Story Summary
Augsburger Panthers goaltender Tobias Ancicka and forwards Alexander Blank and Tim Wohlgemuth have been named in Germany’s squad for the 2026 Deutschland Cup. Head coach André Rankel has selected 25 players for the tournament, which runs from 5 to 8 November in Düsseldorf.
Rankel’s first squad as head coach of the men’s national team contains three goaltenders, eight defencemen and 14 forwards. Germany enter the 37th edition of the tournament as defending champions and will face Austria, Latvia and Slovakia.
Key Facts
- André Rankel has named a 25-player Germany squad for the Deutschland Cup in Düsseldorf from 5 to 8 November 2026.
- The selection includes three goaltenders, eight defencemen and 14 forwards.
- Augsburger Panthers goaltender Tobias Ancicka has been selected for Germany.
- Augsburger Panthers forwards Alexander Blank and Tim Wohlgemuth have also been selected.
- 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 is the 37th edition of the tournament and the first to be held in Düsseldorf.
- Germany will enter the event as defending champions.
- Austria, Latvia and Slovakia will also take part in the 2027 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship in Germany.
IHM Discussion
The Deutschland Cup will provide Rankel with his first formal tournament assignment since taking charge of the German men’s national team. His 25-player group has a clear positional structure, while Augsburg supply one player at each of the goaltending and forward positions through Ancicka, Blank and Wohlgemuth.
The event also carries added relevance because Düsseldorf will be one of the host cities for the 2027 World Championship, alongside Mannheim. Germany’s three opponents in Düsseldorf are all scheduled to compete at that home World Championship, giving the tournament an international field with a direct connection to the following year’s major event.
Why It Matters
For Augsburg, the call-ups place three members of the club in an important early squad selected by the new national-team coach. Ancicka has been chosen within a three-goaltender group, while Blank and Wohlgemuth are among the 14 forwards.
For Germany, the tournament is more than a title defence. It is Rankel’s first opportunity to oversee his national side in competition and forms part of the 2027 IIHF Men’s European Cup of Nations. Hosting it in a future World Championship arena gives the week an additional place in the build-up to the home tournament.
Mini Q&A
Which Augsburg players have been selected for Germany?
Goaltender Tobias Ancicka and forwards Alexander Blank and Tim Wohlgemuth have been named in the 25-player squad.
When and where is the 2026 Deutschland Cup?
The tournament will be held in Düsseldorf from 5 to 8 November 2026.
What Comes Next
Germany open their Deutschland Cup campaign against Austria on Thursday, 5 November, before facing Latvia on Saturday and Slovakia on Sunday in Düsseldorf.