The German national ice hockey team sees the venue for the World Cup quarter-finals as an advantage. The ice also plays a role.
For the German ice hockey professionals, the venue plays a role in the quarter-final clash against Switzerland. “We stay in our dressing room. We have our usual environment with the hall and our procedures after two weeks,” explained NHL professional JJ Peterka. As in the preliminary round, the runner-up world champion (4.20 p.m./ProSieben and Magentasport) will meet the Swiss in Ostrava, Czech Republic.
Actually, the selection of the German Ice Hockey Federation (DEB) should have competed in Prague as third in Group B against the Swiss as second in Group A. The hosts, the Czech Republic, have the right to play at home in Prague, but only came third behind group winners Canada and Switzerland. Therefore, the “Nati” has to travel to Ostrava, 280 kilometers away as the crow flies.
The quality of the ice in the arena can also play a role. Nico Sturm had already complained about the condition of the surface in the preliminary round. However, this should not be a hindrance for his team against the strong Swiss team. “It is a disadvantage for the team that is making the game. It is frustrating when there is so much snow on the ice and the puck bounces when you have a man advantage,” explained the NHL profile and emphasized: “We will have less of the puck.”
The German team would have to travel to Prague for the final weekend on Saturday and Sunday. “That’s where we want to go. That’s our goal,” said striker Dominik Kahun.
DEB team with top line-up
“Everyone is fit,” said national coach Harold Kreis before the match. Frederik Tiffels is also ready to play. The Berlin player received a game misconduct penalty after checking the boards at the end of the preliminary round against France (6:3), which could result in a suspension for one more game. However, the IIHF did not impose any further punishment on the striker.
For the third time in four years, the German Ice Hockey Association (DEB) team will face Switzerland in a World Cup quarter-final. In Ostrava, however, the Swiss are the favorites. “It will be a fight for every inch of ice,” announced Kreis.
Source: Stern
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