Germany Appoints André Rankel as New Ice Hockey Coach

André Rankel, a former national ice hockey player, has been unexpectedly appointed as the new head coach of the German national team on his 41st birthday. The German Ice Hockey Federation (DEB) is set to announce the decision, aiming to bring a fresh start less than nine months before Germany hosts the World Championship.

Rankel, a decorated player with seven German championships and participation in seven World Championships and one Olympic Games, brings a wealth of experience from his playing career. However, his coaching resume in senior men's ice hockey is notably absent of head coaching roles. This move by the DEB is considered bold, especially given the recent struggles of the national team, which failed to reach the quarterfinals in the last two World Championships.

The DEB's decision to opt for Rankel, who previously served as an assistant coach for Eisbären Berlin, echoes a similar surprise appointment in 2015 when Marco Sturm was named head coach. Sturm, a former NHL star, led the team to an unexpected Olympic silver medal in 2018. The federation had reportedly been seeking a well-known figure to generate enthusiasm after three disappointing major tournaments.

Rankel reportedly beat out former NHL player Marcel Goc for the position. His first test will be the Deutschland Cup in November. The DEB's sports director, Christian Künast, is expected to justify the choice, which comes after the departure of former head coach Harold Kreis in June.