Successful performance by German referees on the big stage of international ice hockey: At the IIHF World Championship 2026 were with André Schrader and Luke Kohlmüller (both chief referees) as well as Patrick Laguzov (Linesmen) three officials from the German Ice Hockey Federation eV (DEB) in action. The crowning achievement was André Schrader, who expertly officiated the World Championship final in the sold-out Swiss Life Arena in Zurich last Sunday.
The thrilling final between World Championship hosts Switzerland and Finland was a fitting end to the tournament. The fact that the IIHF appointed a German referee for this game is both an honor and a testament to the international standing that Switzerland enjoys. DEB-referees have developed in recent years. For André Schrader, it was the highlight of the tournament. With a total of ten assignments, the experienced head referee, who was already on the ice at the Olympic ice hockey tournament in Milan in February 2026, led the way.
Lukas Kohlmüller also impressed in his debut: It was his first appointment as head referee at a Men's World Championship in the top division. With six assignments in the group stage, he used the opportunity to establish himself on the international stage. Linesman Patrick Laguzov is very familiar with German professional ice hockey, having officiated in the PENNY DEL for many years. At his second World Championship, he officiated a total of seven games, thus confirming his place among the internationally nominated referees. DEB-Impartial.
Stefan Velkoski Director Officiating of DEB: “We are delighted with the performances of our three referees at this World Championship. The fact that André Schrader was chosen to officiate the final and that all three received consistently positive feedback confirms their outstanding work. Being selected to referee a final is anything but a given: it requires consistently performing at a high level throughout the entire tournament – only a few referees meet these requirements. André Schrader did exactly that with his expertise, his composure on the ice, and his professionalism. Such selections don't happen by chance; they are the result of continuous development and great personal commitment. As an association, we look back on this with joy and pride.”
Interview with referee André Schrader about the World Cup final
What was it like to referee the World Cup final?
"That was always the big goal and this year it worked out. It was indescribable. Moreover, the fact that Switzerland played for gold in Switzerland in front of a sold-out crowd was a special situation. The overall conditions were also sensational."
When did you find out about it?
"We received the news around 11:30 pm the night before the final. But I had turned off my phone beforehand and gone to bed. I simply prepared as if I were going to work the next day. At 8:18 am I turned my phone back on and that's when I saw it."
What distinguishes an international game from games in the PENNY DEL?
"First and foremost, the quality is on a completely different level. At the international level, you have four lines that play more or less at the same level. Accordingly, the intensity and pace are even higher."
The final was very exciting, it was a real back-and-forth affair. How did you perceive it?
"It's just this one game, not a series – you just try to stay in the moment and take it one whistle at a time. You try to make the best possible decision in the here and now. That's why I decided not to stress about it at all the night before."
Was the extension a particular challenge for you?
"Even in the 60 minutes before the game, you know the impact every decision can have. In extra time, this is taken to the extreme. It's an extreme strain that you have to withstand. I think we managed that well. We had nothing to do with the outcome of the game."
Finally: What does it mean to you personally to run such a game?
"At the end of the day, this is our gold medal. We belong to a small group of people who have achieved this. It's an award that we've worked for for years. We had so many supporters. My wife and family often have to do without me for long periods. These are moments that can make you quite sentimental."
German referee assignments at the 2026 IIHF World Championship
André Schrader: Game 2: CAN – SWE, Game 10: SLO – CZE, Game 20: SWE – CZE, Game 30: CAN – NOR, Game 39: SUI – HUN, Game 45: FIN – AUT, Game 55: SUI – FIN, Game 58: CAN – USA, Game 61: SUI – NOR, Game 64: SUI – FIN
Lukas Kohlmüller: Match 5: GBR – AUT, Match 13: AUT – HUN, Match 22: ITA – NOR, Match 32: DEN – SVK, Match 34: CAN – SLO, Match 50: GER – GBR
Patrick Laguzov: Game 2: CAN – SWE, Game 10: SLO – CZE, Game 18: CAN – DEN, Game 26: CZE – ITA, Game 36: SWE – ITA, Game 42: NOR – SWE, Game 47: USA – HUN