International: German Junior National Teams

[Jason80]

My preseason hot takes remain hot LOL

Dornberger must've been injured most of the season, only played 10 games. Tabert bounced around North America and the DNL with multiple teams. Not a great sign but I still like him as a player. Feels like a guy who could definitely play a bottom-six role at the world juniors next year, assuming he finds a good spot and stays there next season.

I got the same impression: Tabert definitely has some potential but he needs to show it consistently, maybe even on a higher level next season. With him and the two finns Landshut has improved significantly and forced the Junghaie into game 5 of the series. Nice to see how the level of competition ist constantly on the rise in our u20 league.

 

[KerbanHockey]

Does anyone know if Maxim Schäfer is injured? He isn't listed on the preliminary roster for the U18 Worlds. He hasn't played since March 25th, which was the last playoff game for the Berlin Juniors. I wouldn’t expect him to be in the lineup for the DEL playoffs, so unless he's injured, he should be available for the U18 Worlds.

 

[Maverick41]

Does anyone know if Maxim Schäfer is injured? He isn't listed on the preliminary roster for the U18 Worlds. He hasn't played since March 25th, which was the last playoff game for the Berlin Juniors. I wouldn’t expect him to be in the lineup for the DEL playoffs, so unless he's injured, he should be available for the U18 Worlds.

Well, he was on the roster for the Eisbären in the playoffs, and has played in 4 games (all against Straubing), but only for a few minutes each game, and then as you said he appeared in a game for the DNL team, their last of the season.
Nothing since then. Maybe I will take a look at that DNL game later and see if there might have been an injury.

Although my bigger concern is that Carlos Händel is not listed on the roster. And since this roster should include everyone who may join the team down the road, this is a bit concerning. The forward group looks pretty decent even without Schäfer, but that defense without Händel...?

I just hope it's a mistake and both Schäfer and Händel will be on the team.

 

[KerbanHockey]

Well, he was on the roster for the Eisbären in the playoffs, and has played in 4 games (all against Straubing), but only for a few minutes each game, and then as you said he appeared in a game for the DNL team, their last of the season.
Nothing since then. Maybe I will take a look at that DNL game later and see if there might have been an injury.

Although my bigger concern is that Carlos Händel is not listed on the roster. And since this roster should include everyone who may join the team down the road, this is a bit concerning. The forward group looks pretty decent even without Schäfer, but that defense without Händel...?

I just hope it's a mistake and both Schäfer and Händel will be on the team.

I expect Händel to be on the final roster, which will be announced after the first camp in Füssen. It looks to me like he’ll stay with the Mooseheads until shortly before the tournament and then fly directly from Canada to the U.S., as we've seen other players do in the past too. But that’s just my interpretation.

 

[Maverick41]

I expect Händel to be on the final roster, which will be announced after the first camp in Füssen. It looks to me like he’ll stay with the Mooseheads until shortly before the tournament and then fly directly from Canada to the U.S., as we've seen other players do in the past too. But that’s just my interpretation.

Normally I would see it the same way, but Bleicher and Lewandowski are alreads on the roster.
Hopefully that is just because Händel is still playing in the playoffs, while the seasons of Bleicher and Lewandowski are over.

Maybe it is the same for Schäfer? Schneider has probably already been released by Berlin, but Schäfer could still be a part of the roster for the playoffs. So, maybe they want to keep him around until the U18 team leaves for North America.

We'll just have to wait and see, I guess.

 

[Chapin Landvogt]

For protocol:

 

[Chapin Landvogt]

Does anyone know if Maxim Schäfer is injured? He isn't listed on the preliminary roster for the U18 Worlds. He hasn't played since March 25th, which was the last playoff game for the Berlin Juniors. I wouldn’t expect him to be in the lineup for the DEL playoffs, so unless he's injured, he should be available for the U18 Worlds.

I think he's been a healthy scratch for Berlin.

And I don't think a DEL player can be nominated for a national team camp during the playoffs until his respective team is no longer playing.

That likely isn't an official thing, but rather one of understood respect between the DEB and DEL circuits.

 

[Chapin Landvogt]

Normally I would see it the same way, but Bleicher and Lewandowski are alreads on the roster.
Hopefully that is just because Händel is still playing in the playoffs, while the seasons of Bleicher and Lewandowski are over.

Exactly. It's this, I believe.

