Sturm's deal had been due to expire after this year's World Championship in Denmark but he has penned an extension which will see him lead the team through to 2022.

The German Ice Hockey Federation (DEB) had hoped to tie Sturm down to a new deal last year but the 39-year-old opted to delay signing a contract.

Sturm, who played in the National Hockey League during his career on the ice, was seeking assurances about the future direction and strategy of the national governing body before he committed to an extension.

The announcement will come as a relief to the DEB with the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang due to start on Friday (February 9).

"It’s nice that it has worked out before the Olympics," said Sturm. 

"Basically we've always been on the same wavelength. 

"Now we want to continue the taken path.

"I still like the work a lot and I'm looking forward to the upcoming years because we have a lot of work ahead."

Germany booked their place at the 2018 Winter Olympics by winning a qualification tournament in Riga in September 2016.

The country failed to qualify for Sochi 2014.

Sturm was considered a surprise appointment when he took the job in 2015 following concerns over his lack of experience but he has since led Germany to two World Championship quarter-finals as well as Pyeongchang 2018 qualification.

Germany will play Sweden, Finland and Norway in Group C of the men's tournament.