The German Ice Hockey Federation (DEB) is strengthening its advisory staff: Korbinian Holzer will in future work as team manager of the U20 national team and at the same time will take on an advisory role for the DEB in the areas of sports development and the DEB Academy. The fee-based contract officially starts on July 1, 2026 and is initially limited to one year.
As team boss, Holzer will work closely with U20 national coach Tobias Abstreiter and U18 national coach Andreas Becherer. The 38-year-old will accompany all activities of the U20 national team and will also be active in his new role at the upcoming IIHF U20 World Championship 2027 in Canada. Korbinian Holzer is currently completing the DEB trainer training.
Voices
Korbinian Holzer: “The national team was and is a matter of the heart for me. I would now like to bring this passion into a new role. I am looking forward to working with Tobias Abstreiter and the entire staff of the U20 team and to working with those responsible at the association to advance the further development of the youth and training areas. I would like to thank the DEB, which is offering me the opportunity to take a new path as an active player immediately after the end of my career.”
Christian Künast, DEB Sports Director: “We are pleased that Korbinian is coming on board and will support us with his experience in the further development of the U20 national team. Both the staff and the players will benefit from his knowledge. He will also advise the DEB on sports development and the DEB Academy. This is a combination that creates added value for all sides.”
Short portrait of Korbinian Holzer
Korbinian Holzer is one of the most influential German ice hockey players of the past two decades. In the NHL he played 211 games for the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Anaheim Ducks and the Nashville Predators. This made him one of the German defenders who were able to assert themselves in the strongest league in the world in the long term. Most recently he crowned his career with the championship title with the Graz 99ers. Holzer played 91 international matches in the DEB jersey. Earlier this week he announced his retirement as an active player.
www.deb-online.de, Image: EC Red Bull Salzburg
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