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Graz99ers bring Danish World Cup defender Anders Koch into the team!
Anders Koch, 27, is moving to the Graz99ers. The Danish defender will play against Germany today for the World Cup quarter-finals.
Graz99ers bring Danish World Cup defender Anders Koch into the team!
The Graz99ers have announced an important new addition: Danish national player Anders Koch is joining the team. The 27-year-old is currently playing at the Ice Hockey World Championships in Denmark and will face Germany in the decisive game tonight, which starts at 8:20 p.m. and offers a chance of a quarter-final. Sports director Philipp Pinter, who has watched Koch live several times, was optimistic about the talented defender.
Koch, who was born in the port city of Esbjerg, starts his new role with an impressive resume. Last season he played for Kiekko-Espoo in the Finnish league and scored four goals and a total of 12 scorer points in 42 games. His career started in Esbjerg's U17 and progressed through various levels in Danish leagues up to the Metal Ligaen, where he played with Aalborg Pirates from 2021 to 2024.
Positive perspectives
Sports director Pinter describes Anders Koch as an excellent runner and emphasizes that he can significantly improve the Graz99ers' build-up game with his skills. Pinter expects Koch to continue to develop under new coach Harry Lange. The Graz99ers are relying on a strengthened defensive line and are well positioned for the new season as they already have several great defenders in their squad.
Koch himself spoke positively about his upcoming move to Graz. He has only heard good things about the city and the club from his Danish national team colleagues and therefore brings great ambitions and high expectations for the coming season.
World Cup participation and Olympic ambitions
The 2025 Ice Hockey World Cup, in which Denmark is participating, has already started and the team is playing in Group D. Denmark ended its group stage today with the game against Germany, which could be crucial for a place in the quarter-finals. The Danish national team, coached by Heinz Ehlers, has not won any medals at world championships in the past, their best finish being 8th in 2016.
Anders Koch is part of the Danish squad for the current World Cup and has played 36 international matches so far. In addition, he has also qualified for the 2026 Olympics, highlighting his distinctive qualities and potential in ice hockey.