19:11
On the Swedes’ side, coach Sam Hallam already has eight NHL professionals in the 20-man squad so far. There is no question that there is enough space for subsequent nominations. The absolute high-flyers from North America are still missing, but the squad looks very balanced. In addition, there is Lukas Bengtsson, a Swedish champion from the Växjö Lakers, and Henrik Tömmernes, a Swiss champion from Servette Geneva. And that also includes all the countries in which the players are under contract.
19:02
Due to the cancellation of many players who are either injured, exhausted from the long season or still busy in the NHL playoffs, the situation is difficult for Harold Kreis. Of course, one still hopes for Leon Draisaitl (Edmonton Oilers) or goalie Philipp Grubauer (Seattle Kraken). One of the two will have to bow out in the NHL in the next few days. In the meantime, the national coach has reported two goalkeepers and 19 field players. And with JJ Peterka (Buffalo Sabres), Moritz Seider (Detroit Red Wings) and Nico Sturm (San Jose Sharks) NHL power is at the start. Then comes Kai Wissmann from the Providence Bruins from the AHL. Leon Gawanke (Manitoba Moose) is still out today.
18:53
Last year, the DEB selection was tenth at the Olympics and seventh at the World Cup. Of course, the truth also lies somewhere in this area. But it is always important to get the best out of what is possible. And if the circumstances play along, then the extraordinary can happen – like the Olympic silver medal in 2018.
18:44
The Swedes are only fifth in the world rankings. And this ranking is also important for Germany. The Olympic tickets will be awarded based on the placements after this World Cup. The top 8 are fixed in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. Germany is currently ninth and should overtake Slovakia and/or Switzerland in the next two weeks, after all it is uncertain whether the third-placed Russians will be allowed to play again at some point. So it makes sense to reach the quarterfinals. But that’s always the goal anyway.
18:34
As a two-time Olympic champion (1994 and 2006) and eleven-time world champion, the Tre Kronor are one of the great ice hockey nations. However, the last World Cup title was some time ago, it was in 2018. Since then, the Scandinavians have been disappointing and have not received a medal at all. They finished fourth at the 2022 Olympic Games and only sixth at the last World Cup twelve months ago. The year before they had even missed the quarterfinals. Therefore, a lot is expected of the team at home. Something shiny should finally come back.
18:24
Welcome to the Ice Hockey World Championship! The German team is challenged right on the first day of the title fights and in Group A they get a real chunk with Sweden. At Tampere’s Nokia Arena, the first puck is scheduled to hit the ice at 19:20 CEST.