Ice hockey is one of the most popular sports in Germany, and the country is home to some of the world’s best ice hockey players.
From legends of the game such as Uwe Krupp and Erich Kühnhackl, to current stars like Leon Draisaitl and Tobias Rieder, Germany has produced some of the top names in the sport.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best ice hockey players in Germany and their impressive careers.
1. Leon Draisaitl
Leon Tim Draisaitl is a German-born professional ice hockey center who has been playing in the National Hockey League (NHL) since 2014. Draisaitl is currently an alternate captain for the Edmonton Oilers. Before joining the NHL, Draisaitl grew up playing hockey in Germany.
His impressive skill set earned him recognition in 2012 when he was selected second overall in the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) Import Draft by the Prince Albert Raiders.
This selection by the Raiders marked the beginning of Draisaitl’s journey to becoming one of the most talented players in the NHL. Draisaitl’s success in hockey has come from his hard work and dedication to the sport.
He is known for his impressive puck-handling skills and his ability to read the game. His exceptional vision allows him to anticipate plays and make smart decisions on the ice.
His offensive capabilities have made him an integral part of the Oilers, often being the go-to guy for a scoring opportunity. Not only is Draisaitl a talented hockey player, but he is also an important role model for young hockey players in Germany.
Through his success, he has shown that it is possible to play at the highest level of hockey no matter where you come from. His story is an inspiring one and serves as a reminder that dreams can come true if you are willing to put in the hard work.
2. Thomas Greiss
Thomas Greiss is a former professional ice hockey goaltender who hails from Germany. He was chosen in the third round of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft by the San Jose Sharks, with the 94th overall selection.
He went on to play for multiple teams in the National Hockey League, including the Sharks, Phoenix Coyotes, Pittsburgh Penguins, New York Islanders, Detroit Red Wings and St. Louis Blues. Throughout his career, Thomas Greiss has earned a reputation as an excellent goaltender.
He is known for his ability to make key saves when needed, as well as his leadership and composure in the net. During his time in the NHL, he has won various awards, including being named an NHL All-Star in 2016 and being nominated for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy in 2018.
Greiss has also represented his native Germany in international hockey competitions multiple times. He was named the Best Goaltender at the World Championships in 2008 and was a member of the German team in the 2014 Winter Olympics.
Thomas Greiss has enjoyed a successful career as a professional ice hockey goaltender. His skill and dedication have earned him recognition from his peers and fans alike, and his legacy will continue to be remembered for years to come.
3. Tim Stützle
Tim Stützle is a German professional ice hockey player who plays for the Ottawa Senators of the National Hockey League (NHL). He is highly regarded amongst scouts and was rated as one of the top prospects in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft.
His talent was acknowledged as the Ottawa Senators selected him in the third overall pick in the draft. Stützle has been playing hockey since he was four years old and his passion and dedication for the game has been evident.
He comes from a hockey family and has competed in various tournaments, including the 2018 IIHF World U18 Championships where he was named the best forward of the tournament.
He also played for Germany at the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championship and won a bronze medal. Stützle is a versatile player who can play both center and left wing. He is known for his quickness, agility and resilience.
He is a great skater who has great speed and is capable of making smart plays with the puck. His skill set is very diverse and he has the ability to make plays in all three zones. Stützle is determined to make an impact in the NHL and is working hard to improve his game.
He has the potential to be an elite player and is expected to be an important member of the Ottawa Senators in the future.
4. Moritz Seider
Moritz Seider is a professional ice hockey player from Germany who currently plays for the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League (NHL). He is a defenseman for the team and is highly regarded for his defensive prowess.
In 2019, Seider was drafted sixth overall in the NHL Entry Draft by the Red Wings, making him one of the highest-drafted German players in NHL history. Seider’s skill set is considered to be a perfect fit for the Red Wings’ system.
He is a very smart player who reads the game well and is able to anticipate the opposition’s moves. He is also a strong skater who can move the puck up the ice quickly, which helps the Red Wings move the puck up the ice quickly.
His defensive awareness and physicality make him a formidable opponent and a valuable asset to the team. Seider has already made an impact on the Red Wings in his rookie season. He has played in several games and has been a major part of the team’s success.
He has also been praised for his leadership and his ability to play with maturity beyond his years. Seider is an exciting player to watch and is sure to be a long-term fixture in the Detroit Red Wings’ lineup.
5. Philipp Grubauer
Philipp Grubauer is an accomplished German ice hockey goaltender who currently plays for the Seattle Kraken of the National Hockey League (NHL).
He began his professional career in 2010 when he was selected by the Washington Capitals in the fourth round of the NHL Entry Draft, 112th overall. Throughout his career, Grubauer has been known for his athleticism and quick reflexes, making him a reliable and consistent goaltender.
