Ice hockey: Harold Kreis must go as national coach

Harold Kreis has been removed as the head coach of the German men's national ice hockey team, a decision attributed to a perceived sporting decline over the past two years. The German Ice Hockey Federation (DEB) stated that the collaboration with Kreis was marked by trust and respect, but the stagnation in the men's national team's development ultimately led to the decision.

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The cooperation with Harold was characterized by trust, openness, and mutual respect at all times – it was also excellent in human terms throughout the entire period. That is why this decision was not easy for us.

"We see that the development of the men's national team has recently stagnated, and this overall sporting assessment ultimately led to our decision," said Christian Künast, the DEB's sports director. The federation believes a new impulse is needed, especially with the home World Championship scheduled for next year. Künast himself faced criticism but will remain with the association.

Kreis's contract was extended last year until 2027, the year Germany is set to host the World Championship. However, the team failed to reach the quarterfinals at the recent World Championship in Switzerland, mirroring the disappointment of the 2025 tournament. The Olympic tournament in February, despite featuring a strong roster with NHL stars like Leon Draisaitl, also ended without a medal for Germany.

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At the same time, we see that the development of the men's national team has recently stagnated, and this overall sporting assessment has ultimately led to our decision.

Following the Olympics, players voiced criticism regarding coaching and game organization, leading Künast to express self-criticism. However, Kreis is the only one facing personnel consequences. Kreis had previously been involved in Germany's semifinal run at the 2010 World Championship as an assistant coach. In his first year as head coach, he guided the team to the World Championship final against Canada in 2023, a surprising achievement. The subsequent three tournaments, however, have been disappointing, with an increasing number of player cancellations for the national team and continued criticism of player selection, ice time, and coaching decisions.

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We are firmly convinced that a new impulse is now needed.