Bernd Wolf – the best defender – and maybe even player – in the Austrian team. He also had a difficult start to the tournament, but got stronger from shift to shift. Lots of right decisions, often initiating attacks with good build-up passes or short solos from his own third. Difficult to separate from the puck, knows how to use his body correctly and protected the screen well. Was annoying and unruly in duels, released the puck on the boards several times with good stick play. He also benefits from his leadership role in Kloten in the national team and is not directly involved in any goals conceded.
Peter Schneider – represented club colleague Thomas Raffl as captain; bad luck has stuck to his bat so far in Salzburg. Led the team with his experience and was involved in a goal in every game. Scored against Slovakia after a nice combination with Zwerger, both of whom had blind understanding anyway. Scored 2-3 against Latvia with a cracker under the crossbar. Had many good moments with and without the target, fired the most shots (9) of the team. Often the driving force in the forecheck, skating is one of his greatest strengths even at 34 years old. Used his beefy body well in front of the goal and in duels along the boards.
Dominic Zwerger – one of his best preparation tournaments. Played his 100th international match against Germany and crowned it with a goal. Great wit and many clever plays, impressed as a playmaker with his overview – served Schneider perfectly against Slovakia with a precise cross pass. Wasn’t shy about any meter and captured a lot of targets and has greatly improved the game without the puck in recent years. The fact that he feels “better than ever” can be seen in many ways.
Vincent Rohrer – always amazing how much passion is packed into his playing. Off-ice he’s a quiet guy, sometimes it seems like he’s about to fall asleep while standing up. As soon as he puts on his equipment, but with incredible energy. Always an asset and tireless worker who doesn’t shy away from any duel or check. Was often criticized, especially by Latvian players. He responded to attempts to upset him with a smile. Reads situations extremely well and can absorb checks on the boards, dodge them or reverse hit them. Got a bloody nose against Latvia after a clear, unpunished, high stick, but was right back on the ice. Big factor in the forecheck, does a lot of little things right. The scoring knot broke at the World Cup, once again with two goals – including the ice-cold breakaway when they were outnumbered against Germany.
Paul Huber – increasingly takes on the role of Thomas Raffl. With a lot of self-confidence since moving to Graz, he parks himself in front of the goal and things get “dark” for the goalie. Being difficult to dislodge from opponents or using unfair means identifies itself through its intensity. Always brings a lot of energy to the team with his physical play and his drive towards the goal. Also good understanding of the game and more than solid footwork. Can therefore – like against Germany – also strike “off the rush”. With Rohrer outnumbered, he formed an aggressive duo that didn’t let go of the opponent and literally forced the shorthander against Germany. Nice, if not very meaningful, detail: Had the best plus/minus value of the tournament with the Slovakian Samuel Takac (+4).
Leon Wallner – was actually not nominated for the Germany Cup and only moved up due to Benjamin Nissner’s injury. Only traveled to Landshut on Tuesday and took a seat in the stands against Slovakia. From the Germany game onwards, he was placed on the second line next to Rohrer and Paul Huber and got the absolute maximum out of it. Against the host with a perfect cross pass to Huber to make it 2-1, the DEB team pulled the plug with its great direct pass and the 3-1. Collected another assist in the 4-1 win. Played calmly and radiated self-confidence. Had no problems adapting to international ice hockey, was always toxic in the forecheck and provoked several opponents to lose targets. Of all the players who didn’t take part in the 2025 World Cup, he was certainly the strongest.