In his ten years in the NHL, he has earned a reputation for being a dependable and capable goaltender, playing for the Capitals, the Colorado Avalanche, and the Kraken.
He has been part of several playoff runs and was an integral part of the Avalanche’s run to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2020. Grubauer has also represented his country on the international stage, playing for the German men’s national team at various international tournaments.
He has also been a member of the German national team for the World Championships multiple times. Overall, Philipp Grubauer has had a successful career as a professional ice hockey goaltender.
His selection by the Capitals in the 2010 NHL Draft was a testament to his skill, and he has since gone on to become one of the league’s top goaltenders.
He has been a valuable asset to the teams he has played for and continues to be an important part of the Seattle Kraken’s success.
6. JJ Peterka
John-Jason “JJ” Peterka is a talented German ice hockey player who currently plays for the Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League.
He was selected in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft as the 34th overall pick by the Sabres, making him one of the highest drafted German players in the history of the NHL. After being drafted, Peterka continued to hone his skills and made his NHL debut in 2021.
He is one of the few German players to make it to the NHL and his success is a testament to his hard work and dedication. Peterka is a great example of what a young athlete can achieve with the right attitude and talent.
He has already made a name for himself in the NHL and will no doubt continue to impress with his skillful play.
7. Lukas Reichel
Lukas Reichel is a German professional ice hockey player in the National Hockey League (NHL). He plays left wing, a position on the ice hockey team that is responsible for helping the team score goals.
Reichel currently plays for the Chicago Blackhawks, an NHL team based in Chicago, Illinois. Reichel was born in Germany and began his hockey career there. He began to make a name for himself in the German leagues, which eventually earned him a spot in the NHL.
He joined the Chicago Blackhawks in 2020 and has quickly become an important part of the team. His offensive skills have been a great help to the Blackhawks, as he is able to score goals and set up plays for his teammates.
Reichel’s career in the NHL has been impressive so far, and he is continuing to improve as a player. He is an important part of the Blackhawks’ team and has helped the team reach the playoffs in recent years.
Reichel is an exciting player to watch, and his skill and commitment to the game make him one of the most promising players in the NHL.
8. Nico Sturm
Nico Sturm is a German professional ice hockey player who currently plays for the San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League. He has had a successful career in the NHL, having previously played for the Minnesota Wild and the Colorado Avalanche.
Sturm made his NHL debut in 2019 with the Wild and went on to win the Stanley Cup with the Avalanche in 2022. His time with the Wild was particularly impressive, as he was able to establish himself as a reliable forward and contribute to the team in a meaningful way.
Since joining the Sharks, Sturm has continued to demonstrate his talent, helping the team reach the playoffs in 2021. He is known for his hard work and determination, and his commitment to success has made him a vital member of the Sharks organization.
9. Dennis Seidenberg
Dennis Marvin Seidenberg is a well-known name in the world of ice hockey. He is a German former professional ice hockey defenceman who had a long and successful career in the National Hockey League (NHL).
Throughout his time in the NHL, Seidenberg played for the Philadelphia Flyers, Phoenix Coyotes, Carolina Hurricanes, Florida Panthers, New York Islanders, and Boston Bruins.
Of all these teams, Seidenberg’s greatest success came with the Bruins, as he was a part of the team that won the Stanley Cup in 2011. Seidenberg’s impressive career began in 2001 when he was drafted to the Philadelphia Flyers.
During his time with the Flyers, Seidenberg began to make a name for himself as a strong, reliable defenceman.
From there, Seidenberg moved on to the Phoenix Coyotes, Carolina Hurricanes, and Florida Panthers, where he continued to hone his skills and build a reputation as one of the best defenceman in the league.
In 2009, Seidenberg joined the New York Islanders, and in 2011 he was traded to the Boston Bruins. This move proved to be a great one, as Seidenberg and the Bruins went on to win the Stanley Cup in 2011.
Seidenberg’s performance throughout the playoffs was key to the Bruins’ success. Dennis Marvin Seidenberg is an exceptional player whose career has spanned many teams throughout the NHL.
He is most widely known for his time with the Boston Bruins and his role in their Stanley Cup victory in 2011. Seidenberg’s contributions to the world of ice hockey will be remembered for years to come.
10. Marco Sturm
Marco Johann Sturm is a well-known figure in the world of ice hockey. He is a German professional ice hockey coach and former winger who has had an impressive career in both the National Hockey League (NHL) and the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL).
Currently, he is the Head Coach of the Ontario Reign. Sturm’s journey in the ice hockey world began in 1995 when he joined the German club EV Landshut. During his two-year stint with the team, he established himself as a talented winger.
