Ice hockey - DEB confirms Holzer's resignation from national team
Former NHL defenseman Korbinian Holzer has announced his retirement from the German national ice hockey team. The German Ice Hockey Federation confirmed the news, which Holzer's club Adler Mannheim had already indirectly announced several weeks ago. The Federation was initially taken aback by the news at the time.
"Ultimately, a childhood dream has come true for me, which I was able to fill with incredibly beautiful encounters and moments," said the 36-year-old now. Holzer played 91 games for Germany and participated in seven World Championships and the Olympic Games in 2010 and 2022. At the 2021 World Championship, which Germany finished in fourth place, he was selected for the All-Star Team.
In the DEL for Duesseldorf and Mannheim, 211 NHL games
In the North American professional league NHL, Holzer played 211 games for various teams until 2020. After that, the native Munich player had moved to Mannheim. He had begun his DEL career in Duesseldorf. In the coming season, Holzer will play for the Graz99ers in Austria.
DEB sports director Christian Künast praised Holzer for his "unwavering dedication and boundless will": "He dragged the team on the ice and in the locker room and was a role model for many players. He took the initiative when it mattered and showed clear resolve. We have greatly appreciated working with him."
Holzer's decision to retire from the German national ice hockey team was announced by his club, the Mannheim Eagles, several weeks prior. The announcement came as a surprise to the German Ice Hockey Federation, initially. Holzer, born in Munich, had a successful career in Germany's DEL, playing for teams in both Mannheim and Düsseldorf. After concluding his NHL career with 211 games, he returned to Germany and continued playing in the DEL. In the upcoming season, Holzer will be playing for the Graz99ers in Austria. The DEB sports director, Christian Künast, praised Holzer's "unwavering dedication and boundless will," acknowledging his impact both on the ice and in the locker room. The Mannheim Eagles and the German national team will miss Holzer's leadership and dedication, given his role as a role model and initiative taker. Austria is fortunate to have a player of Holzer's caliber joining their league.
