Krefeld (dpa) – The national ice hockey team is confident about the future. National coach Toni Söderholm’s inexperienced C-selection managed to defend their title at the German Cup even with a number of prospect players.
Finally, the team of the German Ice Hockey Federation (DEB) also defeated the Olympic bronze medalist Slovakia 3:0 (1:0, 1:0, 1:0) in Krefeld. Outnumbered goals from Tim Wohlgemuth (7th minute) of Adlern Mannheim and Tobias Eder (31st) of Düsseldorfer EG, as well as a shot into the empty net by the Slovak from Tim Fleischer of Nuremberg (60th) marked the ninth triumph in the traditional national four nations – Perfect Tournament.
After victories against Denmark (3:2 after extra time) on Thursday and Austria (3:0) on Saturday, a draw against the young Slovakian team after regular time would have been enough. But the freshly assembled DEB selection was rewarded for a committed and passionate performance on Sunday.
Managers disappointed by the public
The tournament took place in Krefeld for the last time this year. After five years in the Bas-Rhin, the DEB will move to another city with its home tournament next year. «The innovation effect has vanished. We want to go to another place,” said DEB President Peter Merten.
DEB managers were once again disappointed with this year’s viewership. A total of around 8,000 visitors came to the three German games. Especially the background of not even 1000 spectators on Thursday sobered. Over the weekend, the number of visitors increased. After the 3310 spectators on Saturday, there were 3854 at the end of Sunday.
Even without the strongest player so far, SCL Langnau captain Marc Michaelis from Switzerland, they saw a convincing German team. While Söderhom Michaelis and goalkeeper Dustin Strahlmeier (Wolfsburg) took a break this time around, Dominik Bokk (Frankfurt) and Maximilian Kammerer (Cologne) returned to the squad.
Söderholm: “Many things implemented very well”
Both national team returnees, as new talents, were due to be tested for their suitability for next year’s World Cup, but unlike many others in the squad they were only marginally convincing. The current third best scorer of the DEL Bokk had his best action before the second German goal with a great pass. Kölner Haien’s Mirko Pantkowski was very strong in goal and saved his side from conceding, even when outnumbered, together with strong defence.
Even before winning the tournament, Söderholm had praised his C selection. “I think they have done many things very well,” said the 44-year-old Finn, who has deliberately given up a number of permanent staff. Some of the players tested at the German Cup should have good chances of taking part in the World Cups in Finland and Latvia next May. “We are really confident in the sport,” said DEB Vice President Andreas Niederberger, responsible for sport, about the outlook for the coming years.
