Our preview of "DEB In 2034, the German Ice Hockey Federation presented its central future strategy for German ice hockey. It is the successor program to "Powerplay2026" and was presented at the members' meeting on June 13, 2026.DEB The "2034" plan provides the federation with a long-term roadmap for the development of the sport – both on and off the ice. The strategy is aligned with the Olympic cycles and sets multi-stage milestones leading up to the year 2034.
DEB 2034: Mission and Vision
The DEB The goal is to develop ice hockey in Germany through first-class youth talent development, high-quality training and further education, and strong structures – as the foundation for sustainable sporting success and a growing ice hockey community. The vision for 2034: Germany as the leading ice hockey nation, with a culture of excellence in training, international competitiveness at all levels, and a sport that inspires and unites people throughout the country.
The association's actions are guided by five values: excellence, development, community, innovation, and responsibility. These range from the commitment to the highest standards in training and organization, through long-term thinking and cohesion from the grassroots level to the national team, to a spirit of experimentation and responsibility for the next generation.
The ten pillars of the program “DEB 2034 "
The core of the strategy consists of ten equally important areas of action:
- Young talent promotion: systematic talent development, a quality seal by 2028 and the establishment of eight to ten Young Talent Performance Centers by 2030.
- Coach development: until 2034, head coaches in DEL, DEL2 and Oberliga who were exclusively trained or developed in Germany.
- Women's ice hockeyProfessionalization in competitive sports and a DFEL with eight to ten teams by 2034.
- refereeing: fundamentally revised training, plus 20 percent Young Talent by 2030, at least two German referees at the 2034 Olympics.
- Leagues & Match Operations: the Oberliga as a development league, a joint concept until 2028.
- Infrastructure: Preservation of all locations and 25 new ice surfaces by 2034.
- Education system: Institutional anchoring of ice hockey in the school system and teacher-coach positions.
- Science & Technology: Innovation culture, research projects and technology partnerships.
- International: a high-quality competition program, hosting a World Championship in Germany and presence in the IIHF committees.
- Sports for everyone: Inclusion, accessibility and collaboration with partner sports.
Milestones along the Olympic cycles
The strategy divides its goals into concrete stages. By the end of 2026, in the initial phase, the approval of the integration concept for referee training and the first cohort of... DEBThe focus is on a masterclass, a collaboration with universities, and an initial research project. By 2028, the quality seal will be implemented, the development league concept will be implemented with the Oberliga (fifth tier), and a new referee curriculum will be introduced; furthermore, the 2027 FIFA World Cup in Germany will mark the start of the... DEB-Ice hockey day every two years.
As part of the cycle leading up to 2030, the establishment of Young Talent Performance Centers, year-round ice in ten to twelve stadiums, and a cooperation agreement with the German Disabled Sports Association are planned. By 2034, the most important goals are to be achieved: head coaches in the professional leagues who have been exclusively trained or developed in Germany, an expanded German Ice Hockey League (DFEL), 25 new ice rinks, and a DEB-Academy, which is established as a recognized educational institution in German sport.
Financing and principles
The DEB He sees the financing of all pillars and the academy as his responsibility. It is to be supported by a broadly diversified revenue base that makes the association less dependent on individual sources. This includes cooperation agreements, revenue from sponsorships and the granting of naming rights, association fees and membership dues, public funding, and public-private partnerships.
Three principles are crucial for implementation: the primacy of sport (sport determines the strategy), a clear division of roles for all involved, and the involvement of the state ice sports associations or ice hockey associations through regional target agreements.
DEB 2034 is a shared task
"DEB "2034" is designed as a long-term framework that extends beyond individual seasons and tournaments. Its success depends on the collaboration of all levels, from the national federation and regional associations to the professional leagues, clubs, and the volunteer base. Therefore, the strategy is not intended as a finalized plan, but rather as an agreement on the direction in which German ice hockey should develop collectively in the coming years.