German selection looks forward to the start against France / 22 players registered / Holzer's good omen
Tomorrow the time has come: The German national ice hockey team started its World Cup adventure with the opening game against France (Saturday, May 7.5th, live on SPORT15.00 from 1 p.m.). Defender Christian Ehrhoff is really excited: “We’re happy that it’s finally starting. The tingling sensation is noticeable,” said the Chicago Blackhawks defender on Friday after practice.
National coach Marco Sturm initially registered 22 players at the mandatory meeting with the world association on Thursday afternoon. Three players from the 25-man squad that is in Saint Petersburg are not yet eligible to play: Gerrit Fauser from Wolfsburg has to wait for a World Cup appearance, as does Dominik Kahun from Meister EHC Red Bull München as well as keeper Mathias Niederberger from the Düsseldorfer EG. It is possible that the trio will be registered later.
Otherwise, Sturm is relying on the squad, as it did at the last test in Switzerland. Another option is Korbinian Holzer. The Anaheim Ducks defender joined the team on Wednesday and was warmly welcomed by his teammates. Holzer was last in the German squad at the 2011 World Cup in Bratislava. "There are a few new faces, but also a lot of old acquaintances," said Holzer, who shares a room with Patrick Reimer from Nuremberg. Both have already played together for Düsseldorf.
Holzer is likely to be an important cornerstone in Sturm's concept alongside the other NHL stars Christian Ehrhoff, Leon Draisaitl and Tobias Rieder. Even though the right-handed shooter hasn't been on the ice for a few days, he's still full of energy: “After the first training session, my lungs were burning a little, but it's okay now. The pace was already good.” Sturm naturally plans the defender in one of the first formations.
The captaincy question is to be clarified this evening. During the preparation, Marcel Goc mostly wore the "C" on his chest. Sturm did not want to confirm anything, however. This personnel issue remains just as open as the positions of assistant captains. Holzer, meanwhile, is looking ahead to the France game: "This is a team on equal terms. If we want to achieve something, we should win." Holzer does have a good omen. The defender winks: "The last two World Cups I played in were successful. That can be repeated."
As is well known, Holzer took fourth place at the home World Cup in 2010, and a year later the national team surprisingly reached the quarter-finals in Slovakia and even won against Russia 2-0 during the group phase. Repetition desired.