 

[Maverick41]

So, based on the roster that was released I made my selection of 25. I included Schäfer and Händel and an alternate (in parentheses) if either one or both won't play.

GK - 1 Kaiser Aaron 22.08.2007 Red Bull Hockey Akademie
GK - 29 Oswald Bartholomäus 04.02.2007 ERC Ingolstadt
GK - 30 Stuhrmann Lukas 04.04.2007 Kölner EC/Kölner Haie

(DF - 5 Bicker Albert 30.05.2007 Krefelder EV 81)
DF - 11 Bleicher Max 14.02.2007 Owen Sound Attack/CAN
DF - 7 Händel Carlos 31.03.2007 Halifax Mooseheads/CAN
DF - 21 Hempel Niclas 20.08.2007 EHC Freiburg/Stuttgart Rebels
DF - 20 Kose Fabio 03.01.2007 EV Regensburg/Eisbären Regensburg
DF - 2 Krüger Felix 21.08.2007 ESC Dresden/Dresdner Eislöwen
DF - 4 Rolsing Darian 14.02.2008 Tappara Tampere/FIN
DF - 3 Stock Philipp 02.06.2007 Kölner EC
DF - 12 Stocker Gregor 31.05.2007 Eisbären Juniors Berlin
DF - 18 Warnecke Moritz 07.10.2007 Red Bull Hockey Akademie

FW - 24 Brandt Tobin 28.02.2007 Kölner EC
FW - 13 Grin Andreas 12.11.2007 ERC Ingolstadt
FW - 28 Griva Gustavs 08.06.2007 Jungadler Mannheim
FW - 27 Griva Rihards 08.06.2007 Jungadler Mannheim
FW - 16 Kose Timo 03.01.2007 EV Regensburg/Eisbären Regensburg
FW - 22 Lewandowski David 20.02.2007 Saskatoon Blades/CAN
FW - 25 Penkin Max 11.06.2009 Jungadler Mannheim
(FW - 15 Reinwald Florian 11.07.2007 ERC Ingolstadt/Blue Devils Weiden)
FW - 26 Schäfer Maxim 17.05.2007 Eisbären Berlin
FW - 9 Schneider Elias 08.07.2007 Eisbären Juniors Berlin/Eisbären Berlin
FW - 17 Späth Mariscal Mateu 20.02.2007 Kölner EC/EC Bad Nauheim
FW - 19 Willhöft Dustin 09.01.2007 Jungadler Mannheim/Heilbronner Falken
FW - 23 Ziergiebel Max 03.05.2007 Kölner EC
FW - 8 Zwickl Sebastian 27.03.2007 Starbulls Rosenheim

 

[KerbanHockey]

I think he's been a healthy scratch for Berlin.

And I don't think a DEL player can be nominated for a national team camp during the playoffs until his respective team is no longer playing.

That likely isn't an official thing, but rather one of understood respect between the DEB and DEL circuits.

That's an interesting point of view, but I just can't see it being that way. We're not talking about a regular player who plays a key role on his team — he's "just" a depth player. From his perspective, the U18s are important, because a strong tournament could put him even more on the radar for the upcoming draft. I think the scouts have seen enough of him in the DEL, and they probably won’t see much more of him there for the rest of the playoffs.

 

[Chapin Landvogt]

That's an interesting point of view, but I just can't see it being that way. We're not talking about a regular player who plays a key role on his team — he's "just" a depth player. From his perspective, the U18s are important, because a strong tournament could put him even more on the radar for the upcoming draft. I think the scouts have seen enough of him in the DEL, and they probably won’t see much more of him there for the rest of the playoffs.

Regardless of what understanding the DEB and DEL circuits may have in such situations, I think it's all more a case of Berlin simply deciding to keep him around a bit longer.

It already looks like the 20-year old Leden has surpassed him on the depth list. They also have players like Bartuli who they could slide in, if they need more depth.

Just, I can understand they'd rather have Schäfer there for a couple of more days, perhaps the rest of this round, because there's a lot to be learned from being part of a playoff run.

***
The DEB isn't likely heading to Texas for another 8 days or so. There's time.

 

[KerbanHockey]

Regardless of what understanding the DEB and DEL circuits may have in such situations, I think it's all more a case of Berlin simply deciding to keep him around a bit longer.