His performances in the DEL helped him make the jump to the NHL in 1997, where he went on to play for the San Jose Sharks, Boston Bruins, Los Angeles Kings, and Washington Capitals.
Throughout his NHL career, Sturm was known for his hardworking and dedicated approach to the game. He was also a great team player, which made him an invaluable asset to his teams. After a successful NHL career, Sturm returned to Germany in 2013 and joined the German DEL.
He retired from playing professional hockey in 2014. In 2016, Sturm was appointed as the Head Coach of the Ontario Reign. With his vast experience, knowledge, and dedication, he has been able to guide the team to success.
He has also helped the team develop young talent and fostered a winning culture among the players. It is clear that Marco Johann Sturm is a highly accomplished figure in the world of ice hockey.
His impressive career in both the NHL and DEL has helped him develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be a successful coach. He has also been able to use his experience to help the Ontario Reign achieve success.
11. Christian Ehrhoff
Christian Ehrhoff is an accomplished German professional ice hockey defenceman who currently plays for Krefeld Pinguine of the German DEL2. His impressive career includes numerous accolades, including a silver medal at the 2018 Winter Olympics.
In addition, he has played more than 800 games in the National Hockey League and more than 300 in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga in Germany. Ehrhoff’s impressive resume of success is a testament to his hard work and dedication.
He has consistently demonstrated his ability to compete at a high level and was rewarded with a silver medal at the 2018 Winter Olympics.
On top of that, his experience in both the NHL and DEL2 is remarkable, having played more than 800 games in the NHL and over 300 in the DEL2. Ehrhoff has been a consistent contributor to the success of Krefeld Pinguine and is a great asset to the team.
He has demonstrated a great level of skill and dedication to his team, and they have benefited greatly from his contributions. He is a great example of hard work and determination paying off, and his success is inspiring to others.
12. Marcel Goc
Marcel Goc is a former German professional hockey player who comes from a family of hockey players. His father, Josef, played hockey in his native Czechoslovakia, while his two brothers, Sascha and another unnamed brother, play professional hockey.
Sascha has even gone on to represent Team Germany in international competitions. This demonstrates the Goc family’s commitment and dedication to the sport of hockey and their talent and skill in the sport.
Marcel Goc is just one of many members of his family who have gone on to be successful in the sport.
13. Uwe Krupp
Uwe Gerd Krupp is a renowned German former professional hockey defenceman. He was an outstanding player in the sport, having won the German Ice Hockey Championship on seven occasions. He also won the DEL championship three times and the German Cup twice.
Additionally, he was a member of the German National Team for fifteen years. Krupp also had a successful coaching career, having led the German national ice hockey team for three years.
During his tenure, he won the European Championship bronze medal in 2015 and was named the Coach of the Year in Germany in 2016. He also helped the team reach the quarterfinals of the 2018 Winter Olympics.
His success as a coach has made him one of the most respected figures in the German hockey community. Krupp’s accomplishments and contributions to the sport have been recognized by the International Ice Hockey Federation.
He was inducted into the IIHF Hall of Fame in 2019, becoming just the second German to be selected for this honor. Uwe Gerd Krupp is an exemplary figure in German ice hockey and has left an indelible mark on the sport.
His success as both a player and a coach have made him one of the most respected figures in German hockey history.
14. Jochen Hecht
Jochen Thomas Hecht is a German ice hockey coach and a former professional ice hockey player. Hecht has had a long and successful career as a hockey player, playing in the NHL from 1998 to 2013. He was a member of the Buffalo Sabres, Edmonton Oilers, St.
Louis Blues, and the Los Angeles Kings. After a long playing career, Hecht decided to move into coaching. He was the head coach of the German Hockey League’s Düsseldorf EG from 2014 to 2021 before accepting the role of assistant coach for Adler Mannheim in March 2022.
As assistant coach for Mannheim, Hecht will be responsible for assisting the head coach in all aspects of team operations. This includes aiding in the development of the team’s strategy, training, and game day preparation.
Hecht is well-suited for the job, given his experience as a professional hockey player and a coach in the German Hockey League. With his help, Mannheim is sure to reach new heights in the coming years.
15. Olaf Kölzig
Olaf Kölzig is an accomplished athlete and coach. Born in South Africa, he moved to Germany during his youth and went on to become a professional ice hockey goaltender.
After retiring from the game, Olaf decided to stay in the hockey world and became a goaltender coach and player development coach for the Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League.
His wealth of experience and knowledge has allowed him to help shape the careers of many aspiring hockey players. As a coach, he has helped the Washington Capitals win the Stanley Cup in 2018.
He is respected by players and coaches alike for his ability to teach and develop young players. His coaching career has been a great success and he continues to be an integral part of the Washington Capitals organization.
