Germany qualified for the 2010 Olympics earlier this year and seems to have rebounded from the ignominy of being demoted for the 2006 World Championship. Under coach Uwe Krupp there is renewed excitement, thanks in part to his philosophy of more open hockey than in recent years and in part because Krupp’s youth movement has meant more energy on the bench and more camaraderie among players. The team isn’t ready to be called one of the medal favourites, to be sure, but there is enough talent in the dressing room that if a surprise were to emerge from Switzerland 2009, it might well be the Germans.

Goalie

Two familiar names and one new name will guard the German crease this year. Back are Dimitrij Kotschnew and Dimitri Patzold, the same tandem from 2007 and ’08, while the third ‘tender will be Dennis Endras. Kotschnew was born in Kazakhstan but spent most of his life in Germany before turning pro. Now he plays for Spartak Moscow in the KHL and is back for a third World Championship. Patzold played the majority of the games the last two years as well as at the Olympic qualifying tournament.

Defence

The experienced defence is led by Ottawa Senators’ Christoph Schubert, a steady presence on the blueline if lacking in offensive talent. He’ll be joined by Sven Butenschon, Andreas Renz, and Michael Bakos. Alberta-born Chris Schmidt is back for a second year in a German sweater. Nikolai Goc, Sebastian Osterloh, Frank Hordler, and Moritz Muller round out a corps that is going to have to play near-perfect hockey if the team expects to make a run to the quarter-finals.

Forwards

Jochen Hecht will lead the way for the German attack up front. The forward for the Buffalo Sabres will be counted on for goals and leadership. Hecht last played at the World Championship in 2005 (his first appearance was 1996), and this marks his eighth time at the Worlds or Olympics. Well-known players and lesser-known will be side by side on the team. In the former category are Daniel Kreutzer, Michael Wolf, and Sven Felski. Newer energy comes in the form of Travis Mulock, who made his national team debut earlier this year to help Germany qualify for the 2010 Olympics. Indeed, it was his second-period goal against Slovenia in the final game that gave Germany victory in its qualification group, so perhaps Mulock has more heroics in store for fans here in Kloten. Also on that team were Andre Rankel, Alexander Rankel, and Kai Hospelt. If coach Krupp can channel some of that energy from getting into the Olympics for the World Championship, who knows how far Germany can go.

Coach

Uwe Krupp is back, and his presence behind the bench can only be positive for the Germans. He has been national team coach since 2006 and has instilled new life into the team despite disappointing finishes (10th in Turin, 9th in 2007 and 10th last year). He has given priority to the nation’s young stars, preferring to develop talent for long-term success rather than for immediate victory. His methods have met with favour and criticism, but Krupp has stayed the course and done things, as Sinatra sang, his way.

Projected Result

In Group B with France, Russia, and Switzerland, Germany’s fate is a favourable one to start. It likely won’t be able to match the Russians for skill, but it should handle France equally easily. One of the most anticipated games of the Preliminary Round will feature the Germans and host Swiss, a game important for bragging rights as much as position in the standings. Germany might well qualify for the quarter-finals, but anything beyond that would have to be considered a pleasant surprise. Still, an improvement over last year’s position seems destined.

ANDREW PODNIEKS