Youngest goalscorer in history – Germany has a new hope

German ice hockey has another source of hope. During the national team's spectacular comeback at the end of the Germany Cup against Slovakia, 17-year-old Max Calce became the youngest German national team goalscorer in history. “I really enjoyed coaching him this week,” enthused André Rankel, who missed defending his title at the four-country tournament on his debut as national coach. Thanks to the 4:3 win after a 0:3 deficit against Slovakia, he and his selection at least came second.

Calce scored the interim 2:3 in the power play (48th minute) and was then named the best German player of the game. In general, the Adler Mannheim attacker impressed throughout the tournament. The youngster remained very modest and only spoke about the team after his historic goal. “We all stayed calm, took our chances and fought back as a team,” said Calce.

Probably a first-round pick in the NHL draft

Others spoke about him. National coach Rankel praised his down-to-earth attitude, and former NHL striker Tobias Rieder's eyes lit up when he was asked about the teenager. “He's an incredible player and it's just fun to be on the ice with him,” said the 33-year-old from Red Bull Munich.

Calce has a good chance of being drafted in the first round of the NHL draft next summer. Then he would be in line with Leon Draisaitl, Tim Stützle and Moritz Seider, all of whom became world-class players in the North American professional league. In Düsseldorf at the Germany Cup there were also a number of scouts from the NHL in the stands. “For me, he handled it coolly,” said Rankel. “I noticed it a little bit in the first game, but from then on he really played his game.”