BayernInterior Minister Joachim Herrmann presented Marco Sturm with the Federal Cross of Merit. This highest honor of the Federal Republic of Germany, awarded by the Federal President, recognizes Sturm's long-standing, selfless, and tireless commitment to his fellow citizens as well as his exceptional contributions to German ice hockey.
For over 20 years, Marco Sturm has been personally committed to helping children with cancer and their families. Following his mother's death, he founded the Marco Sturm Foundation in 2004, which provides quick and unbureaucratic financial assistance to affected families. All staff and volunteers work on a purely voluntary basis.
At the presentation ceremony, Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann praised Sturm's exceptional achievements: "Through your sporting triumphs as an ice hockey player and coach, your pioneering work as national coach, but above all through your tireless humanitarian commitment, you have rendered outstanding service to the Federal Republic of Germany. This commitment deserves gratitude, respect, and the highest recognition. This dedication is the glue that holds our society together. It creates trust and provides support even in difficult times."
In addition to his social commitment, Marco Sturm has had a lasting impact on German ice hockey. As head coach, he led the German national team to a historic silver medal at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang – the greatest success for German ice hockey in more than four decades. His work laid the foundation for the successful development of the national team and inspired a new generation of players.
Sturm also set standards internationally. After his coaching stint with the Los Angeles Kings organization, he was most recently hired by the Boston Bruins as the first German head coach in the history of the National Hockey League.
The German Ice Hockey Federation warmly congratulates Marco Sturm on being awarded the Federal Cross of Merit. This award recognizes not only his outstanding sporting achievements, but above all his exceptional commitment to society and his lasting contributions to German ice hockey.