IIHF World Ranking: Germany overtakes Sweden

When you think of the world powers in field hockey, you think: Canada, Russia, USA, Finland and Sweden. Now we have to add Germany to the mix, following the IIHF’s new world rankings.

Indeed, the Germans have overtaken the Swedes in fifth place.

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Let’s just say we didn’t expect this at all.

In my mind, Germany is the kind of field hockey team that Canada demolishes 10-1 during the group stage of a tournament, but this is nothing like that anymore.

Germany’s silver medal at the last World Championship was a major factor in the team’s rise up the rankings. Surprisingly, their best player, Leon Draisaitl, wasn’t even on the team.

When you see Germany play, you’d think Draisaitl would carry the team to victory with a few goals. But no, their best player this year was John Peterka, who tied with Dominik Kuabalik for 2nd place in the tournament scoring charts.

Peterka was a rookie with the Buffalo Sabres this season and did an excellent job with his 32 points in 77 games.

And let’s not forget Moritz Seider on defense. The 2021-22 Calder Trophy winner offers incomparable solidity on the German blue line.

Tim Stützle was not part of the line-up during the tournament, but it must be understood that he will have his place if he decides to help his country, having just concluded a 90-point season.

Germany’s young players still have plenty of room to develop and add to the quality of their team’s play. However, the Germans must be made to understand that the Olympics will become much more difficult for them when NHL players are able to compete again.

Leon Draisaitl, Tim Stützle and Moritz Seider won’t be enough to overcome the likes of Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar and Sidney Crosby.

In gusts

– It’s not crazy.

Previous capacity: 20,801
Current capacity: 19,619

Gap: 1,182 spectators
Revenue: 1,182 x $50 = $59,100
17 games: $1,004,700

Please correct another Kevin Gilmore decision.

Best case scenario, we finance ourselves a TAM player. More… https://t. co/CoaOVs82YC

– Nilton Jorge (@NiltonJorge) August 27, 2023