As we draw closer to Boxing Day and the start of the World Junior Championships in Ottawa, Ontario I have compiled a list of five players on Team Germany that you won’t want to miss as they begin their quest for international junior hockey glory. Some of these guys are familiar faces from last year’s squad, while others are 2025 draft eligibles, so let’s look at the top five players to watch on Team Germany.
Related: A Quick Guide to the 2025 World Junior Championship
Julius Sumpf (F) Moncton Wildcats, QMJHL
First on my list is returning Moncton Wildcats forward Julius Sumpf who is a dynamic and cerebral playmaker who’s also been a solid two two-way so far this season, Sumpf has been a crucial part of the Wildcats’ success. Each time I’ve watched Sumpf play this year, I’ve been very impressed with his offensive instincts and his ability to drive play and make things happen on both sides of the ice.
In last year’s tournament, Sumpf was tied for third in points on Team Germany, but based on the improvements I’ve seen this year throughout the QMJHL season I think he has a great chance to be the best player on his national team this year and be a real difference maker.
Norwich Panocha (D) Green Bay Gamblers, USHL
At the time of this article, Panocha is the only drafted player for Team Germany. He was a seventh-round selection to the Sabres in 2023 and is yet to make his pro debut. This returning defenseman has spent time in the CHL over the past year but is currently in the USHL playing for the Green Bay Gamblers. While he isn’t an overly offensively minded defender, he is a big frame that moves very well and has solid positioning on both sides of the puck. Bringing the experience from playing last year to this year’s tournament makes Panocha a player you won’t want to miss.
Nico Pertuch (G) Ravensburg Towerstars, DEL2
Pertuch is the only goalie that I chose to include on this list. The 2005-born net-minder has a great chance to be the starter for Team Germany as he looks to follow up on a very solid performance so far this year in the German second-tier pro league, the DEL2. As it stands, Pertuch has a .906 SV% with a GAA of 1.91. Pertuch also has some experience to build off of, as he was selected for Team Germany last year, but saw no action in the tournament. As one of the older goalies selected, look for him to make a big impact between the pipes this year in Ottawa.
Carlos Händel (D) Halifax Mooseheads, QMJHL
The first of the 2025 Draft eligibles, Carlos Händel is a skilled defenseman who I have had the pleasure to watch in person on multiple occasions. He is currently ranked 97th in the consolidated draft rankings and there is an argument to be made that he should be higher. Providing a great mix of defensive responsibility and an active stick, as well as solid offensive instincts as he is on pace for 25 points this year. Look for Händel to play meaningful minutes in this year’s WJC and make an impact for Team Germany all tournament long.
David Lewandowski (F) Saskatoon Blades, WHL
Another 2025 Draft Eligible player on this list is David Lewandowski, who is currently with the Saskatoon Blades of the WHL. After starting the season playing in the DEL (the highest German Pro League) Lewandowski made the move to the WHL and has been nearly a point per game through his first 20 games in North America. Although he is one of the younger guys on the team, he is currently the highest-ranked 2025 Draft eligible player coming out of Germany and is someone who I will be keeping a close eye on all tournament long.
Throughout the tournament, he will see some familiar faces like Canadian stars Gavin McKenna and Brayden Yager, which will give him a leg up on his teammates who don’t play in North America.
Discover more from Inside The Rink
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
