A defeat with good approaches against the group favorites Canada, a strong performance and a success against Slovakia and a work victory against the French – that is the first interim result of the German national ice hockey team at the World Cup in Finland.
The goal for the quarter-finals, the minimum goal, is wide open for the selection of head coach Toni Söderholm. The foundations for a successful tournament have been laid. Above all, the victory against the Olympic bronze medalist from Slovakia showed the potential of the German team.
High speed is possible
“That was extremely important. Slovakia is definitely a direct competitor. Taking three points from them helps immensely – also for the atmosphere.”, said veteran Moritz Müller. Above all, it showed that the German team can go at top speed. As high as Söderholm himself had never experienced during his time as head coach of this DEB selection.
It also showed how much the three stars from the NHL can help this team: goalkeeper Philipp Grubauer, defender Moritz Seider and offensive player Tim Stützle. Goalie Grubauer captured the victory against the Slovaks with a super performance in the final third.
Moritz Seider stands out
Despite being only 21 years old, Moritz Seider showed why he was voted best defender of the year in Sweden’s first division last year. The young top player, who was born in Zell an der Mosel and grew up as an ice hockey player in Mannheim, also impressed in his first NHL year with the Detroit Red Wings. Now he’s even a candidate for Rookie of the Year in the NHL, the strongest league in the world.