Germany's ice hockey men have a new national coach

The German Ice Hockey Federation (DEB) has introduced Andre Rankel as the new head coach of the men's national team.

The 41-year-old succeeds Harold Kreis and receives a four-year contract until 2030. Kreis was dismissed after four years in office, after the DEB team failed to advance past the preliminary round for the second consecutive time at the 2026 World Championship.

Rankel most recently worked as an assistant coach and development coach for Eisbären Berlin. In 2023, the former professional led the German U18 national team back into the World Championship Top Division, which was his only head coaching experience to date.

Develop a Clear Vision

"It is a great honor to be allowed to lead our national team as national coach," says Rankel.

"What I have learned over all these years as a player and captain – what cohesion and willingness to perform mean in a team – I now want to pass on as national coach."

He wants to develop a clear idea together with the players and the coaching staff, "how we want to play and, based on that, grow step by step," said the new head coach, who will start his tenure on September 1, 2026.

His first major tournament will be next year's home World Championship, with venues in Mannheim and Düsseldorf. In the group stage, Germany will face Austria, among others.

Convinced with Clarity

Sports Director Christian Künast explains: "André Rankel has proven as a player over many years what leadership means in German ice hockey – as a captain, as a role model, as someone the team trusts. Exactly that qualifies him for this task."

In the discussions, Rankel convinced the DEB with his ideas and clarity. "In addition, he already knows the DEB and our structures from his time as U18 national coach," Künast added.