Intensive ice units in Mannheim have been completed, the mandatory tests have been completed and all the necessary entry documents have also been filled out. Today, Wednesday, February 02nd, 2022, the men's national team of the Deutscher Eishockey-Bund e. V (DEB) to Beijing. The players and staff are looking forward to the Olympic ice hockey tournament.
National coach Toni Söderholm: “The preparation in Mannheim went really well. We've been training pretty hard over the last two days and three ice sessions, but the team was very focused the whole time and put a good pace on the ice. We have done more work in a few tactical areas. Of course, it is now important that we arrive safely and quickly get used to the local conditions. On February 04.02th We will then train in the morning before we go to the opening ceremony. The team's personality is exactly how we want to be as a team. There is already a strong sense of solidarity and the boys are a well-coordinated team. The fighting spirit and pride are extremely high. Everyone is ready to take on their role in the team.”
Intensive preparation for the Olympics: training days in Mannheim were successful
The team around national coach Toni Söderholm met in Mannheim last Monday, January 31, 2022. The team completed two intensive training days with a total of three ice sessions, tactics discussions, daily corona tests and many organizational issues relating to the journey to China.
In times of the Corona pandemic, the Winter Olympics are special, but the mood in the entire team is still very good. In a good mood and motivated, the national team set off for Frankfurt Airport on Wednesday afternoon. The Lufthansa plane takes off at 17:20 p.m.; The planned landing is tomorrow, Thursday, February 03, 2022, at 9:40 a.m. (Beijing time).
Defender Moritz Müller: “Of course I’m just as excited as I was back in 2018 and that the journey is finally beginning. You may have the advantage of having already had certain experiences during your second participation in the Winter Olympics. Nevertheless, it is a new location, a new journey, a new team and, above all, a new project that we are embarking on together. The mood in the team is naturally very positive and everyone is excited. We’re all just really looking forward to the tournament.”
Striker Tom Kühnhackl: “Of course it’s an amazing feeling. I think every athlete dreams of being able to fly to the Olympic Games from a young age. Everyone in the team is already looking forward to finally arriving and getting started.”
After corona infection: A player later flies to Beijing
The requirements for entry into Beijing are high due to the corona pandemic. A player on the Olympic squad will not fly with his teammates. He was recently infected with Corona and cannot yet produce the obligatory four negative tests in a row.
However, these are essential for an entry permit. According to current plans, he is expected to fly to China on Friday, February 04, 2022 and then join the team.