The national ice hockey team now has German soil under its feet again. And still a silver medal around his neck. By achieving second place at the Winter Olympics in PyeongChang (South Korea), the DEB-Selection also secure important points and rise to 7th place in the world rankings. At 16.45:XNUMX p.m. local time, the plane with the remaining Team Germany athletes landed in Frankfurt and was picked up there by Fans, friends and family. Before the players left to return to their clubs, we had a quick chat with flag bearer and assistant captain Christian Ehrhoff.
Christian, your impressions from yesterday?
"I'm overwhelmed. That was a day I'll never forget. Or rather, those were almost three weeks that I'll remember forever. Playing in the final and then being the flag bearer hasn't quite sunk in yet. It was a great time."
You made history!
"Yes, that has already sunk in a little. But we haven't had a moment's peace yet. That will all come when I get home. In the summer we'll have enough time to process all these great impressions. We've only just arrived in Frankfurt. The reception has also completely blown me away. Absolutely amazing."
There is total euphoria in Germany.
"Yes, we noticed it, but of course not to the same extent as you. We knew it, but due to the time difference, we didn't always hear everything. I'll be told all about it this evening. It's great that German ice hockey is on everyone's lips again. Hopefully it stays that way."
After the Canada game, Gerrit Fauser said that everyone's life will change. Can we leave it at that?
"Yes, definitely. Just because people always ask about it. We're already noticing it. The team has been invited to appear on shows by all the media, and the number of interview requests is almost too high to handle. But we're not complaining. We're enjoying it."
What remains?
"A lot. People will still be talking about it in 50 years. That is actually the greatest gift. We have also inspired young people and young talent through our success. DEB has already developed a great plan with "We are ice hockey" and the concept "POWERPLAY 26". We have now given it even more impetus. The more children come, the better for the sport. We should take advantage of that."