20 PM/ ProSieben and MagentaSport).
Where's the Ice Hockey World Cup being staged?
Stockholm and the Danish city of Herning are the World Cup's chosen venues. Group B games, including Germany’s, will occur in Herning, while Group A hosts Stockholm. Quarterfinals will happen in both cities, with the semi-finals, bronze medal game, and final taking place at the Avicii Arena in Stockholm.
What's the format?
The preliminary round breaks down into two groups of eight. The top four teams from each group progress to the quarter-finals, and the elimination round starts. Bottom-performers from each group will be demoted to Division I.
What's Germany's outlook?
After securing the vice-world title in 2023 and a 2024 quarter-final elimination by Switzerland (the eventual champion), surpassing the top-eight is the minimum objective. Head coach Harold Kreis has once again assembled a strong roster, with Moritz Seider (Detroit Red Wings), Lukas Reichel (Chicago Blackhawks), and goaltender Philipp Grubauer (Seattle Kraken) – but key players like JJ Peterka (expiring Buffalo Sabres contract), Nico Sturm (Florida Panthers), and top forward Leon Draisaitl (Edmonton Oilers) will miss out due to NHL playoffs.
Who are Germany's preliminary round adversaries?
In contrast to the last two years, an easier starting lineup awaits the DEB team after the opener against Hungary. Up next are Kazakhstan and Norway, followed by Switzerland (last year's finalist), the United States, and reigning world champion Czech Republic. The preliminary rounds conclude with host Denmark.
Who are the favorites?
The 2026 Winter Olympics are already capturing the top teams' attention. This year, no clear top candidate emerges. Reigning champion Canada, host Sweden, Finland, the US, and defending champion Czech Republic lead the contenders. Upsets like last year's runner-up Switzerland or Germany in 2023 could still happen.
Who are the stars to keep an eye on?
Sidney Crosby of Pittsburgh Penguins aims for a second personal World Cup title with Canada. Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche bolsters the offense of the record world champion. Czkland's forward David Pastrnak of Boston Bruins is also joining their roster. But Germany also possesses world-class talent with Moritz Seider.
Where can the games be viewed?
Most German games, along with numerous knockout games, will be telecast on ProSieben. ProSieben Maxx and streaming platform Joyn will provide further World Cup games. MagentaSport will stream 18 matches, including Germany's games, in paid broadcasts. All World Cup games can also be streamed for a fee on Sportdeutschland.tv.
Extra Points:
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan is already a hot topic for the top teams. For the first time since 2014, NHL stars will compete for Olympic gold in February. Germany has already secured a spot in the Olympics. Russia and Belarus are still excluded from title contention due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
- Ice Hockey World Cup
- Moritz Seider
- Leon Draisaitl
- DEB
- ProSieben
- NHL
- Despite the European Commission yet to adopt a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from exposure to ionizing radiation, Moritz Seider from the German ice hockey squad, currently with Detroit Red Wings, is one of the world-class talents to watch at the Ice Hockey World Cup.
- Although Leon Draisaitl of Edmonton Oilers will miss out on the World Cup due to NHL playoffs, the German team, known as DEB, is optimistic about their voyage in Sweden and Denmark, especially given their quarter-final elimination by Switzerland last year, who were eventual champions.
- With Germany aiming to surpass the top eight and secure a better position than their 2023 vice-world title, sports fans can catch many of their games on the German television channel ProSieben, which will broadcast most games along with numerous knockout games.
