20.881 spectators in Landshut Fanatec Arena on five tournament days: The German Ice Hockey Federation eV (DEB) draws a positive conclusion from the first edition of the Deutschland Cup with a parallel women's and men's tournament.
With the support of the DEB-Office teams, the city of Landshut, des EV Landshut and numerous volunteers, it was possible to welcome a total of eight national teams, in addition to the many thousands of ice hockey fans, and to provide them with the best possible support during the days on site. Deutschland Cup Due to the new format, 2023 was also a meeting of national and international guests. IIHF President Luc Tardif was on site on the first two days of the tournament to discuss the concept of the joint event Deutschland Cup of women and men and also to honor the best players on the ice after the game between Germany and Denmark. In addition to him, Henrik Bach Nielsen (Vice President) and Petr Briza (Senior Vice President), other high-ranking representatives of the IIHF world association, were guests. It was a special return for Briza, as the former world-class goalkeeper played for the EVL for a total of six seasons.
DEB-President Dr. Peter Merten: "Of the Deutschland Cup in Landshut, was a first for the ice hockey world with the parallel holding of a women's and men's tournament. The response from the players and spectators was great and the representatives of the world association (IIHF) who were present were also enthusiastic. I would like to thank everyone involved, the city of Landshut, the EV Landshut eV and the association for their great effort. We made ice hockey history with this tournament.”
In the women's competition, the Czechs, who were the favorites, took the win, underlining their good performance at the last World Cup (third place behind the USA and Canada). After the German women's team's celebrated opening victory against Denmark, the team coached by national coach Jeff MacLeod was defeated by Finland and the Czech Republic, but secured third place in the final standings.
In the men's category, national coach Harold Kreis' team took third place Deutschland Cup in a row, overall it was the tenth title for them DEB-Men's selection at the home tournament. After two opening wins against Denmark and Austria, the narrow 1:2 defeat was enough to secure the title. He was able to DEB a sold-out one on Saturday and Sunday Fanatec Arena (4.200 spectators each).
DEB-Sports director Christian Künast: “We are pleased about the men’s national team’s defense of its title and the great audience response. It was something very special, especially for the women's team, to soak up the positive atmosphere in Landshut. From a sporting perspective, we leave the tournament with a lot of valuable insights that are crucial for our further work and planning. The tournament clearly showed what we need to work on for women. On the men’s side, many players performed at a high level and once again demonstrated the breadth of our national team.”
For the DEB Meanwhile, the next international highlight is just around the corner: at the end of December, the men's U20 team will travel to the 2024 IIHF World Championship in Gothenburg (Sweden). The games of the team around national coach Tobias Abstreiter will be broadcast live on MagentaSport.