Team Germany players to watch at the 2025 World Juniors – Hockey Writers – World Junior Hockey Championship

The German team enters this tournament as a youngster who may have to fight to escape the relegation zone. This doesn't mean they won't have interesting players. Here are the players to watch as the World Junior Championships continue.

Norwin Panocha, D

Blueliner Norwin Panocha will enter the tournament as the only player selected from the German squad. This season, Panocha played for the Green Bay Gamblers in the United States Hockey League (USHL). In 15 games, he has three assists, after starting the season with the Prince Albert Raiders of the Western Hockey League (WHL).

Related: Guide to the 2025 World Junior Championship

Panocha was drafted 205th overall by the Buffalo Sabers in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. He also gained valuable experience at the international level, playing a key role for Germany in the 2023 U18s, recording two goals and one assist in six games. His performance highlighted his defensive skills and climbing ability. The Sabers hope will be to follow up in Ottawa.

David Lewandowski, F

Lewandowski will be a first-round prospect eligible for the 2025 Draft, and his performance this season has caught the attention of scouts. His ability to contribute offensively and his strong hockey sense make him a valuable asset to any team. Lewandowski has gained international experience, representing Germany in previous tournaments.

Lewandowski, the son of former German and Russian professional footballer Eduard Lewandowski, is not the only player on the pedigree. He started the season at home to Düsseldorfer EG, failing to score in seven regular season games. Then he came to the Saskatoon Blades, where he was good from the start. Lewandowski is expected to play a major role in the German's top six.

Julius Sumpf, F

Returning from last year's team, Sumpf is having a great season in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), where he produced 37 points in just 29 games for the Moncton Wildcats. In his second year in North America, Sumpf has become a force and will do some damage in Ottawa.

Sumpf is expected to be one of the team's top scorers, and while his future roster selection is unlikely, considering his age, strong competition could raise his stock and perhaps the team will give him a chance this summer in the offseason. camp.

Chances of the German team

The Germans will have only one goal: avoid being pushed back. The players and coaches know it, so it's expected to start slowly, up to a certain point. Expect the Germans to prepare themselves after a few games, to deliver a better performance when things start to matter for their big goal.

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