Story Summary
Germany head coach André Rankel has named 25 players for the 2026 Deutschland Cup, with four Nürnberg Ice Tigers included in his first squad since taking charge of the men’s national team. Defenceman Julius Karrer, forward Samuel Dove-McFalls and twins Thomas and Nikolaus Heigl have been selected, while Ice Tigers coach Mitch O’Keefe will serve as an assistant coach to the German side.
The tournament will run from 5 to 8 November at the PSD BANK DOME in Düsseldorf. Germany enter the 37th edition as defending champions and will face Austria, Latvia and Slovakia.
Key Facts
- André Rankel has selected 25 players for Germany’s 2026 Deutschland Cup squad, comprising three goaltenders, eight defencemen and 14 forwards.
- Julius Karrer, Samuel Dove-McFalls, Thomas Heigl and Nikolaus Heigl are the four Nürnberg Ice Tigers players in the Germany squad.
- Mitch O’Keefe will work as an assistant coach with the German national team at the tournament.
- The Deutschland Cup will be played from 5 to 8 November 2026 at the PSD BANK DOME in Düsseldorf.
- Germany, the defending champions, will play Austria on 5 November, Latvia on 7 November and Slovakia on 8 November.
IHM Discussion
Rankel’s first selection gives the Deutschland Cup immediate significance for Germany’s men’s programme, while Nürnberg will have a clear presence both on the ice and behind the bench. Karrer, Dove-McFalls and the Heigl twins account for four of the 25-player group, with O’Keefe adding an Ice Tigers connection to the coaching staff.
For the players, the event offers international duty in a compact three-game schedule. Germany open against Austria before meeting Latvia and Slovakia across the following two days of competition. The defending champions will take on three familiar European opponents in Düsseldorf as Rankel begins his tenure with the national side.
Why It Matters
The selection is a notable recognition for Nürnberg, who will have five representatives involved in Germany’s Deutschland Cup programme when players and staff are counted together. It also marks the first practical step of Rankel’s work as national-team head coach, with a full tournament schedule providing his opening international fixtures in charge.
Mini Q&A
Which Nürnberg Ice Tigers players were selected for Germany?
Julius Karrer, Samuel Dove-McFalls, Thomas Heigl and Nikolaus Heigl were selected for the 2026 Deutschland Cup squad.
When does Germany play at the Deutschland Cup?
Germany play Austria on 5 November, Latvia on 7 November and Slovakia on 8 November in Düsseldorf.
What Comes Next
Germany begin their Deutschland Cup campaign against Austria at 19:45 on Thursday 5 November. They then face Latvia at 18:30 on Saturday 7 November and Slovakia at 14:45 on Sunday 8 November.