ST. PETERSBURG, Russia -- The international hockey stage has not been kind to Germany over the years, particularly when it comes to the IIHF World Championship.
The last time a German team medaled in the tournament was 1953, when West Germany won the silver. That followed bronze medals for Germany in 1932 and 1934.
Germany hasn't even reached the World Championship quarterfinals since 2011, but that absence will end Thursday at the 2016 IIHF World Championship. After finishing third in Group B with 13 points, Germany, led by goaltender Thomas Greiss (New York Islanders), will face host Russia at Ice Palace in Moscow for a chance to compete for a medal.
Worlds: Germany with chance for rare medal
Led by Islanders' Greiss, team in quarterfinals for first time since 2011
© ALEXANDER NEMENOV/Getty Images
© ALEXANDER NEMENOV/Getty Images
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