Deutschland Cup 2011/12

MUNICH , GERMANY: This weekend sees the annual Deutschland cup take place in Germany and this time it is being played in Munich. The competition this year will see teams from Germany, USA, Switzerland and Slovakia do battle for the cup.
 
The competition comprises a straight round robin style format over 3 days and there are 2 games a day. Most of the players, including the US team, is comprised of European based players with the US team roster being taken from teams at the Elite level leagues in Europe.
 
This may not inspire the same enthusiasm as would a team with some NHL stars, however owing to the veteran rules now in place in the US there are a lot more recognized names playing in the European leagues than has been the case in previous years.
 
Of course the German fans will come out to see the local guys from the DEL and although sometimes lacking in intensity, the tournament is a good watch for hockey fans.
 
Created in 1987 the Deutschland Cup has changed format, teams and venues regularly, it has even had a break at some points though its life before being reinstated some years later usually as a ‘warm up’ to a bigger event; as was the case in 01 when after a short break the competition returned as a precursor to the IIHF world championships being held in Germany that year.
 
At its peak in the mid 90’s the cup attracted big crowds and generated lively atmospheres, and although its interest may have dwindled latterly it is still well worth a visit, especially for those who usually would not attend international games.
 
This year PHN will be covering the competition in Munich via our DEL correspondent Robin Hilger. We will bring you daily round-ups, results and interesting items/incidents for the day’s events and interviews form the players and coaches.
 
The action kicks off today with Slovakia V USA at 16:15 (local) followed by Germany V Switzerland at 20:00 (local), Stay tuned to keep up to date with all the results and action.
 
Contact: neil.edwards@prohockeynews.com