Outlaws Defenseman to play for Team Germany in Upcoming World Juniors
Published on December 12, 2006 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
North Iowa Outlaws News Release
Traveling across the Atlantic Ocean, leaving behind your family and friends, and entering a new world, new culture, and new lifestyle, all in pursuit of a dream; that's the life for some junior hockey players. For North Iowa Outlaws' Defenseman Chris Giebe, that is the exact reason he came over to the US, to play Junior Hockey and hopefully earn a college scholarship. In his first full season in the North American Hockey League, Chris is earning his time and getting recognition, but recently it was someone bigger then college that came calling for the services of the 6'4 blue liner. It wasn't a college, it was his country.
"They called me last summer to play in an exhibition against switerland," Giebe said. "They must have been pleased because they told me that they might call me again. Two weeks ago I got the call to play. It an great opportunity and an honor to be selected to a team like this. I'm very proud to represent my home country."
Giebe will join a select few from his homeland to wear the colors of the German Flag and skate against the best Junior players in the world at the 2006/2007 International Ice Hockey Federation's, World Junior Championships. The tournament is held every year with the location changing between the different nations represented. In late December, Giebe will head off to join his new teammates as they prepare for the tournament held in Leksand and Mora Sweden.
In addition to playing for Team Germany, Chris will live another dream, being coached by German Hockey Hero, and former NHL star Uwe Krupp. Uwe spent many years playing the in NHL and is the only German ever to win the Stanley Cup. Krupp is head coach of Germany's National team, but always helps with the Junior Championship team every year.
He's a legend over there, and we all grew up idealizing him," Giebe said of play for Krupp. "I never thought I would meet him, let alone have him as a coach. It will be an experience in itself and I'm sure I try and snag a few autographs for my teammates in Mason City."
Michael Pfuhl, technical director for the German Hockey Federation, said that the German's are in the toughest pool, but that doesn't mean they don't have a shot at the gold. He feels by adding Giebe to the blue line, his experiences playing hockey in the States could be an advantage when they face Team USA and Canada.
"Germany is ranked 9th out of the 10 teams participating in the World Championships, but this one of the best team's we've had in years," Pfuhl said of Germany's chances. "Chris is on of three players on our roster that is currently playing in North America. The style of Team USA and Canada is different, more physical then the European style so it's essential to have a few guys on our roster that have some experience against that type of team."
Besides Chris, Team German has another defender, Stefan Langwieder, who is playing with the Portland Winter Hawks of the Western Hockey League and a forward, Felix Schutz, who plays for the St. John Sea Dogs, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. Both are familiar with the North American style, Langwieder and Giebe are joining with eight other defenders in what hopes to be a tough wall to penetrate in front of their goalies.
"A good defense is going to be key for us," Pfuhl added. "Chris is one of our 'big guys' and we need some size on defense. He has a good shot and is a real sportsman. I know he'll give his all representing our country and that is what we wanted, kids with great character to wear the German colors."
Giebe is the only North American Hockey League player, besides a representative of the Team USA's Developmental Program, to be selected to play in the World Junior Championships. North Iowa's Head Coach Dave Boitz says that he'll represent the league and the team in a positive way.
"We're honored to have Chris play, and we're excited for him and the opportunity," Coach Boitz added. I think he'll do well. He's a good skater and a skilled player, but most of all he's very coachable and hard working. He's super deserving of this honor."
When Giebe suits up to play Team USA, he'll be stepping on the ice with 18 future NHLer's, including the number one overall draft pick from 2006, Erik Johnson. Other big names on Team USA include: Jack Skille of the NCAA Champion Wisconsin Badgers, and Ryan Stoa, Kyle Okposo, and goaltender Jeff Frazee of the number one ranked Minnesota Golden Gophers.
"I hope I get some exposure from this experience, but I know this will be an experience I will tell my grandkids about someday," Chris added. "To play those guys will be a big step up. It isn't everyday that you get a chance to compete against the best players in the world so I just going to try and make the most of it."
Team Germany opens play on December 26th with Team USA. On the 27th they play Slovakia, followed by Canada on the 28th and rounding out pool play with the host team Sweden on the 29th. In total, all teams play about six games as the tournament wraps up with the Gold Medal Match on January 5th, 2007.
North American Hockey League Stories from December 12, 2006
- U.S. Nat'l Under-18 Team Travels to Michigan's Upper Peninsula for Division I Battles - U.S. National Team
- Outlaws Defenseman to play for Team Germany in Upcoming World Juniors - North Iowa Outlaws
- Texas Tornado update - Texas Tornado
- Moreland Reaches Milestone, Echternach Earns POW Honors - Fargo-Moorhead Jets
- Tornado rips through Alaska - NAHL
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