Franz Reindl has been backed for the IIHF Presidency by a series of German sporting stars ©Franz Reindl

A trio of German sporting stars have backed Franz Reindl’s campaign to become International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) President later this month.

The German Ice Hockey Federation (DEB) President is one of five contenders seeking to succeed outgoing IIHF President René Fasel as IIHF President.

The election is scheduled to take place at the IIHF Semi-Annual Congress in Saint Petersburg in Russia on September 25.

Leon Draisaitl, the National Hockey League’s (NHL) Most Valuable Player in 2019, has backed Reindl for the role.

"Franz has spent his entire life in hockey," said Draisaitl, who plays for the Edmonton Oilers and German national team.

"He was successful at every level, as a player, as a coach and as an executive.

"Considering his decades of experience, applying for the office of IIHF President is the next logical step."

Former German men’s national team head coach and NHL All-Star Marco Sturm has also supported Reindl’s candidacy.

Reindl nominated Sturm for the head coach position.

Sturm led Germany to silver at the Pyeongchang 2018, which was only their second medal-winning performance at the Winter Olympics.

"Franz has always been a big supporter and personally, he nominated and encouraged me as head coach," said Sturm.

"He also changed the philosophy of our sport in Germany and the tremendous success of German Hockey is a result of his leadership.

"Franz lives the game of hockey, has a clear plan and experience."

Former German head coach Marco Sturm, top right, has supported Franz Reindl's IIHF Presidential campaign ©Getty Images
Former German head coach Marco Sturm, top right, has supported Franz Reindl's IIHF Presidential campaign ©Getty Images

Support was also expressed nationally last month by the German Olympic Sports Confederation, German National Winter Sport Federations and Teamsport Deutschland.

Their support followed Reindl releasing his manifesto and "four lines", which include improving international coordination and balance in the IIHF and growing ice hockey globally.

Germany’s most successful male Alpine skier, Felix Neureuther, has also backed his candidature.

"Growing up together in our hometown Garmisch-Partenkirchen, I know Franz' athletic and human qualities very well," said Neureuther, a multiple World Championship and World Cup medallist.

"Guided by a focus of putting the sport and athletes first, he united the German ice hockey family, developed the hugely successful POWERPLAY 26 programme and took ice hockey to new heights.

"I am convinced his leadership will be very valuable for the IIHF."

Reindl is one of five IIHF Council members seeking to succeed Fasel.

Denmark’s Henrik Bach Nielsen, Petr Briza of the Czech Republic, Belarus’ Sergej Gontcharov and France’s Luc Tardif are also in contention.