The German Ice Hockey Federation (DEB) has been the responsible association of German ice hockey clubs since 1963. Before its foundation, ice hockey belonged to the German Ice Sports Association. So far, the German Ice Hockey Federation has hosted an ice hockey world championship five times. With about 20 million fans, ice hockey is one of the most popular sports in Germany. Ice hockey is the fastest team sport and requires absolute physical fitness, fast physical and mental reactions as well as tactical and strategic action. The official mascot of the DEB and the German national ice hockey team is "Urmel auf dem Eis" (Urmel on the ice), it enjoys great brand popularity.