Positive conclusion after the course: “I am very satisfied with how the team presented themselves”
National coach Marco Sturm had the German national team together in Garmisch-Partenkirchen for three days. No games, but training and especially team building were on the program. In the following interview, Sturm draws a very positive conclusion after the national team course.
Marco Sturm, three days of training with a total of four units are over. What is your conclusion?
I'm very happy with how the team presented themselves here. Both on and off the ice. Everyone followed along very well, was focused on the matter and completed the tasks. Despite the late and decisive phase of the season with many games in the bones and a few small injuries to one or the other, the intensity and implementation were optimal.
In previous years there have always been international matches during the February campaign. Why did you prefer a pure training camp this time?
For various reasons. On the one hand, we wanted to work more intensively on our system during the sessions, and on the other hand, the boys are close to the playoffs and that's where the focus is. We also did some team building activities and that's easier when you don't have games and have to prepare for them. In addition to training on the ice, the players should also have fun.
You mentioned team building and repeatedly emphasized how important it is...
Yes, that is a very important factor in sport today. I believe that we should feel comfortable as a team and form a unit. I include the players, the coaching staff and the entire “team after team”. The boys are under enough pressure at the club, so I think they should enjoy their time with the national team off the ice. We have to grow together as people and characters. As a collective you can achieve a lot in sports.
Can you describe the team building measures?
We met on Monday after training for the torch relay and hiked to a mountain hut. There we ate together with musical accompaniment and played a few amusing games. On Tuesday we gave the boys the day off between the two sessions. In the evening, President Franz Reindl gave a very interesting lecture about the future direction of the association. Among other things, it was about the POWERPLAY 26 and of course the World Cup planning for 2017. After the Wednesday training, we went to the ski jumping hill in Garmisch and got a tour there. It was three completely successful days. I feel like the boys enjoyed it too.
What are the further plans?
We meet at the beginning of April to prepare for the World Cup and then actually have a full program with several games until the World Cup starts.
You have now seen most of the players. Can you already say which squad you will travel to St. Petersburg with?
Of course I already have a tribe in mind, but ultimately it's too early to say anything about it. That also depends on the personnel situation. Who gets injured, how fit the player is after the playoffs - these are things that just have to wait and see.
But there should be a mix of players who are at Deutschland Cup or were present at the course in Garmisch, right?
Basically yes. Players who are currently injured may also be of interest. If other players come forward during the preparation phase from April and convince me - why not. I like to be surprised.
Are you expecting reinforcements from the NHL?
That's always an issue. As of right now, I'm not counting on the boys. Of course, I follow our players closely and am happy when they deliver good performances. I would begrudge everyone qualifying for the playoffs. Even if that means they can't play for us. Basically, they are willing to support us at the World Cup.