The German National team will have a Portland Pirates connection after Philip Gogulla and Felix Schutz were named as part of the 25-man roster that will take part in the 2010 IIHF World Championships in Germany.

Schutz and Gogulla will have the opportunity to take part in a first for German hockey as they play at the 75,976 seat arena in Gelsenkirchen when they open the tournament on Friday against the United States.

Schutz has played in two games for Germany in preparation of his first tournament appearance, going scoreless. He recently finished his second season with the Pirates, scoring 27 points (13g, 14a) in 67 games.

Gogulla joined the team after the Pirates NHL parent club, the Buffalo Sabres, was eliminated from the playoffs. He played his first season in North America with the Pirates compiling 15 goals, 20 assists for 35 points in 76 games with Portland

In his one game with Germany, he was scoreless in a 4-1 loss to Canada.

This will be Gogulla’s fourth appearance in the tournament.

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Pirates head coach Kevin Dineen had his interview with the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday according to the Columbus Dispatch.

Dineen, considered one of the leading candidates for the position, is the second to be interviewed for the job behind Scott Arniel, head coach of the Manitoba Moose.

Dineen said he had no comment on the process when contacted through the Portland Pirates.

Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson has indicated that he would like have the job filled by mid-to-late May.