German selection meets France at 16 p.m. / Grubauer and Endras take turns
Here we go: With the first of two test matches against France (today, 16 p.m.) in Minsk, the German national team is ushering in the final phase of preparation for the qualifying tournament for the Olympic Games next weekend (September 1st - 4th) in Riga . The dress rehearsal against hosts Belarus follows 24 hours later (Sunday, 16 p.m.).
Today's duel with the French is a special one, especially for Tom Kühnhackl: The Stanley Cup winner from the Pittsburgh Penguins is about to make his international debut for the national team. "It's something very special and an honor to wear the German jersey," said the NHL star, adding: "I'm really looking forward to my debut."
National coach Marco Sturm has both Philipp Grubauer (Washington Capitals) and Dennis Endras (Adler Mannheim) ran. The duo should take turns after almost half of the game. Defender Dennis Seidenberg (most recently Boston Bruins) and striker Patrick Reimer (Thomas Sabo Ice Tigers) will initially be spared. However, both should be back tomorrow Sunday against the home team.
“We have trained well and sometimes very intensively in the last few days,” striker Marcus Kink recently said and demanded: “We now have to bring the training content onto the ice at the games. There’s a big difference whether you’re training or being on the ice under competitive conditions.”