Things are getting serious for the German national ice hockey team. The selection of the Deutscher Eishockey-Bund will meet next Wednesday (DEB) in Augsburg to prepare for the Deutschland Cup (November 10th – 12th, 2017). The field of participants is more than top-class. First, the German selection will face record world champions Russia, then against Slovakia and finally against Team USA, where 21 players have NHL experience. National coach Marco Sturm has appointed 28 players to the squad. In the interview he talks about the big challenges.
Marco Sturm, in the run-up to the team, was often the best man Deutschland Cup spoken of all times. Do you share this opinion?
I can't say whether it's the best of all time, but in terms of names and squads it's certainly one of the best in recent years. In the Olympic year we have three opponents in front of us who are also preparing for the Olympic Games and will therefore be traveling with well-known players. This applies to all opponents. I particularly rate Team USA highly. The new coaching team brings a strong squad to Augsburg.
It sounds as if the German national team would like to cede their role as favorites to their opponents.
Of course we want the German one Fans offer the best possible ice hockey at the home tournament. We only have this one tournament at home and everyone is doubly motivated. The boys get the opportunity to show themselves so that they can jump on the Olympic bandwagon. It is important to me that we act on equal terms with these strong opponents. Who is the favorite should therefore be secondary. But it would be nice to win the tournament. No question.
What are they allowed to do? Fans expect?
We will see fast and technically demanding ice hockey. That's exactly what awaits us in February. It is therefore very good preparation for us.