Munich, Germany - For several years, Germany has been a blank spot on the maps of NHL scouts. Things are about to change this year, though. At age 17, top prospect Marcel Goc is leading a bunch of German hopefuls into the 2001 NHL Entry Draft at National Car Rental Center in Sunrise, Florida, this weekend.

The last German selected in an NHL Entry Draft was defenseman Sascha Goc in 1997, Marcel´s older brother and currently with the Albany River Rats of the AHL.

The German national team celebrated a surprising comeback to the top level of the IIHF World Championships this spring. The tournament hosts had an exciting run, skating to surprise draws with hockey greats Czech and Canada before being stopped by later runner-up Finland in the quarterfinals.

Scouts were definitely surprised to discover a lot of interesting prospects on Team Germany.

Of course, top prospect Marcel Goc, who ranks 12th in Central Scouting´s final rankings, had caught the NHL´s attention well before the tournament. But the World Championships gave him a surprise opportunity to enter the international stage.

But possible first-round pick Goc (Schwenningen Wild Wings) is not the only German who might be considered by NHL clubs.

Fellow Wild Wing center Thomas Greilinger, defender Christian Ehrhoff (Krefeld Pinguine) and Martin Hinterstocker (SC Riessersee/2nd Division) also appear in CSB´s European Skater Ranking, at #70. #71 and #100 respectively. Fuerthermore, netminder Dimitri Pätzold (Kölner Haie) is listed third among European Goalies.

Yet there are even more hopefuls. Forward Daniel Kreutzer (Kassel Huskies) and defenders Christoph Schubert (Munich Barons) or Dennis Seidenberg (Adler Mannheim) might have outside shots.

Click here for an overview and short portraits of possible German draftees

Click here for a special spotlight on Marcel Goc