Ice hockey often evokes the ‘almost’ feeling, symbolizing near misses in significant moments. The German men’s team faced disappointment at the World Championship, missing key players and losing to Switzerland in the quarter-finals. Meanwhile, the women’s team had a standout performance but fell short against the Czech Republic. Despite setbacks, individual achievements like Sandra Abstreiter’s All-Star recognition and the flourishing German Ice Hockey League, exemplified by Eisbären Berlin’s recent title, highlight the sport’s growth and potential for future success.
Understanding the ‘Almost’ Feeling in Ice Hockey
Ice hockey enthusiasts can easily relate to that certain ‘almost’ feeling. This term encapsulates those moments when victory slips away at the last second. Previously known as the ‘Vicekuse’ feeling, it seems poised to evolve into the ‘55.5 seconds feeling’—a nod to Germany’s narrow miss at the Olympic gold in South Korea in 2018, just 55.5 seconds away from triumph. Leon Draisaitl might refer to it as the ‘one or two shots’ feeling, reflecting how close he came to securing a championship at the end of June. We can also think of Bremerhaven, a team that was tantalizingly close to the title but ultimately fell short. Let’s dive into the details of this emotional rollercoaster.
The Journey of the German National Ice Hockey Team
This past May, the German men’s national ice hockey team faced a disappointing World Championship in the Czech Republic. The team lacked the free-spirited energy and unwavering belief needed for a successful run. Missing were key players who had previously led them to the final, such as Marcel Noebels from Berlin, defender Leon Gawanke, and the irreplaceable Moritz Seider. Seider’s exceptional skills were recently rewarded with a new contract in Detroit worth around 60 million dollars over seven years, highlighting his importance in the sport.
Meanwhile, Draisaitl also inked a lucrative eight-year deal with Edmonton, guaranteeing him over 110 million dollars, making him one of the highest earners in the NHL. Unfortunately, Germany’s dreams of a medal at the World Championship were dashed when they fell to Switzerland in the quarter-finals, echoing the past year’s challenges.
Under coach Harry Kreis, the German squad reached the knockout stage with relative ease, but their quarter-final match against Switzerland ended in disappointment, with a 1:3 loss in Ostrava. This outcome was a harsh reminder that the team not only missed key players but also struggled with confidence and determination.
On a related note, Switzerland’s victory over Canada in the semi-finals led many to believe they were destined for their first World Championship title. However, in a disappointing final, they fell to the Czech Republic 0:2. Once again, the feeling of ‘almost’ lingered.
The Czech Republic celebrated their triumph on home soil, scoring the decisive goal just seconds before the final whistle, solidifying their victory.
For the German women’s ice hockey team, 2024 was another year of ‘almost.’ Competing at the World Championship in Utica, they excelled in their preliminary group but ultimately lost to the Czech Republic by a single late goal. Although the result was disappointing, it marked a significant moment in their journey.
Goalkeeper Sandra Abstreiter, a standout performer, was named to the World Championship All-Star team—a first for German women’s ice hockey. Riding this momentum, Abstreiter secured a new professional contract after leaving Ottawa, where she had limited playtime. However, the earnings in the newly established Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) are capped at 80,000 dollars, reflecting the challenges faced in women’s ice hockey.
The PWHL’s decision to suspend operations during Olympic qualifications brought relief to Abstreiter, allowing her to pursue her dream of participating in the Olympic tournament in Milan this February. The German team is hopeful for a successful qualification round.
Leon Draisaitl and his teammates also harbor Olympic ambitions, with the group aiming for glory as they navigate the NHL season. Draisaitl’s performance will be under scrutiny, especially after his team’s tumultuous playoff journey, where they faced a dramatic series against the Florida Panthers only to come up short.
Finally, let’s turn our attention to the German Ice Hockey League, which has witnessed an incredible year. The final series saw the Eisbären Berlin secure their tenth title against Bremerhaven. The league continues to thrive, averaging almost 7,000 spectators per game, a figure that surpasses even Switzerland’s attendance numbers. The Kölner Haie led the European leagues with nearly 17,000 fans attending their games, despite facing some home performance challenges.
DEL managing director Gernot Tripcke cautions against becoming complacent, reminding everyone of the unpredictable nature of sports. Nevertheless, the Kölner Haie are on a path to even greater attendance, with many games sold out. The only ‘almost’ that remains is a reflection of the satisfaction surrounding the growth and success of German ice hockey.