HOCKEY IN GERMANY

Hockey in Germany

Germany has 48 ice rinks, 44 active hockey teams, 7 leagues and 8 players on file in the RinkStop directory. Germany is a full member of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) and the men’s national team is currently ranked #8 in the world, with the women’s national team at #9.

Finding hockey in Germany

The teams listed on this page are organized by league. The top professional league is the DEL. Below you can browse 7 leagues from professional to amateur, including women’s programs where available.Each team has a roster page with arena info, the league they play in, and a link to the team\u2019s official site.

Where to play hockey in Germany

New players should start with a learn-to-skate program at one of the 48 rinks on this page. Most rinks also run learn-to-play hockey clinics for both kids and adults. Registration with the national federation is typically required before joining a team. The \u201cHow to play\u201d section below has a step-by-step pathway from first-time skater to league play.

Hockey ecosystem in Germany

The German Ice Hockey Federation (Deutscher Eishockey-Bund) runs the national program. DEL clubs operate youth academies that accept players from age 6–7.

Featured Hockey Players from Germany

Nico Daws

goalie

Leon Draisaitl

center

Philipp Grubauer

goalie

Nikita Quapp

goalie

Lukas Reichel

left_wing

Moritz Seider

defenseman

Nico Sturm

center

Tim Stützle

center

How to Play Hockey in Germany

A practical guide for beginners, newcomers to Germany, and parents looking to get their child into the sport.

1. 1
   Learn to skate first

   Most hockey players in Germany start with skating lessons. Many rinks run learn-to-skate programs for ages 3+ that teach the basics of balance, edges, and stopping — the foundations of hockey.
2. 2
   Try a learn-to-play clinic

   Most local rinks and clubs run learn-to-play programs for beginners. These typically run 6–8 weeks, provide loaner equipment, and cost between $50–$300. Browse rinks above and contact one directly to ask about upcoming sessions.
3. 3
   Join a youth or adult recreational team

   After learn-to-play, most players in Germany join a house league or recreational team. These run weekly practices and games at the local rink and are the most common entry point to organized hockey.
4. 4
   Register with the national federation

   Growing NHL pipeline In the US this is USA Hockey, in Canada it's Hockey Canada, and in Europe each country has its own federation. Registration is typically annual and includes insurance.
5. 5
   Progress through the development pathway

   Talented players in Germany typically progress through age-group teams (U8, U10, U12...) into travel or select teams, then junior leagues, and eventually professional or collegiate hockey. The pathway differs by country but generally follows the IIHF development model.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Hockey in Germany

Hockey Guides for Germany

The RinkStop blog covers the questions every player, parent, and coach asks.