Fourth test, third defeat: The German national ice hockey team does not yet get going without numerous regular players in preparation for the World Cup in Sweden and Denmark. In the second international match in Slovakia, the team of national coach Harold Kreis lost 0: 4 on Thursday (0: 1, 0: 3, 0: 0).
The first duel 24 hours earlier won the selection of the German Ice Hockey Association (DEB) thanks to a double pack of Alexander Ehl 3-2. At the start there were two bankruptcies against world champion Czech Republic (0: 7, 0: 1).
In Piestany, the German team was 0-1 behind for the fourth time when Andrej Kukuca just hit the expiry of a German penalty after a change of change (5th). The supposed 0: 2 by Patrik Hrehorcak (23rd) was revoked according to video evidence, which the circle had requested, due to high sticks. The effective Slovaks nevertheless increased again by Maxim Cajkovic (30th) and before the second third break again with a double strike by Kukuca (35th) and Cajkovic (37).
Many regulars are still missing
A “Very intensive, tight and hard game” Co-coach Alexander Sulzer had expected and demanded: “How have to play neatly structured and straight forward.” This was only possible for a third. The Straubinger Elis Hede, who was hit by a puck on his face on Wednesday, was not there. In the goal, Maximilian Franzreb, Bremerhaven, got his second chance, but did not look good for some goals. After two thirds, the future Mannheimer had a catch rate of 50 percent.
In the second of three phases of the World Cup preparation, there are still almost two dozen regular forces who are in the play-offs of the DEL, North America and Switzerland or cure injuries. For the third phase with two games against Austria (April 24 and 26), there will be significant changes in the squad.
Ice hockey World Cup in May
On May 4th, the World Cup general rehearsal against the USA will take place in Düsseldorf. The World Cup begins for the DEB selection on May 10th against Hungary. Other opponents in the preliminary round group B in Herning are Kazakhstan, Norway, Switzerland, the USA, the Czech Republic and co-host Denmark.