Germany names former forward Rankel as new national hockey coach
Germany's ice hockey federation has appointed 41-year-old former forward Rankel as head coach, replacing Harold Kreiss, who was dismissed this summer. Rankel signed a four-year contract.
The German national ice hockey team has a new head coach: 41-year-old former forward Rankel has taken over from Harold Kreiss, who led the team since 2023 but was let go this summer. Under Kreiss, Germany won silver at the 2023 World Championship and finished sixth the following year, but failed to advance past the group stage in the last two years. Rankel has signed a four-year deal.
Playing and coaching background
Rankel spent his entire playing career with Berlin's Eisbaren club, where he played from 2003 to 2020, serving as team captain for the final six seasons. He represented Germany's national team from 2006 to 2013, taking part in seven World Championships and one Olympic Games during that period.
He began his coaching career three years ago as an assistant at Eisbaren, while simultaneously becoming head coach of Germany's U-18 national team. In 2024, Rankel served as Kreiss's assistant at the Deutschland Cup.
Upcoming World Championship
The 2027 World Championship will take place from May 14 to 30 in the German cities of Mannheim and Dusseldorf. Germany will play in Group A, where Latvia's national team will be among its opponents. The Mannheim group will also feature Switzerland, Finland, Sweden, Austria, Slovenia and Ukraine.
