Story Summary
André Rankel has named his first Germany men’s national-team squad, selecting 25 players for the 2026 Deutschland Cup in Düsseldorf. The group includes three goaltenders, eight defencemen and 14 forwards, with Max Calce among those called up.
The Deutschland Cup will be Rankel’s first assignment as national-team head coach. Germany enter the 37th edition as defending champions and will face Austria, Latvia and Slovakia at the PSD BANK DOME between 5 and 8 November.
Key Facts
- André Rankel selected 25 players for Germany’s 2026 Deutschland Cup squad, comprising three goaltenders, eight defencemen and 14 forwards.
- Max Calce is among the players named by André Rankel.
- Germany will play Austria on Thursday at 19.45, Latvia on Saturday at 18.30 and Slovakia on Sunday at 14.45.
- The 2026 Deutschland Cup will be the first staged in Düsseldorf and takes place at the PSD BANK DOME.
- Germany enter the 37th edition of the tournament as defending champions.
- Germany will not use players from PENNY DEL teams competing in the Champions Hockey League, except Jonas Neffin of Eisbären Berlin and Dominik Bokk of Kölner Haie.
- Dan Lambert, Mitch O’Keefe, Petri Vehanen, Hendrik Kolbert, Tom Kanzock, Florian Keinz and Peter John Lee are part of Germany’s staff group for the tournament.
IHM Discussion
The selection gives Rankel an immediate competitive setting in which to begin his work with Germany. The tournament is also part of the 2027 IIHF Men’s European Cup of Nations, adding a wider international context to a traditional November fixture.
Düsseldorf will host games at the same venue that is due to stage matches at the 2027 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship, when the city will be a co-host alongside Mannheim. Austria, Latvia and Slovakia, Germany’s three Deutschland Cup opponents, will also take part in that World Championship.
Germany’s selection policy has been shaped by Champions Hockey League commitments. The federation has opted not to call players from participating PENNY DEL clubs, while retaining the stated exceptions of Berlin goaltender Jonas Neffin and Köln forward Dominik Bokk.
Why It Matters
Rankel’s first squad is the opening practical step of his tenure with the men’s national team. The Deutschland Cup offers Germany three scheduled international games and a first tournament week for a coaching staff that includes assistants Dan Lambert and Mitch O’Keefe.
The event’s location gives the gathering added relevance ahead of the 2027 World Championship. For the players selected, it is an opportunity to represent Germany in the arena that will form part of the country’s home World Championship programme.
Mini Q&A
Who has André Rankel selected for the 2026 Deutschland Cup?
Rankel has named a 25-player Germany squad featuring three goaltenders, eight defencemen and 14 forwards, including Max Calce.
When and where is the Deutschland Cup taking place?
The tournament runs from 5 to 8 November 2026 at the PSD BANK DOME in Düsseldorf.
Who will Germany play at the tournament?
Germany will face Austria, Latvia and Slovakia.
Coach Mark Comment
The timetable is neatly set up for a first international camp: the staff arrive on Monday, the players follow on Tuesday, and Rankel gets two ice sessions before Austria open the tournament. That is not a long runway, so the early work must be practical and easy for players to carry into a game. The value of this week is in seeing how the selected group handles that quick transition together in Düsseldorf.
What Comes Next
Germany’s staff are due in Düsseldorf on Monday, followed by the players on Tuesday. The squad’s first ice session is scheduled for Tuesday evening, with a second session planned for Wednesday lunchtime before the opening game against Austria on Thursday.
IHM Final View
Rankel’s first selection begins a new Germany chapter in a tournament carrying both immediate competitive value and a clear link to the country’s 2027 World Championship. Düsseldorf provides the setting, while Austria, Latvia and Slovakia provide the first tests for his 25-player group.