Munich, Germany - Two more German-born NHL players are back on home ice. Defensemen Dennis Seidenberg and Christian Ehrhoff have decided to work out with DEL teams in preparation for the World Cup of Hockey 2004.

Unlike Jochen Hecht, Seidenberg has not returned to his hometeam Mannheim Adler. The 23-year-old, who was drafted 172th overall by the Flyers in 2001 and spent the majority of last season with Philly's AHL affiliate Philadelphia Phantoms, is practicing with the Kölner Haie. He is re-united with brother Yannic Seidenberg, who signed with the Haie after a one-year stint in Canada with the WHL's Medicine Hat Tigers.

Ehrhoff, who played 41 NHL games in his rookie season with the San Jose Sharks, is back with the Krefeld Pinguine. The 22-year-old is a product of the Penguins' organisation and was an integral part of Krefeld's DEL-championship-winning team in 2003. He is also a member of the class of 2001, where he was selected 106th overall.

No DEL action for Seidenberg and Ehrhoff

Unlike fellow-NHLers Hecht, Sven Butenschön and Marco Sturm, both Seidenberg and Ehrhoff have two-way contracts that prevent them from signing with DEL teams. In case of an NHL lockout, they will likely return to their respective American Hockey League (AHL) clubs.