The German team advanced to the semi-finals for the first time since the new playoff format was adapted .
The German team had finished 15th in 2009 and only avoided relegation to Division I because they were set to host the 2010 tournament .
The German team , which had finished 15th in 2009 and only avoided relegation to Division I because they were set to host the 2010 tournament , advanced to the semi-finals for the first time since the new playoff format was adapted .