To kick off World Cup preparations, the Men's national team They suffered a narrow defeat. In front of 3.526 spectators, they lost. DEB-The Czech team defeated the hosts 3-5 in Karlovy Vary. Goal scorers for the DEBThe players selected for the overall balanced game, which remained exciting until the end, were Alexander Bank, Stefan Loibl and Danjo Leonhardt.
Both teams started the game evenly. The German team managed to keep their opponents away from their goal and even created some good attacking opportunities themselves. From the middle of the first half, however, the hosts increased the pressure on Leon Hungerecker's goal, who made several strong saves. Parawho was able to distinguish himself. In the 18th minute, however, the Czechs cleverly exploited a power play through Jakub Flek, who deflected the puck in the slot, making it unstoppable.
The hosts got off to a better start in the second half, extending their lead through Daniel Voženílek (24'). However, the German team grew into the game and, thanks to a convincingly spirited performance, found their way back into it: After excellent build-up play by Daniel Fischbuch, Alexander Blank (31') scored with a volley, reducing the deficit with his first international goal. Even after that, the DEB-Selection took over and Stefan Loibl (36th minute) scored the deserved equalizer at that time.
In the final period, it was the Czechs again who took the lead on the power play through David Tomášek (42nd minute). But the German team remained undeterred and repeatedly created good opportunities to equalize. During this period of sustained pressure, Jakub Flek scored on a counterattack to make it 4-2. But the DEBThe German team pressed forward again, with Danjo Leonhardt scoring to bring them within one goal. National coach Harold Kreis then brought on a sixth field player in an attempt to equalize. However, it was ultimately the Czechs who sealed the victory with an empty-net goal.
As the best player of the DEBStefan Loibl was honored for his selection.
Statistics #CZEGER
Official statistics: Hokej CZ CZEGER
Reactions to the game #CZEGER
National coach Harold Kreis"We had to get used to the pace at the beginning, which took a little while, and that's why we were initially more on the back foot. But then we adapted better to the game, played more boldly, and made good decisions with the puck. That's how we created scoring opportunities and got the goals. Tomorrow will certainly be another fast-paced game in which both teams will try to create a lot of chances. We'll definitely also review our penalty kill situations, where we conceded two goals today."
Striker Alexander Blank: "It took us a little while to get into the game. But in the end, we kept up well and had a good chance to win it for a long time. Overall, we did a good job, especially considering it's only been two days since we've been back on the ice together. Of course, I'm also happy about my first international goal. We expect a similar, high-intensity game tomorrow, which we're already looking forward to."
Striker Danjo Leonhardt"Our start was a bit unfortunate with going behind, but we fought our way back into the game very well and had enough chances to score more goals. Overall, we're naturally annoyed by the defeat, but we can be satisfied with our performance overall. Now we'll make sure we get a good rest and then we want to get off to a better start tomorrow."