Defender Leon Gawanke (22, Manitoba Moose) and striker Lukas Reichel (20, Rockford IceHogs) will strengthen the German national team at the World Cup in Finland at short notice. They and their teams were eliminated from the American Hockey League (AHL) playoffs on Sunday. Both players are expected in Helsinki on Thursday and could already be used in the game against Denmark.
National coach Toni Söderholm: “Leon can definitely make us even better in the build-up game, he proved that at the World Cup last year. He also brings a physical component and can lead on the power play. Lukas is a player who has already demonstrated his maturity at international level at the 2021 World Cup. His creativity is definitely a trump card for us.”
DEB-Sports director Christian Künast: “Mario Zimmermann and Taro Jentzsch will start their journey home tomorrow. We would like to thank both of them for their commitment in preparation and here in Helsinki. They were very passionate about what they were doing in every game and every training session.”