The 34-year-old former junior national team player ended his playing career in 2007 and turned to coaching after 11 years as a professional player that included seasons in the top league with the Kassel Huskies, Eisbaren Berlin, Kolner Haie and Hamburg Freezers. He also represented Germany in three U20 World Championships (two in the top division) and two U18 European Championships.

Hinterstocker was Kathan’s assistant at several tournaments, most recently in the 2014 Olympic Winter Games, and the head coach of the U18 women’s national team in the 2014 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 Women’s World Championship Division I. He was also coaching Preussen Berlin in the third-tier men’s league during the 2012/2013 season.

“In ex-DEL pro Benjamin Hinterstocker, we have now contracted a young certified coach who will continue the upswing development of the program after it was served so diligently for years by Peter Kathan,” said German Ice Hockey Association President Franz Reindl. “We will be investing more money and dedicated commitment into the area of women’s ice hockey.”

Germany will play Switzerland, host Sweden and a qualifier in Group B of the 2015 IIHF Ice Hockey Women’s World Championship in Malmo. The top-two teams advance to the final round.

Under Hinterstocker, the German women’s national team held its first camp from 31st July to 3rd August.

“In our first season after the Olympics and after several players ended their international careers we need to build a competitive team as quick as possible,” Hinterstocker said. “That’s why we invited over 30 players to the first camp from which we will shape the team for March and April at the 2015 IIHF Ice Hockey Women’s World Championship in Malmo.”