Germany surprised some at the 2024 World Championships in Utica, New York, and they'll look to impress even more this year in Czechia. Germany named their 25 player roster for the upcoming 2025 World Championships set to take place from April 9-20.
Recently, Germany qualified for the 2026 Olympic Games with a finish for the ages. Now the roster is bringing a mix of experience and young talent to Czechia.
"We have closely monitored and supported our players to ensure we have a strong team ready for the Olympic qualification," said head coach Jeff MacLeod. "We performed very well on the ice and also appreciate the chemistry in our locker room. We work effectively and happily as a unit with players and staff, and we want to continue that at the World Cup. Even though the gap to February is not long, our national team players have been back with their respective teams and pursuing their season goals. Therefore, we are pleased to now be coming together again as a national team and to set our goals for the World Cup as a team. Furthermore, there are only ten months until the Olympic Games. This makes it all the more important to focus on the challenges ahead and take advantage of them. As a team, we will continue to take things one game at a time."
Among the players headlining Germany's roster are Toronto Sceptres forward Laura Kluge, Montreal Victoire goalie Sandra Abstreiter, and defender Nina Jobst-Smith, who is considered a top prospect for the 2025 PWHL Draft.
Lisa Hemmerle and Chiara Schultes will join Abstreiter in the crease.
On the blueline alongside Jobst-Smith are Ronja Hark, Carina Strobel, Daria Gleissner, Tabea Botthof, Charlott Schaffrath, Tara Schmitz, and Hanna Weichenhain.
Up front, joining Kluge is SDHL standout Emma Nix and a group of NCAA players including Lilli Welcke, Luisa Welcke, Svenja Voight, and Nina Christof. Rounding out the forward group are Anne Bartsch, Alexandra Boico, Franziska Feldmeier, Nicola Hadraschek, Celina Haider, Charleen Poindl, Anna Rose, and Jule Schiefer.
Germany will play in Group B alongside Japan, Hungary, Norway, and Sweden.