It already looks like the 20-year old Leden has surpassed him on the depth list. They also have players like Bartuli who they could slide in, if they need more depth.

Just, I can understand they'd rather have Schäfer there for a couple of more days, perhaps the rest of this round, because there's a lot to be learned from being part of a playoff run.

***
The DEB isn't likely heading to Texas for another 8 days or so. There's time.

Totally agree. For Berlin, it definitely makes sense to have him as the first option in case someone gets injured. Hopefully he’ll be available after the series against Mannheim. I'm sure they’re aware that this is a big opportunity for him — he can showcase himself in front of a lot of scouts, it’s his last U18s, and he'd have a more responsible role on that team, which I think is always a valuable experience for young players in their development.

 

[pgfan66]

With the roster announced, here's what my lineup would look like:

Lewandowski - Kose - Penkin
Pohle - Schneider - Schäfer
Willhöft - Griva - Griva
Zwickl - Späth - Brandt
Ziergiebel, Grin

Kose - Händel
Krüger - Stocker
Hempel - Bleicher
Warnecke, Rolsing, Stock

Stuhrmann
Kaiser/Oswald

Penkin on the top line probably isn't realistic but I'd definitely try it out, mostly because I like the idea of keeping the top lines from Mannheim and Berlin together in a short tournament, and Penkin is just that good. This gives you a stacked top line, a very good middle six, and a strong shutdown fourth line with Späth and Brandt. I don't quite like the fit for Zwickl there, but he's too good to scratch.

On D, it's a little tougher. Kose-Händel is a strong top pair, but behind that every spot seems up for grabs. Krüger and Hempel look like easy choices because of their pro experience and the same goes for Bleicher with his major junior experience. Of the remaining players, I think Stocker has been the most consistent.

 

[Fabianski]

The squad seems pretty strong for an U18-National Team of Germany Hopefully our topprospects like Händel and Lewandowski will rise their draft position and will lead our team to avoidance of relegation.
Btw Shea Busch (Son of former DEL-Player Rob Busch) would be a nice addition in case he would be available for Germany

 

[Chapin Landvogt]

The squad seems pretty strong for an U18-National Team of Germany Hopefully our topprospects like Händel and Lewandowski will rise their draft position and will lead our team to avoidance of relegation.
Btw Shea Busch (Son of former DEL-Player Rob Busch) would be a nice addition in case he would be available for Germany

To be honest, the DEB might not even know about him.

I remember that a few years back, they didn't know about the Eisenmenger brothers when they were juniors in Sweden.

The guys in the DEL and beyond... There are obviously a number of people who are keeping tabs of all sorts of former connections. Obviously, everyone knows about a Kosick or Dupont.

But a lot of the guys like Shea remain quite anonymous until/unless they and their family/agents reach out to German teams and kind of introduce themselves.

 

[Jason80]

The squad seems pretty strong for an U18-National Team of Germany Hopefully our topprospects like Händel and Lewandowski will rise their draft position and will lead our team to avoidance of relegation.
Btw Shea Busch (Son of former DEL-Player Rob Busch) would be a nice addition in case he would be available for Germany

This team should be strong enough to make into the quarterfinals and maybe even aim for a surprise. The match against Switzerland will be crucial.
Although the last few games haven't been that promising I'm still positive on the potential of these players. This ist the most skilled and balanced team at the U18 WC we've had in years - maybe ever. Hopefully they will be showing more grit and commitment in the games to come.

 

[Chapin Landvogt]

This team should be strong enough to make into the quarterfinals and maybe even aim for a surprise. The match against Switzerland will be crucial.
Although the last few games haven't been that promising I'm still positive on the potential of these players. This ist the most skilled and balanced team at the U18 WC we've had in years - maybe ever. Hopefully they will be showing more grit and commitment in the games to come.

We have been anticipating this group for several years now.

The individual results of the 24-25 season have us perhaps less excited at this point but this is the group we've all wanted to see one day at the U18 Worlds.

Just gotta hope the lines gel enough and that the blueline proves deep enough.

Just staving off the relegation round would be a big success.

 

[Maverick41]

We have been anticipating this group for several years now.

The individual results of the 24-25 season have us perhaps less excited at this point but this is the group we've all wanted to see one day at the U18 Worlds.

Just gotta hope the lines gel enough and that the blueline proves deep enough.

