Olympic Previews – Germany

With the start of the Winter Olympics looming, Reid Jackson will be offering a team-by-team preview of each nation’s hockey team. Check back as we present new previews daily, culminating in our final Games preview on the eve of the first game.

Team Germany

Outlook – Team Germany will be coached by former NHLer Uwe Krupp, he of the 729 career games. The 6′6 former defenseman could probably step into this lineup right now and play, too. That’s not a good thing. The German team features 6 every day NHLers, most notably forward Marco Sturm (pictured) of the Boston Bruins and defenseman Christian Ehrhoff of the Vancouver Canucks. The remainder of the roster is comprised entirely of players currently playing in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga, the top league in Germany.

Player to Watch – Christian Ehrhoff, D (Vancouver Canucks) – The 106th overall selection in 2001, the 27 year old Ehrhoff has found a home in Vancouver. The talented blue liner is a veteran of two Winter Olympics, and will provide the German club some much needed punch from the back end.

Big Omission – Philipp Gogulla, LW (Portland Pirates) – Gogulla, the 48th overall pick of the Buffalo Sabres in 2005, is currently plying his trade in the minor leagues for Buffalo’s AHL affiliate in Portland. With 20 points in 47 games, he’s not exactly tearing it up. Nonetheless, the talented 22 year old wing could have provided an offensive spark for the club.

Thanks, But no Thanks – Nobody. Not exactly a big crop of talent to choose from for the Germans.

Fun Fact – The German’s only medal in the Olympics came in 1932, as they took bronze. A little known fact however is only four countries participated in the ‘32 Games. Poland, typically, was left out in the cold.

Can They Medal? – Had Hitler been successful in his invasion of Russia, they’d probably be the favorites. Alas, it wasn’t meant to be (thankfully).