The 2009 IHWC was a nightmare for team Germany and its national coach, Uwe Krupp. Contrary to  expectations, the team ended up in the relegation group and would have been relegated if it wasn't for IIHF's principle that the IHWC host earn a free ticket to the World Championship. Germany earned that ticket since it will host the 2010 IHWC.

On route to the disastrous 15th place in the 2009 IHWC, Germany only scored six goals in six games, and only won one period in a total of 18.

"I have never felt so ashamed in my entire life", says Uwe Krupp addressing Germany's failure. "In the relegation group, the team played at a very low standard. It was a disgrace, and I am ashamed to look into the eyes of the German fans and the sponsors of the team"

"I would like to give an apologize to Austria", Krupp says, "they defeated us fair and square, but we took their place in the world championship because of the coincidence of circumstance.

Uwe Krupp says that he it did doubt Germany would reach the playoffs, but that he expected Germany to make the Qualifying Round.  "Yes, after a good fight we lost in overtime to Switzerland, and this had a bad effect on the morale of the team" says Krupp, "and we missed all the luck in the game vs France...but in the end it makes no sense to look for reasons.

Uwe Krupp notes that the German national team is aging and that it needs a generational change. The transition won't be easy. Though Germany has plenty of talented young players, their growth are hampered by the high numbers of foreign players in the German Ice hockey League (DEL).

Sources: Eishockey News and Russian newspaper Sports Day.