Junior hockey player dies after suffering traumatic head injury in Germany

Just as Germany gears up for another World Junior Championship tournament, the country’s hockey community has been struck by tragedy within its junior ranks.

Niclas Kaus, an 18-year-old playing with Löwen Frankfurt in the German third division, died on Thursday after succumbing to head injuries sustained in a game last weekend.

Kaus crashed into the boards as he was battling for the puck during Frankfurt’s game against EC Bad Nauheim on Saturday. His awkward fall resulted in serious head trauma, and he was taken to hospital and operated on immediately, according to a release issued by the club.

“After days of fear and intense efforts on the part of the doctors, the worst fears that he might have lost the battle for his life have been confirmed,” read a translation of the statement. “The entire club is deeply shocked by this terrible accident.”

Kaus was a defenceman for the German U20 team, where his brother played as well. He played in the Löwen Frankfurt system from the age of six, according to the club.

The team also announced that it has paused any operations until further notice, with respect for the victim and his family.

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