Just staving off the relegation round would be a big success.

While I am still excited, I don't think this team can compete with the teams of 2013 (led by Kahun and Draisaitl) and 2019 (even without Seider this was a strong group).
And I may already be more excited about the team we might see in 2027 led by Max Penkin. Though, I totally expect to be underwhelmed by the time that tournament comes around. My excitement for that group is also probably due to recency bias from watching a lot of that age group (09s and 10s) lately.

Anyway, I wonder what will happen with Händel. His team just pulled of a huge upset as the #16 seed in the first round of the QMJHL playoffs (Händel scored the first goal in a 2-0 game 7 win). If I recall correctly the CHL teams do not have to release players for the U18 WJC.
If the Mooseheads get swept in the next round Händel's season would end a week before the tournament starts. If they lose in game 7 it would be the day before. If they pull of another upset, Händel would certainly miss the tournament.

 

[pgfan66]

While I am still excited, I don't think this team can compete with the teams of 2013 (led by Kahun and Draisaitl) and 2019 (even without Seider this was a strong group).
And I may already be more excited about the team we might see in 2027 led by Max Penkin. Though, I totally expect to be underwhelmed by the time that tournament comes around. My excitement for that group is also probably due to recency bias from watching a lot of that age group (09s and 10s) lately.

Anyway, I wonder what will happen with Händel. His team just pulled of a huge upset as the #16 seed in the first round of the QMJHL playoffs (Händel scored the first goal in a 2-0 game 7 win). If I recall correctly the CHL teams do not have to release players for the U18 WJC.
If the Mooseheads get swept in the next round Händel's season would end a week before the tournament starts. If they lose in game 7 it would be the day before. If they pull of another upset, Händel would certainly miss the tournament.

The good thing this year is that it’s easy to fly down to Texas and just play the next day without time change etc.

 

[KerbanHockey]

The U18 team lost their first exhibition game against Canada 12–4. For a long time, the game was actually quite close - at least in terms of the score. Not a bad sign, I'd say.

 

[pgfan66]

The U18 team lost their first exhibition game against Canada 12–4. For a long time, the game was actually quite close - at least in terms of the score. Not a bad sign, I'd say.

Goals by Kose, Willhöft, Griva, Penkin. I may end up eating my words in regards to the Jungadler line if they actually end up performing at this level.

 

[Jason80]

Without Schäfer and Händel I guess? Or is Händel fit and already with the team?

 

[Chapin Landvogt]

Without Schäfer and Händel I guess? Or is Händel fit and already with the team?

Schäfer was in the line-up for the Eisbären in Game 2 in Cologne. Apparently, he's still with the team.

It's 2-1 for Berlin right now, so there's at least two more DEL games to be played.

***

Händel hasn't played with anyone since April 16th. Halifax played its final game on April 17th.

Yikes!

We need to hope that there's not some type of injury involved...

***
All in all, the team can perhapse live without Schäfer for a few games - perhaps even the whole preliminary round - but if Händel is out, this blueline/backside may be the worst in the tournament when considering even Norway's blueline has a number of players that played with their D1A U20 team this past winter and a Timraz-Westin in goal who was fantastic for Växjö's U20 team this past winter.

 

[Chapin Landvogt]

And I may already be more excited about the team we might see in 2027 led by Max Penkin. Though, I totally expect to be underwhelmed by the time that tournament comes around. My excitement for that group is also probably due to recency bias from watching a lot of that age group (09s and 10s) lately.

Yep, there might be some recency bias involved. Fact is, we've been anticipating this group for a while now.

And here they are.

But they're not looking as good as they did a few years back. Still, I consider it the most promising U18 team we've seen at the U18 Worlds in a good, long while.

I just hope Stuhrmann is ready to beat Switzerland all by himself, if he has to.

Anyway, I wonder what will happen with Händel. His team just pulled of a huge upset as the #16 seed in the first round of the QMJHL playoffs (Händel scored the first goal in a 2-0 game 7 win). If I recall correctly the CHL teams do not have to release players for the U18 WJC. If the Mooseheads get swept in the next round Händel's season would end a week before the tournament starts. If they lose in game 7 it would be the day before. If they pull of another upset, Händel would certainly miss the tournament.

Welp, we now know that Händel's Mooshead got swept by Rouyn-Noranda.

He didn't play in Game 4.