16. Korbinian Holzer
Korbinian Holzer is a German ice hockey defenceman who is currently playing for Adler Mannheim of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga. Holzer has a long and successful history in the sport, having played for three of the most well-known teams in the National Hockey League (NHL).
He started his career in the NHL with the Anaheim Ducks, where he was their seventh-round draft pick in 2006. After spending four seasons with the Ducks, he was traded to the Nashville Predators for the 2010-11 season.
He played with the Predators for three seasons before joining the Toronto Maple Leafs for the 2013-14 season. During his time with the Maple Leafs, Holzer was a key member of the team’s defensive lineup and was known for his reliable and consistent play.
After four seasons with the Leafs, he signed with Adler Mannheim of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga in 2017. Holzer is still currently playing with Adler Mannheim and is an important part of the team’s success.
17. Christoph Schubert
Christoph Schubert is a well-known German professional ice hockey player who has had a successful and memorable career. Schubert began his career in the National Hockey League (NHL) in 2005, playing for the Atlanta Thrashers.
During his five-year tenure with the Thrashers, he played a total of over 300 games, making a lasting impact on the team. In 2010, Schubert made the move to the Ottawa Senators, where he continued to make a name for himself as one of the top players in the league.
During his time with the Senators, Schubert played a total of 100 games and was a major part of the team’s success. After his five-year run in the NHL, Schubert decided to retire from professional hockey in 2010.
Since then, he has been involved in various ice hockey-related activities, such as coaching and mentoring younger players. His contributions to the sport have been invaluable and his legacy will certainly live on for many years to come.
18. Erich Goldmann
Erich Goldmann is a German former professional ice hockey defenceman who had a brief stint in the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected in the 8th round of the 1996 NHL Entry Draft by the Ottawa Senators.
Goldmann made his NHL debut against the Nashville Predators, playing a total of 9 minutes and 44 seconds of ice time, but unfortunately did not register a point. He then went on to play for various teams in Europe and retired in 2012.
19. Stefan Ustorf
Stefan Ustorf is a German ice hockey executive and former professional ice hockey player. He has had a successful career in both the professional and international realms of the sport.
Ustorf began his professional career in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga, and eventually, he joined the Washington Capitals in the National Hockey League.
He was also an active player competing in four Olympic Games. Ustorf was an important part of the Capitals team during his time with them, and he was even awarded the Calder Memorial Trophy in 2002.
After his time in the NHL, Ustorf returned to the Deutsche Eishockey Liga, where he continued to play until his retirement in 2009. Following his retirement from ice hockey, Ustorf became an executive in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga.
He is currently the Vice President of the league, and he is responsible for overseeing the league’s operations, marketing activities, and strategic planning. Ustorf’s experience as a professional player and executive in the ice hockey world has made him one of the most respected figures in the sport.
His commitment to the game is evident in his willingness to participate in four Olympic Games, as well as his work as an executive in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga.
His dedication to the sport and his success in both the professional and international realms of ice hockey make Stefan Ustorf a role model for aspiring hockey players.
20. Uli Hiemer
Ulrich Hiemer is a German former professional ice hockey player who made history by becoming one of the first German players to play in the National Hockey League (NHL). Hiemer was born in Germany and started playing ice hockey at a young age.
He joined a professional team in Germany and had a successful career there before joining the NHL. Hiemer was signed by the New York Rangers in the early 1990s and made his debut in the NHL in 1994.
Hiemer was the first German player to ever play in the NHL and is credited with helping to inspire subsequent German players to pursue a professional career in the NHL.
Hiemer played a total of 11 seasons in the NHL and had a successful career, registering 111 goals and 207 assists in his time in the league. After retiring from the NHL in 2005, Hiemer returned to Germany and continued to play professionally until his retirement in 2010.
Hiemer is still a revered figure among German hockey fans and is remembered as a pioneer of German hockey in the NHL.
21. Alexander Sulzer
Alexander Sulzer is a German ice hockey player who has achieved success at both the domestic and international level. He played professionally in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL), the top ice hockey league in Germany, for several teams throughout his career.
Afterward he made the jump to the National Hockey League (NHL), the highest level of professional ice hockey in North America, where he also had a successful career. Alexander Sulzer was born in Germany and started playing hockey at a very young age.
He began his professional career in the DEL in 2004, playing for teams such as the Frankfurt Lions, Hamburg Freezers, and Adler Mannheim. Throughout his time in the DEL, he was a consistent contributor on the ice, registering several points per season.
He was also a respected leader, as he was selected as the team captain on multiple occasions. By 2011, Alexander Sulzer had established himself as one of the top defencemen in the DEL, and he earned the opportunity to play in the NHL.
