Relaxed atmosphere at the training camp in Garmisch-Partenkirchen / team building in the foreground
Fantastic mountain panorama, perfect conditions in the ice rink and - in keeping with the end of the carnival - relaxed atmosphere in the team: the training camp for the German national ice hockey players in tranquil Garmisch-Partenkirchen couldn't have started better on Monday.
With the exception of the injured goalkeeper Dennis Endras, national coach Marco Sturm was able to welcome all of the nominated players on time. Unlike in previous years, there were no further cancellations. “Of course you can never influence that, but you at least hope that no other player gets injured,” said Sturm.
The national coach had scheduled a first session for the 26-man squad for lunch. Around 100 lapwings stopped by the training, took photos or got autographs. The team appeared to be in good shape – despite the numerous games in the respective leagues. “It’s always fun to go to the national team,” said Justin Krueger from SC Bern, who was at the Deutschland Cup had to cancel last November due to injury and trained under a storm for the first time.
In addition to the four training sessions until Wednesday, Sturm is primarily concerned with team building. “It is important to do something for solidarity. We should present ourselves as a unit not only on the ice, but also off the ice. We can only be successful as a collective,” emphasized the ex-NHL professional.
No sooner said than done: by torch relay in the evening, among other things DEBPresident Franz Reindl and his wife helped organize the event, and the entire team went to a mountain hut for a Bavarian evening with live music. “That was really fun,” said striker Christoph Ullmann, referring to the smaller games between the team staff and the players. In the end, the professionals narrowly prevailed after three close duels.
There are two sessions on Tuesday and another on Wednesday morning. Before the cracks can travel home in the afternoon and enjoy a few days of well-deserved vacation, there will be a team building activity: the team will give an exclusive tour of the ski jumping slope.