NHL star is looking forward to spending time with the German selection / Latvia games live on SPORT1
Leon Draisaitl is a man in demand. The day before leaving for Latvia, the NHL star had to attend a few media appointments. Both TV channels and sports magazines wanted interviews. Of course, after a more than successful season for him with the Edmonton Oilers, there was also interest in the 20-year-old striker in Germany. 51 scorer points in 72 games speak for themselves. “Since I've been back in Germany, people have spoken to me from time to time,” said the Cologne native, somewhat surprised. This was even rarer in previous years.
Being part of the public is something he will have to get used to. Draisaitl is one of the hopes of German ice hockey. Players like him or his national team teammate Tobias Rieder have great playing potential. They demonstrated this particularly in the previous skin round. Rieder has had his best statistical season with the Arizona Coyotes with 37 scorer points.
“Of course, players like Tobias Rieder and Leon Draisaitl help us immensely,” nods Marco Sturm and highlights the qualities of the NHL duo. Nevertheless, the national coach in particular knows from his own experience that the participation of the two strikers also creates a certain level of expectation. Keyword pressure. Sturm therefore holds his protective hand over the two North American professionals. “It wouldn’t be fair to put all the pressure on her shoulders. Tobi and Leon are strong players, no question, but they are also still young. This must not be forgotten."
While Rieder was on the ice in the 3-2 penalty win in Landshut against Sweden and played his first game of this year's preparation, Draisaitl kept fit in Cologne. On Monday he was almost alone on the ice and only did a few laps with his friend and Haie keeper Hannibal Weitzmann. “I'm happy that it's finally starting for me now. I’m really keen on the national team and the World Cup,” said Draisaitl.
The Germans Fans You don't have to do without game pictures from Latvia. SPORT1 will broadcast both games live (Friday, 18.30:16 p.m./CET; Saturday, XNUMX p.m./CET). So they miss out Fans Draisaitl's national team debut in the current season will not be at home. The center is even looking ahead to the two matches against Belarus next week. "I'm looking forward to Oberhausen. I hope there will be many Fans into the arena.”
For Draisaitl, the Oberhausen trip is something like a return to his old homeland. Father Peter later played and trained the Revierlöwen in the DEL. Draisaitl was still a small child at the time. “I remember always being able to play a little ice hockey with my dad after training.” So next week he’s going back there. The child back then has now become an adult – and a very good ice hockey player.
Tickets for the games in Oberhausen are available Here