He was signed by the Nashville Predators and spent two seasons with the team, followed by one season with the Florida Panthers.
He was a reliable defensive presence in the NHL and contributed offensively with a few goals and assists. In 2014, Alexander Sulzer returned to Germany to continue his career in the DEL. He went on to play for the Nürnberg Ice Tigers, ERC Ingolstadt, and Krefeld Pinguine.
He retired from professional hockey in 2019, but he remains involved in the German hockey community. He is currently an ambassador for the sport and is involved with several youth hockey programs.
22. Dimitri Pätzold
Dimitri Andreevich Pätzold is a professional ice hockey goaltender born in Kazakhstan but currently playing for EV Landshut in the German DEL2. He has had a successful career playing in the Kontinental Hockey League as well.
His unique background is due to his Russian-German descent, which has enabled him to obtain Russian citizenship. His success in the Kontinental Hockey League has allowed him to showcase his talents to a wider audience and give him the opportunity to play in the DEL2.
Pätzold is an example of how hard work and dedication can pay off, as he has been able to combine his two heritages to create a successful career in the ice hockey industry.
23. Mike Heidt
Michael Heidt is a former professional ice hockey defenceman, who was born in Canada but played for German teams for most of his career. He was selected in the 1982 NHL Entry Draft when he was picked 27th overall by the Los Angeles Kings.
During the 1983–84 NHL season, he played six games with the Kings, but he would not stay in the NHL. Instead, the rest of his career, which lasted from 1983 to 1998, was spent in Germany.
Heidt had a successful career in the German leagues, where he was a key player for teams like the Kölner Haie and the Adler Mannheim. He retired from professional hockey in 1998, but he still had a big influence on the game, both in Germany and internationally.
24. Sascha Goc
Sascha Goc was a professional ice hockey player who had a successful career in both the German Deutsche Eishockey Liga and the National Hockey League. He last played for the Schwenninger Wild Wings in Germany.
During his time in the NHL, Goc played for the New Jersey Devils and the Tampa Bay Lightning. He is also the older brother of two current German professional hockey players, Marcel and Nikolai Goc.
Both Marcel and Nikolai currently suit up for Adler Mannheim, a team in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga. Sascha Goc’s career and his brothers’ success have made the Goc family a well-known name in the world of professional hockey.
25. Jan Benda
Jan Benda is a highly accomplished figure in the world of ice hockey. He was born in Belgium but has spent most of his career in Germany, where he now serves as a coach.
As a player, he had the opportunity to appear in nine National Hockey League games for the Washington Capitals. In addition to his NHL experience, he also competed in three Olympic Winter Games as part of the German national team.
His international career highlights include a bronze medal at the 1992 Winter Olympics and a gold medal at the 1994 World Championship.
As a coach, he has led numerous teams to success, including the German men’s team at the 2006 Olympic Winter Games and the women’s team at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Jan Benda’s impressive career has established him as an influential figure in the world of ice hockey.
26. David Wolf
David Wolf is a German professional ice hockey player who has been playing in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL) for many years. He is currently playing for Adler Mannheim, one of the most successful teams in the league.
Wolf began his career in the DEL in 2009 when he joined the Hannover Scorpions, where he stayed for five seasons. He then moved to the Hamburg Freezers for the 2014 season before transferring to North America.
Wolf has been an important player for Adler Mannheim, helping the team to several championships and a runner-up finish in the DEL. He has also been honored with several awards for his play, including the “Player of the Year” award in 2014.
Wolf is a highly talented player who has shown great commitment to the sport and his teams.
27. Dominik Kahun
Dominik Kahun is a professional ice hockey forward from Czech Republic who currently plays for the SC Bern in the National League. He has an impressive hockey career with experience in the National Hockey League (NHL).
He was a part of four different NHL teams, such as the Chicago Blackhawks, Pittsburgh Penguins, Buffalo Sabres, and Edmonton Oilers. Kahun started his career in his homeland, playing for teams such as the EHC Red Bull München and Adler Mannheim in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga.
He then moved to North America, signing with the Blackhawks for the 2018-19 season. During his time in Chicago, he scored 12 goals and added 25 assists in 68 games. The following year, Kahun was traded to the Penguins, where he played in 57 games with six goals and 15 assists.
He also had short stints with the Sabres and Oilers but ultimately returned to Europe. Now Kahun is playing for SC Bern in the National League, the highest professional ice hockey league in Switzerland.
He is making the most of his opportunity with SC Bern, as he has already scored seven goals and added 17 assists in 21 games. Kahun is a great example of a player who has had the opportunity to play in different leagues around the world.
He has been able to make a name for himself in the NHL and is now continuing to build his career in the National League.
