40 saves on 41 shots. 97,5 percent Fangquote. Best player of the opening match and the entire first day of the tournament. Jenny Harß drew attention to herself at the start of the 2019 IIHF Ice Hockey Women's World Championship. The Swedes despaired of her for 65 minutes. The puck only found its way into her goal once - but that "only" via a detour, on the second follow-up shot.
While Swedish goalkeeper Sara Grahn was moving and practicing her movements before the penalty shootout, Jenny Harß appeared petrified on the ice. What happened next is known: the Swedish goalkeeper had to reach behind herself while Jenny Harß kept the box clean. We spoke to the German goalkeeper on the day off...
... about your own calm before the penalty shootout:
Jenny Harß: “I was still a little warm from the game. (laughs) I had a few more shots than the Swede. So I thought to myself that I wouldn't have to go through any more movements because I already knew what to expect. Then I just mentally adjusted to it.”
… about the importance of the opening victory:
“Starting the tournament with a win is extremely important, but of course we are aware that this was only the first step.”
... about the personal awards “Player of the Match” and “Player of the First Match Day”:
“First and foremost, I was of course happy about the team’s victory. Everything else is a nice extra. Of course it’s nice to receive a personal award, but the focus is on getting as many points as possible with the team.”
… about the goals for the upcoming games:
“The focus is now on tomorrow’s game. So it’s clear: we want to score again against Japan!”
... about the group opponents:
“All nations in the group are strong. Anyone can win against anyone, but they can also lose. We know our strengths and have to stick to our game plan, then we can also be successful against the other nations.”