A defeat in the first World Cup game would increase the pressure on the German national ice hockey team. But an NHL professional warns against letting the importance get too big.
National ice hockey player Nico Sturm doesn’t want to talk about today’s World Cup opener (4:20 p.m./ProSieben and MagentaSport) against Slovakia as a key game. “You shouldn’t make the game too big. It doesn’t decide who will progress,” said the NHL professional from the San Jose Sharks on Thursday. “If we win tomorrow, we won’t be in the quarter-finals. If we lose, we won’t be out yet.”
Sturm recalled last year, when the DEB selection started the tournament with three defeats and in the end made a sensational appearance in the final and was only stopped by record champion Canada. “It’s important that we come in well and leave the game with a good feeling. Regardless of the result, that’s the most important thing,” explained the 29-year-old.
With the Olympic third place Slovakia, the USA and Sweden, three strong opponents are waiting for the vice world champions at the beginning. After that come three viable opponents: Latvia, Kazakhstan, Poland and France. The best four teams qualify for the quarterfinals. “We can beat any opponent. But we can also lose to anyone. It’s about moving forward. No matter how,” demanded Sturm.
Source: Stern
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