Eishockey-Bundestrainer Harold Kreis entlassen: Ein Neuanfang vor der Heim-WM
The German Ice Hockey Federation (DEB) has officially parted ways with national team head coach Harold Kreis, effectively ending his tenure following a string of disappointing international performances. The decision, confirmed by the federation on Friday, comes just one year before Germany is set to host the IIHF World Championship in 2027.
For the German ice hockey community, the move marks a significant shift in direction. Kreis, 67, had been at the helm since March 15, 2023, and had previously guided the team to a historic silver medal at the 2023 World Championship—a success that secured Germany’s direct qualification for the 2026 Olympic Winter Games.
However, the momentum from that 2023 campaign has stalled. Following a quarterfinal exit against Switzerland at the 2024 World Championship, the national team struggled to maintain its standing on the global stage. The federation’s decision to dissolve the contract, which had been extended through the 2027 home tournament, was fueled by three consecutive tournament disappointments where the team failed to meet its internal goal of reaching the quarterfinals.
A Pattern of Stagnation
The parting of ways follows a difficult stretch for the DEB. In the lead-up to the latest coaching change, the national team faced early exits in both the 2025 and 2026 World Championships. Most recently, at the 2026 tournament held in Switzerland, the German squad was eliminated following the preliminary round.
This follows a similarly frustrating campaign in Herning a year prior, where Germany’s hopes of reaching the final eight were dashed in a heart-wrenching shootout loss to tournament hosts Denmark. The federation, clearly looking to revitalize the program ahead of the high-stakes 2027 home tournament, opted for an amicable separation rather than continuing under the current trajectory.
The Road Ahead: Searching for a Successor
As of Saturday, June 6, 2026, the DEB has not yet named a replacement for Kreis. The task of finding a new head coach is now the top priority for the federation’s executive leadership. With the 2027 home World Championship looming, the successor will face immediate pressure to stabilize the roster and re-establish the competitive identity that defined the team’s 2023 silver-medal run.
Kreis leaves behind a legacy of high-level experience, having transitioned to the national team after a distinguished career in the DEL, where he coached in Mannheim, Düsseldorf, and Schwenningen, and secured multiple championships in Switzerland. Despite the recent downturn, his early contributions to the national program remain a focal point of his tenure.
Key Takeaways from the Coaching Change
- Contract Dissolution: The DEB and Harold Kreis reached an amicable agreement to terminate his contract, which was originally set to run through the 2027 home World Championship.
- Performance Decline: The decision follows three consecutive tournaments where the team failed to reach the quarterfinals.
- High Stakes: The federation is under immense pressure to prepare a competitive squad for the 2027 tournament on home ice.
- Successor Status: A new head coach has not yet been announced; the search is currently underway.
What Comes Next?
The German Ice Hockey Federation is expected to provide further updates regarding the recruitment process in the coming weeks. For players and fans, the focus now shifts to how the federation will restructure the coaching staff to ensure the team is prepared for the upcoming international cycle.
We will continue to follow this story as the DEB announces its next steps. Stay tuned to Archysport for the latest updates on the search for the next German national team head coach.
What do you think is the biggest challenge for the next head coach? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
