Goaltenders
Nico Pertuch
Leon Willerscheid
Lennart Neiße
The only returning goaltender to the Germans this year is 2005-born Nico Pertuch, who should have no problem earning the starting role, as he’s done well for Germany internationally – especially his performance at the U18s when he recorded a .903 SV%. The other ’05 I have cracking the team is Leon Willerscheid, who has played for Germany internationally for a few years now, and should backup Pertuch. There’s also 2006-born Neiße, who I think will earn the 3rd-string role. He plays in the GOJHL, but still played well in the U18 D1A last year and even earned his name on NHL Central Scouting last year.
Defenders
Paul Mayer
Lua Niehus
Norwin Panocha
Max Hense
Rio Kaiser
Edwin Tropmann
Carlos Handel
Paul Mayer did not end up getting drafted last year, but is still a returnee to the German lineup, and he will likely be playing more of a shutdown role on the back-end due to his size and strength – and he’s one year more comfortable with the tournament. Lua Niehus is also returning and, while smaller, should be a key factor to Germany’s success on moving the puck up from the defensive end. Lastly, Norwin Panocha returns. I’m still a fan of the Buffalo Sabres draft pick and he should be their most valuable defender through this tournament. The last 05 who I have is not a returning player, but I really enjoy his offensive touch and should be able to find his name on the power play unit – and that is Edwin Tropmann.
For the 2006-born defenders, I have Max Hense, who was recently wore the ‘A’ for Germany at the U18 D1A last year and has found success in the German junior ranks so far this season. Then I have the giant; Rio Kaiser, who is eligible this year for the NHL Draft and stands at 6’7. He’s been noticeable in international exhibition games and has even played some DEL2 this season. Lastly, I have a 2007-born, draft-eligible defender in Carlos Handel, who plays for Halifax in the QMJHL and has notched 10 points in 25 games so far this year – and was also a PPG defender at the U18 D1A last year. He’ll be someone to look out for.
Forwards
Kevin Bicker
Linus Brandl
Vadim Schreiner
Julius Sumpf
Timo Ruckdäschel
Tobias Schwarz
Noah Samanski
Noah Garthe
Simon Seidl
David Lewandowski
Paul Vinzens
Clemens Sager
Elias Pul
The big issue facing the Germans this year is that there are so few returning players, so many of the players this year will be playing in this tournament for the first time. Nonetheless, the Germans have been on a hot-streak for World Junior actions, playing in the top division for years now and will likely be able to hang on again this year. Of the returning players, Bicker will be their go-to force, notching 4 points in last year’s tournament and was a 5th round pick of the Detroit Red Wings. Next, one of my favourite German players, Linus Brandl, is also returning – and I am hoping he can show up more this year after gaining some experience. Julius Sumpf is also returning after putting up 3 points last year, and plays in North America for the Moncton Wildcats – so he should be comfortable playing a top-role this year. Lastly, Vadim Schreiner returns as well.
Other 2005s who should find their way into the lineup include Powell River’s Noah Samanski, the Burlington Cougars’ Noah Garthe, as well as Timo Ruckdaschel, and Paul Vinzens.
The 2006s that I believe will have their place on the roster include Tobias Schwarz (who captained Germany at the U18 D1A last year), Simon Seidl (who had a PPG with the same team and has shown well in the DEL2 this year), Elias Pul (who was also a PPG and showing even better in the DEL2), and Clemens Sager.
Finally, I have 2007 draft-eligible David Lewandowski, who will certainly make the lineup this year, as he is playing with Saskatoon in the WHL, has 14 points in 18 games, and is ranked as #81 on Elite Prospects’ consolidated rankings. I fully expect Lewandowski to receive solid ice time as well on this team.
Conclusion
While I am a tad extra worried for Germany this year in comparison to recent years, with great coaching staff and a will to stay in the top division, I believe they will find success in that regard. However, due to a lack of returning players, and a lot of 2006 and 2007 players, they have to hope they remain in this group, as it will benefit the younger players that much more for next year.