The German national ice hockey team kicked off the 2025 IIHF World Championship in style, delivering a commanding 6:1 victory over Hungary in their opening match held in Herning, Denmark. The team, coached by Harold Kreis, showcased a blend of speed, skill, and strategic execution, setting a positive tone for the tournament.
From the outset, Germany demonstrated their intent to dominate the game. Just 11 minutes into the first period, Justin Schütz made a dazzling sprint down the ice, leading to the first goal of the match. His precise pass found Dominik Kahun, who made no mistake in putting the puck past Hungarian goalie Bence Bálizs. Kahun’s early strike was pivotal in establishing Germany's momentum.
Shortly after, in the 17th minute, Joshua Samanski marked his World Championship debut with a goal, extending Germany's lead to 2-0. This goal was a product of a clever no-look pass from Lukas Reichel, who has been a standout player for Germany. The first period ended with Germany firmly in control, leaving Hungary struggling to find their rhythm.
The second period saw Hungary attempt to rally, but Germany’s defense, led by NHL star Moritz Seider, remained resolute. Although the Hungarians increased their offensive pressure, they were met with a wall in the form of German goaltender Philipp Grubauer, who made several key saves. Grubauer ended the match with an impressive save percentage of 94.74%, stopping 18 out of 19 shots.
Germany capitalized on their chances, with Lukas Kälble scoring in the 35th minute to make it 3-0, followed by Frederik Tiffels who added another just before the end of the second period, bringing the score to 4-0. Tiffels’ goal was a result of a well-executed team play that emphasized Germany’s offensive depth.
As the final period commenced, Germany continued to apply pressure. Alexander Ehl scored the fifth goal in the 46th minute, showcasing the team’s relentless pursuit of victory. However, Hungary managed to break through Grubauer’s defense with a consolation goal from Gergő Ambrus in the 49th minute, giving the Hungarian fans a brief moment of celebration.
Dominik Kahun capped off an outstanding performance by scoring his second goal of the match in the final minute, sealing the game at 6-1. Kahun’s two-goal effort highlighted his importance to the team and set a confident tone for the upcoming matches.
After the match, Kahun expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, stating, "We knew we had to start strong, and we did just that. It’s crucial to build confidence early in the tournament." Coach Harold Kreis echoed his sentiments, praising the team's focus and execution. "It was a well-deserved 6:1 victory. We started strong and maintained our intensity throughout the game," he remarked.
Looking ahead, Germany is set to face Kazakhstan on May 11, 2025. This matchup presents another opportunity for the DEB team to solidify their position in the tournament, as they aim for a strong showing in the group stage. With Tim Stützle expected to join the squad after his late arrival, the team’s prospects look even brighter.
The victory against Hungary not only marks a successful start for Germany but also serves as a reminder of their ambitions in this year’s tournament. With a mix of experienced NHL players and emerging talents, the German team is poised to make a significant impact as they chase their first World Championship title.
As the tournament progresses, fans will be eagerly watching to see if Germany can maintain their momentum and navigate the challenges ahead, with tough matches against Switzerland and the USA looming on the horizon.