28. Leon Gawanke
Leon Gawanke is a professional ice hockey player from Germany who currently plays for the San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League. He is a highly talented player who has made a strong impact on the league since he arrived.
He has a strong work ethic and is a team player who is always willing to give his best effort.
As a result, he has become a leader on the team and a respected figure in the locker room. In addition to his work in the NHL, Leon Gawanke also represents the German national ice hockey team.
He is one of the most decorated players on the team and has played an important role in helping them reach success. He is a great example of a player who is able to use his talent to help his team win, and his presence has been invaluable for the German national team.
29. Chris Schmidt
Christopher Schmidt is a retired professional ice hockey player who had a unique combination of nationalities. He was born in Germany but is a Canadian citizen. As such, he was able to represent both countries on the ice.
During the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, he was part of the German national team, proudly wearing the German jersey. Prior to his Olympic appearance, Schmidt had a successful career as a professional hockey player.
He played for the SERC Wild Wings of the DEL2, a German ice hockey league.
His impressive skills and dedication to the game allowed him to become one of the most successful players in the league. Although he retired from professional play, Schmidt has not left the game altogether.
He continues to be involved in ice hockey, occasionally coaching teams and offering advice to young players.
He is also an advocate for the sport, speaking out on its importance in the lives of both children and adults. Despite his retirement, Schmidt will always be remembered as a Germany-Canadian professional ice hockey player who made an international impact.
He will be remembered for his commitment to the game and his ability to represent two countries at the highest level.
30. Ron Fischer
Ronald Alexander Fischer is a unique individual, as he was born in Canada but is of German descent. He was a professional ice hockey defenceman who had a brief stint in the National Hockey League.
During his time in the NHL, he played eighteen games with the Buffalo Sabres between the 1981–82 and 1982–83 seasons. During those games, he was able to record seven assists.
This shows that, despite his short tenure in the NHL, Fischer was a talented player who was able to make a positive impact. Fischer’s experience in the NHL is indicative of the growing presence of European hockey players in North America.
As the game began to expand, more and more players from Europe were recruited to play in the NHL. Fischer was one of the first to be given the opportunity to show his skills in the league.
His success in the NHL helped pave the way for other European players to have the chance to play in the league. Fischer’s brief career in the NHL was certainly impactful.
He was one of the first European players to make an impact in the league and his seven assists show that he was a talented player.
His legacy in the hockey world is still felt today, as his experience in the NHL helped open the door for European players to have the chance to compete in the league.
31. Marcel Müller
Marcel Müller is a German professional ice hockey player who plays the position of left winger. He currently plays for the Krefeld Pinguine in the DEL2, which is the second tier of professional ice hockey in Germany.
Müller has been playing for the Pinguine since the 2017-2018 season and has made a significant impact on the team, helping them to win the 2019-2020 championship title. Müller is known for his speed, skill, and agility on the ice, making him a great asset to the Pinguine.
He has also represented Germany in international competitions, including the 2020 IIHF World Championships. Müller is an experienced and talented player who has the potential to move up to the top tier of ice hockey in Germany.
32. Karl Friesen
Karl Heinz Friesen is a notable figure in the world of ice hockey. He was born in Canada and spent most of his career in Germany, playing in the Eishockey-Bundesliga and Deutsche Eishockey Liga.
Friesen also had a brief stint in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the New Jersey Devils, playing four games in the 1986–87 season. Friesen began his career in Germany in 1977 and went on to become an integral part of the sport in the country.
He was known for his exceptional goaltending and his ability to make spectacular saves. He went on to become one of the most decorated goaltenders in the Eishockey-Bundesliga, winning the championship twice with two different teams.
Friesen had a brief stint in the NHL when he was signed by the New Jersey Devils in 1986. He played four games for them but was not able to make a lasting impact.
He soon returned to Germany, where he continued to play until he retired in 2000. Friesen is widely considered one of the most influential German goaltenders of all time. He is remembered for his incredible skill and his dedication to the sport.
He is a true legend of the game and will be remembered for many years to come.
33. Nico Daws
Nicolas Daws is a goaltender from Germany and Canada who is currently playing in the National Hockey League for the New Jersey Devils. He was drafted in 2020 by the Devils as the 84th overall pick in the NHL Entry Draft.
Daws is a highly skilled goaltender who has already made a name for himself in the NHL. His experience in Europe, particularly in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga, has prepared him for the high level of competition in the NHL.
He is a well-rounded player with the ability to make quick decisions and keep his composure in high-pressure scenarios. Daws is sure to be a valuable asset for the Devils and will be an important piece in their quest for a Stanley Cup.
