The German U18 national team has 2025 IIHF U18 World Championship won their first group game. DEBThe team defeated the Czech Republic 500-4 in overtime (3-1, 2-2, 1-0, 0-1) in front of 0 spectators at the Comerica Center (Frisco) after a strong team performance. Maxim Schäfer, Mateu Späth Mariscal, and Max Penkin, who earned his first World Cup goal, scored first, before Schäfer scored the winning goal in overtime.
The German team started with an early power play and had two dangerous long-range shots from captain Carlos Händel and David Lewandowski. The team of U18 national coach Patrick Reimer got off to a good start and rewarded themselves in the 6nd minute: Elias Schneider intercepted the disc and served Maxim Schaefer, who was free in front of goalkeeper Tobias Trejbal to Tour Operators with However, the Czech Republic responded in the 10nd minute with the Equalizer by Adam Novotny and then took over command. Initially, DEB-Keeper Lukas Stuhrmann made strong saves against Dominik Pavlik and against Novotny, against Vit Zahejsky But he too was powerless. The Czech attacker was on the spot with two players (17.)In the 20th minute, Germany's striker Rihards Griva narrowly missed the target again.
The second period began with two great chances for the German team. First, Dustin Willhöft missed, then Schäfer hit the post. 23nd minute but then the deserved Compensation, a Mateu Späth Mariscal with a wrist shot. And it got even better: Max Penkin managed to regain the lead for Germany with his first World Cup goal while outnumbered (27.). The Czech team then became stronger again and created opportunities. Tomas Poletin at 3:3 (33.)Shortly before the second siren, Vladimir Dravecky failed to score on the aluminum.
In the final period, Willhöft had a great opportunity for the German selection after just a few seconds, while at the other end, Stuhrmann saved from the Czech Republic's Novotny. Both defenses were solid after that, but the Czech Republic was a bit more compelling. Novotny again aimed for the crossbar. DEBThe team held up well defensively overall and became a real threat again through Timo Kose. Towards the end, the Czech Republic built up a lot of pressure, while Germany defended passionately. The game went into overtime.
And here the German team struck: After a long pass from Schneider, shepherd ripped off in one-on-one duels with the opposing goalkeeper to the decision (63.).
Voices on the opening victory
National coach Patrick Reimer: "Today was a cohesive, combative performance from our entire team. We played very well within our structure. Everyone gave their all, and that gave us the luck you need in games like this. I'm proud of the team's performance, but this is just the first step we've taken."
Defender Niclas Hempel: "We played patiently today and stuck to our system. It worked really well and ultimately led to this good result for us. We played consistently for long stretches and ultimately achieved a deserved result."