Nico Sturm celebrates Stanley Cup victory: Coffee at grandma's in Augsburg!

Nico Sturm celebrates Stanley Cup victory: Coffee at grandma's in Augsburg!

Nico Sturm, who won his first Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 2022, has now done it again: On August 13, 2025, he will bring the coveted trophy to Augsburg for the second time. This time he was able to triumph with the Florida Panthers after a tough season. The Stanley Cup, 90 cm high and weighing 16 kg, is the most important trophy in world ice hockey, and Sturm can now join the list of German players in the NHL who enjoy this glory twice.

The season didn't start as hoped for Sturm, who was part of the San Jose Sharks, who were the worst team in the NHL. However, on March 6, 2025, he was traded to the Panthers, where he had to adapt to a completely new role. Despite two serious injuries, including a broken foot in January, Sturm proved to be a tireless team player and worked hard on his comeback. He became a fourth-line faceoff and shorthanded expert, although he wasn't always used during the playoffs. His commitment and positive attitude, both in training and towards his teammates, contributed significantly to the team's success in winning the Stanley Cup.

Family time after the triumph

After the exciting triumph, Sturm stays in Augsburg to spend time with his family and friends. He emphasizes returning to his roots and enjoying family traditions, such as leisurely lunches and drinking coffee with his grandmother. Ice hockey is a tough business that leaves little time for relaxation, but it is precisely in moments like these that Sturm draws new strength.

On Thursday, he will present the Stanley Cup at the Curt Frenzel Ice Stadium, where fans will have the opportunity to take photos with the trophy and get autographs. However, this time the reception will be smaller than when he won his first title, without any big celebrations in the town hall. Sturm is still looking forward to meeting the fans who want to share his success. It is a moment of reflection in which the athlete honors his roots and pays tribute to the people who have supported him.

A look into the future

With a new two-year, $4 million contract, Sturm now faces the challenge of preparing for the upcoming season with the Minnesota Wild - the team where he was active and built a home from 2020 to 2022. He can continue his career there and perhaps soon win his third Stanley Cup. At the Panthers, he appreciates the exceptional depth of the squad, which was considered the key to success in the Cup run. The collaboration with younger players who accompanied him from the Sharks to the Panthers shows his great commitment and hope for another successful time.

In the list of German NHL players who have achieved many successes over the years, Sturm now joins famous names such as Tom Kühnhackl and Uwe Krupp. These successes not only show Sturm's personal career, but also the increasing presence and success of German players in the NHL. It remains to be seen whether new milestones will be set in the coming season, but if anyone has what it takes, it is Nico Sturm.