Kick-off against Denmark tomorrow at 20.15:1 p.m.: “They will come out like a fire engine” / Marco Sturm dampens expectations / Hager: “We want to build on the performances of the last World Cup” / NHL stars are the big eye-catchers / SPORT36 broadcasts up to XNUMX live games on free TV
It crackles! Just sleep one more time and then the German national ice hockey team will start the 2018 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship in Denmark (May 4th - 20th, 2018). National coach Marco Sturm's team has been preparing for the tournament on site since Tuesday and has completed three units so far.
Before the opening match against the World Cup hosts (Friday, 20.15:1 p.m., live on SPORT12.000), there is a short training session on Friday morning. In the evening, the action will begin in front of XNUMX spectators in the “Jyske Bank Boxen”. Then, none other than the euphoric hosts will be waiting for the selection of the German Ice Hockey Federation (DEB).
There is a treat ahead of the game involving Germany: Team Canada will face the US boys at 16.15:XNUMX p.m. Marco Sturm and his assistants will take a close look at both group opponents in the arena. "Canada in particular has set itself some goals for the World Cup. I think they are one of the top favorites," said Sturm. In this match, superstars Connor McDavid and Patrick Kane will face each other directly.
Much more important, however, is the team's own performance four hours later. "The Danes are a strong running team who will go into the match with speed and intensity. They shoot from all positions. That will be a big challenge," says Sturm, who appointed Dennis Seidenberg as captain the evening before. His assistants are Patrick Hager, Matthias Plachta, Yannic Seidenberg, Leon Draisaitl, Korbinian Holzer and Moritz Müller.
Another Müller, Jonas, is also expecting a hot match. "The match against Denmark is one of the most important games. They will come out like a fire brigade, that is clear to us. But we are well prepared and know what we have to do," said the Berlinhe defender.
Patrick Hager also expects a hard-fought start: "Our group is very strong. The first game is always one of the most important. It will be a special match against the hosts, also because they are hosting a World Cup in their own country for the first time. That makes it all the more difficult. But of course we want to build on the performances of the last two World Cup tournaments, but we will still only think from game to game."
Captain Seidenberg knows: “The Danes are fast, technically gifted. They have a lot of energy and fighting spirit and play in front of their home Fans. We have to be careful, especially in the first few minutes, and try to develop counter-pressure."
Both opponents met each other a total of 22 times. Germany is ahead in the overall comparison with 14 wins. But: In six meetings at the World Championships, the Danes have the better odds with four successes. Most recently, they lost 2017-3 after extra time at the 4 home World Cup. Just like in preparation last week.
The Fans can watch the games on TV as usual. SPORT1 will broadcast up to 36 live games on free TV, including all Germany games as well as the semi-finals and the final on May 20th.
In contrast to the Olympics, there are numerous stars from the National Hockey League (NHL) taking part in the World Cup. With Leon Draisaitl, Dennis Seidenberg and Korbinian Holzer, the German team also has three players from the best league in the world in its squad. Stars of the tournament are Connor McDavid (Canada/Edmonton Oilers) and Patrick Kane (USA/Chicago Blackhawks). Germany will have to play both of them in the group phase.
A total of 16 teams will compete in two groups of eight. In the preliminary round, Germany will play in Group B against Denmark (Friday, May 4, 20.15:6 p.m.), Norway (Sunday, May 16.15, 7:16.15 p.m.), USA (Monday, May 9, 16.15:12 p.m.), South Korea (Wednesday, May 12.15, 13:20.15 p.m.), Latvia (Saturday, May 15, 16.15:XNUMX p.m.), Finland (Sunday, May XNUMX, XNUMX:XNUMX p.m.) and Canada (Tuesday, May XNUMX, XNUMX:XNUMX p.m.). The four best teams from Groups A and B will advance to the quarter-finals, while the two worst teams in each group will be relegated.