SPORT1 live from 16.30 p.m. / National coach Marco Sturm continues to rely on the rotation principle against superstar Brian Gionta and Co
Before today's final game of the German national ice hockey team against the USA team, which is full of well-known players, at least one thing is certain: after two defeats in a row against Russia and Slovakia, it will be for them DEB-Selection no longer has anything to do with winning the tournament Deutschland Cup 2017. But it also means: At least in the last match in the afternoon (16.45 p.m., live on SPORT1) the hosts want to win their loyal fans Fans It is obvious that this undertaking will be anything but easy, especially against the American star ensemble from overseas.
US superstar Brian Gionta and Co lived up to their role as favorites for the first time yesterday. The men led by coaches Tony Granato and Chris Chelios lost 2:5 yesterday in a fast and intense game against Russia. “Sbornaja” had previously beaten Germany 8-2. “There will be a lot to come,” says Krefeld’s Daniel Pietta, who was rested by the national coach yesterday but is back in the squad today.
As announced, Marco Sturm changes again strongly. In addition to Pietta, Brooks Macek, Frank Mauer, Yannic Seidenberg and Justin Krueger are also returning to the team. Danny aus den Birken will be in goal for the first time, as he was the only one who completed a short session on the ice in the morning together with assistant coaches Mikael Samuelsson and Patrick Dallaire.
National coach Sturm, who was a little disappointed in his charges after the 2-8 defeat against Russia, was still more satisfied despite another defeat a day later against Slovakia (0-3). “The boys showed a clear reaction, just as I wanted,” said the 39-year-old afterwards. In fact: for well over half of the game, the national team was the better team because it was more agile. “But you can’t win without a goal,” as Patrick Hager aptly stated.
When asked whether the focus was on the results or the findings, Sturm answered clearly: “The findings.” He and his players had already pointed this out in the run-up to the tournament. “Of course we want to achieve the greatest possible result at the home tournament,” emphasized Hager again yesterday: “But ultimately it’s primarily about us getting used to the system and speed. The results are rather irrelevant. Even if we certainly can’t be satisfied with the games so far.”
Immediately after the match, the players will disperse in all directions. Most of the players have been given a few extra days off by their clubs. However, Moritz Müller, Pascal Zerressen, Daniel Pietta and Marcel Müller will be seeing each other again for the first time on Wednesday at the Cologne vs. Krefeld match. The Olympic squad will come together for the first time at the beginning of February, before heading to South Korea a few days later.