Ice Hockey in Germany is one of the most popular Sports in Germany. The game of Ice Hockey demands a lot of stamina, skill, power and body fitness and Germans seem to possess both of these very well. Ice hockey gained so much popularity mostly because of the Deutsche Eishockey-Liga which is the highest professional Ice Hockey league in Germany. On the other hand, the German ice hockey federation Deutschen Eishockey-Bund, is also contributed a lot in popularizing Ice Hockey in Germany.
The hockey stick, puck, skates, two goal posts, one referee, two linesmen and an ice rink - all these are the things without which an Ice Hockey match can not take place. Each team can play 6 players at a time. Fast moves and physical contact are integral part of this game. Often players are seen to engage in altercation and that end up in fighting.
History
Germany became an IIHF member in 1909. After that Deutscher Eishockey-Bund Federation was born in 1963 to promote the game of Ice Hockey in Germany. In 1928 Germany qualified in the Winter Olympics for Ice Hockey. Two years later, in 1930 Germany took part in Ice Hockey World Cup for the very first time. Presently the German national Ice hockey team (Men's) ranks 10th among the world's ice hockey playing nations according to IIHF ranking.
World Cup
Before the Ice Hockey World Cup 2005 Germany ranked 8th, hence they are automatically qualified for the Torino 2006 Olympic Winter Games. The 2005 IIHF Annual Congress nominated Germany as the host of 2010 IIHF World Championship. Cologne and Mannheim are the probable venues for the ice hockey world cup.
German Ice Hockey Team gave their best performance so far when they finished in the 6th place at the 2003 World Championships after losing to a close quarter-final to Canada. Before that German Ice Hockey team stood 5th at the 1996 World Cup after a surprising 7-1 victory against the favorite Czech Republic. Germans' best show in the world cup was a silver medal at the 1930 World Championships which helped in popularizing the game of Ice Hockey in Germany. To know more about Ice Hockey in Germany browse through travel.mapsofworld.com.
| 