34. Tobias Rieder
Tobias Rieder is a professional ice hockey forward from Germany. He currently plays in the Swedish Hockey League for the Växjö Lakers. Rieder was selected in the fourth round, 114th overall, of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft by the Edmonton Oilers.
He made his NHL debut in the 2014-15 season with the Arizona Coyotes. Rieder has a long and successful career in professional ice hockey. He began playing in the German DEL with ERC Ingolstadt, before signing with the Edmonton Oilers in 2011.
After becoming a part of the Oilers organization, Rieder made his NHL debut in 2014-15 for the Arizona Coyotes.
He spent four seasons with the organization, before signing with the Los Angeles Kings in 2018 and then later joining Växjö Lakers of the Swedish Hockey League in 2020. Throughout his NHL career, Rieder has been known for his offensive production.
He has scored a total of 49 goals and 58 assists for a total of 107 points in his NHL career. He has also been praised by his coaches and teammates for his strong defensive play. Overall, Tobias Rieder is a skilled and experienced professional ice hockey forward.
He has had a successful career in the NHL and has now moved on to the Swedish Hockey League to continue his career. He has proven himself to be a reliable offensive player and is known for his strong defensive play.
35. Tom Kühnhackl
Tom Kühnhackl is a talented German professional ice hockey player who currently plays for Skellefteå AIK in the Swedish Hockey League. Prior to joining Skellefteå AIK, Kühnhackl played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Islanders.
His impressive career has also included playing for Augsburger Panther in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga, which is the top-tier hockey league in Germany. Kühnhackl is a versatile player who has made an impact in every league he’s been a part of.
With the Penguins, he was part of their Stanley Cup-winning team in 2016. He also had a successful stint with the Islanders, where he recorded career highs in goals (14) and points (27) in the 2018–19 season. Kühnhackl’s success in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga is also noteworthy.
He scored a career-high 25 goals in the 2017–18 season with Augsburger Panther, which made him the league’s third-highest goal scorer that year. This impressive feat earned him the MVP award for the league.
Tom Kühnhackl is a talented and accomplished player who has made an impact on the international hockey scene. With his impressive career spanning across multiple leagues, Kühnhackl is a great example of a player who has achieved success at the highest levels.
36. Lean Bergmann
Lean Bergmann is an accomplished professional hockey player from Germany. He is currently playing for the Eisbären Berlin team in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga. Prior to this, he had an impressive stint in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the San Jose Sharks.
Along with his impressive club career, Bergmann also represents his country in international competitions as a member of the German National Team. Bergmann is an important part of the Eisbären Berlin team, which has seen success in recent years.
He has played a major role in helping the team win the DEL championship in 2018 and reach the playoffs for the past three seasons.
His experience in the NHL has also been beneficial to the team, as he brings his knowledge of the game from North America to the German league. Bergmann’s international career has been just as impressive as his club career.
He has represented Germany in several international tournaments, including the 2018 Winter Olympics, the World Championships, and the Euro Hockey Tour.
His performances for the German National Team have been highly praised by coaches and fans alike. Bergmann is a highly talented player who has made a name for himself in both the German and North American hockey leagues.
His impressive performances for both club and country have earned him a reputation as one of the top players in the international hockey scene.
37. Marc Michaelis
Marc Michaelis is an accomplished German ice hockey player. He currently plays for the SCL Tigers, which is part of the National League, one of the top professional ice hockey leagues in Europe.
Michaelis began his career playing for the Mannheim Eagles in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga before moving to the SCL Tigers in 2019. He has been a valuable asset for the team since joining and has helped the SCL Tigers reach the playoffs in each of his two seasons with the squad.
Michaelis’s style of play is based on speed and skill and he is known for his excellent passing and shooting abilities. He has averaged over a point per game with the SCL Tigers and has been an integral part of the team’s success.
Off the ice, Michaelis is known for his friendly demeanor and willingness to help others. He is an important leader in the locker room and is respected by his teammates and coaches for his hard work and dedication.
38. Niklas Treutle
Niklas Treutle is a professional ice hockey goaltender from Germany. He currently plays for the Nürnberg Ice Tigers in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL), the top tier of ice hockey in Germany.
He has played in the DEL since the 2013-14 season and has had a successful career so far. In 2015-16, Niklas Treutle had the opportunity to play in the National Hockey League (NHL) as part of the Arizona Coyotes’ organization.
This was a great opportunity for him to gain experience at the highest level of professional hockey. During his time with the Coyotes, he gained valuable insight into the NHL and how it operates.
Treutle returned to the DEL at the end of the 2015-16 season and has since been playing for the Nürnberg Ice Tigers. He has been a consistent performer for them, making key saves and helping them to win games.
He is currently one of the best goaltenders in the DEL and has the potential to move back to the NHL in the future.
