The German women's national ice hockey team represents Germany at the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Women's World Championship and other international ice hockey tournaments. The women's national team was ranked eighth in the IIHF World Ranking in 2020. It is organized under the direct administration of the Deutscher Eishockey-Bund (DEB). Women's participation in ice hockey in Germany has slowly declined in the past decade – in 2011 the country had 2,549 female players registered with the IIHF but reported only 2,251 in 2020. History The first international game for the German women's national team took place on 3 December 1988 in Geretsried against Switzerland. The final score was 6–5 for the Swiss, but the Germans avenged the loss in their second match. Against the Swiss, the Germans obtained their first victory. In preparation for the 2013 IIHF Women's World Championship, the Carleton Ice House, home of the Carleton Ravens women's ice hockey program, served as the training facility for the German team. Former Ravens team captain Sara Seiler served as a member of the German squad. Of note, the Ravens hosted Germany in an exhibition game, which saw the Germans prevail by a 3–0 tally, with goals from Julia Zorn, Franziska Busch, and Andrea Lanzl. Germany's best finish at the Worlds was in 2017, where they finished fourth after an upset victory over Russia in the quarterfinals. Tournament record Olympic 2002 – Finished in 6th place 2006 – Finished in 5th place 2014 – Finished in 6th place World Championship 1990 – Finished in 7th place (as West Germany) 1994 – Finished in 8th place 1999 – Finished in 7th place 2000 – Finished in 7th place 2001 – Finished in 5th place 2004 – Finished in 6th place 2005 – Finished in 5th place 2007 – Finished in 8th place 2008 – Finished in 9th place (relegated to Division I) 2009 – Finished in 11th place (2nd in Division I) 2011 – Finished in 9th place (1st in Division I, promoted to Top Division) 2012 – Finished in 7th place 2013 – Finished in 5th place 2015 – Finished in 8th place (relegated to Division IA) 2016 – Finished in 9th place (1st in Division IA, promoted to Top Division) 2017 – Finished in 4th place 2019 – Finished in 7th place 2020 – Cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic 2021 – Finished in 8th place 2022 –