Sturm: “Everyone gets the chance to show themselves”
It's ready: The German national ice hockey team starts today with the game against Slovakia (19.30 p.m., live on SPORT1). Deutschland CupIn the 27th edition, national coach Marco Sturm is giving two of three debutants a chance today: The two Munich players Maximilian Kastner and Konrad Abeltshauser are celebrating their debut in the German jersey in Augsburg's Curt Frenzel Stadium.
It is clear that the selection of the German Ice Hockey Federation eV (DEB) wants to defend her title. Which shouldn't be easy given the competition. “All three opponents are here with a strong squad,” says Sturm, who plans to use all 27 nominated players this weekend. The rotation principle applies.
Accordingly, five players and a keeper will initially have to watch the start. Niklas Treutle (Krefeld Pinguine), Sinan Akdag, Denis Reul, Brent Raedeke (all Adler Mannheim), Thomas Greilinger (ERC Ingolstadt) and local hero Thomas Holzmann (Augsburger Panther) should be used tomorrow. They are particularly looking forward to Holzmann Fans the Fuggerstadter. The Panther striker also makes his debut in the national team.
Sturm once again emphasized the importance of the four-nation tournament: “For us it is Deutschland Cup the only measure before the start of the Euro Hockey Challenge in April 2017.” Regardless of the sporting outcome of the tournament, the 38-year-old would like to monitor the performance of his candidates. The fight for the coveted World Cup places is on: “Everyone gets the chance to show that they have earned their World Cup nomination.”
Opponent Slovakia traveled to Augsburg with a mix of experienced and young players. After recent rather mediocre results at world championships, the association now has to do some rebuilding work again. One measure for this is: Deutschland Cup. Last year, Germany won 4-2 against Slovakia.
Statistics and further information about Deutschland Cup there here