39. Rob Zepp
Robert Zepp is a highly accomplished ice hockey goaltender, having played professionally in both the NHL and in various European leagues. He was born in Canada but has strong ties to Germany, where he played for several years.
In 2014–15, Zepp had the opportunity to play in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the Philadelphia Flyers. He performed well enough to appear in 10 games for the Flyers, which marked his only NHL experience.
Zepp was impressive throughout his brief stint with the Flyers, showcasing his skill as a competent netminder and demonstrating his ability to handle the pressure of playing at the highest level of professional hockey.
Despite his short stay in the NHL, Zepp has left an impressive legacy in the world of hockey and continues to be an inspiration for aspiring goaltenders.
40. Jason Holland
Jason Ryan Holland is a former professional ice hockey defenceman who has had a unique career journey. Born in Canada, Holland played 81 games in the National Hockey League before making the decision to move to Germany.
He spent the last seven years of his playing career in Germany, showcasing his tremendous skill and talent on the ice. Holland’s career is a testament to his willingness to embrace different cultures and push boundaries.
He embraced the challenge of playing in a foreign country, allowing him to expand his knowledge and experience of ice hockey beyond the NHL. Despite the language barrier, Holland was able to make an impact on the ice and bring his Canadian style of hockey to Germany.
Throughout his career, Holland has been able to make a name for himself both in Canada and Germany. He has earned the respect of fans and peers alike, with his hard work and dedication to the sport shining through.
His career is a great example of what can be achieved with determination and a passion for the game.
41. Dieter Hegen
Dieter Hegen is a retired professional ice hockey player who had a successful career in the Eishockey-Bundesliga and the Deutsche Eishockey Liga.
He was born in Germany and played for teams such as EV Füssen, SC Riessersee, Kölner EC and Düsseldorfer EG before retiring in 2005. Hegen was a well-respected player in his time, having won the German championship four times in his career.
He was also named the German Player of the Year in 1984 and was a six-time German champion.
His accolades include having been named to the Eishockey-Bundesliga All-Star Team five times, as well as the German National Team four times. In 2010, Hegen was inducted into the International Ice Hockey Federation’s Hall of Fame.
This honor is awarded to players who have made significant contributions to international ice hockey. Hegen is one of the few German players to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, and his induction is a testament to his contributions to the sport.
42. Marcel Noebels
Marcel Noebels is a talented athlete who is currently playing professional ice hockey for the German team, Eisbären Berlin.
He has been playing in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga, also known as the German Ice Hockey League, for several years now, and has been a part of the team since 2012. Noebels started his career in the German junior league, where he quickly made a name for himself as a highly talented hockey player.
He went on to play in the senior leagues in the country and eventually made it to the professional level.
In his time with Eisbären Berlin, Noebels has been an integral part of the team’s success, contributing to their title of German champions in 2014 and their back-to-back championships in 2018 and 2019. Noebels has also represented Germany in international tournaments.
He was part of the team that won the World Junior Ice Hockey Championship in 2012 and was also part of the team that won the gold medal at the 2017 IIHF World Championship. Noebels is known as a hardworking and determined player and is respected by his teammates and opponents alike.
He is an inspiration to many young players looking to make it to the professional level, and his success is a testament to the hard work and dedication that he has put into his career.
43. Kai Hospelt
Kai Hospelt is a professional ice hockey player from Germany. He currently plays for the Ravensburg Towerstars in the DEL2, a professional ice hockey league.
He has a decorated career in the sport and is most notably known for his participation in the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Hospelt represented Germany in the Olympic Games and showed his skill as an ice hockey player.
His performance in the Olympic Games solidified his standing as a professional athlete and he has continued to play at a high level ever since. He has become an important part of the Ravensburg Towerstars team, contributing to their overall success.
Hospelt’s career is an inspiring example of a dedicated athlete reaching the highest levels of competition.
44. Gerd Truntschka
Gerhard Truntschka is a former professional ice hockey player who enjoyed a successful career in the Ice hockey Bundesliga. He played in the league for many years and was known for his skillful play and impressive physical presence on the ice.
He was an important part of his team’s success and was a reliable player who could always be counted on to make a big impact in key situations. Truntschka was also known for his leadership and was respected by teammates and opponents alike.
After his retirement from professional ice hockey, he has remained involved in the sport and is often seen supporting his former team at matches. His contributions to the sport have been recognized, and he is remembered fondly by those who played with and against him.
Conclusion
Germany has some of the best ice hockey players in the world. From the NHL to the DEL, German-born players have consistently shown that they are capable of competing at the highest level and making an impact on the ice.
With some of the most passionate fans in the game, it’s no wonder that Germany has become a major player in the international ice hockey scene.
