National ice hockey team: “The Olympics are not there to learn”

Syou are healthy. All man. That’s one of the most important things for her right now. “It remains a challenge up to the last minute,” said Christian Künast, referring to the Corona requirements, under which the ice hockey tournament at these winter games must also take place. “Health is the priority.” But now, after almost a week in China, which the German team used to acclimatize, to train daily and to get used to the processes in the Olympic bubble, the sports director drew a first interim conclusion You could hear the optimism: “We are very well prepared.”

Neither he nor Toni Söderholm wanted to speculate about where this could lead to in a competition that has lost its attractiveness due to the absence of the NHL stars, but has gained in excitement. For the national coach from Finland, who recently brought the team a good deal closer to the top of the world, the “guys are here at the Olympics to be successful”.

And he and his supervisory staff are now responsible for “creating the conditions for this”. What once seemed unthinkable, Söderholm speaks out in the chest tone of conviction as courageously as he prefers to see his team act in the duels for the puck. He sees “great prospects”, said the 43-year-old, so the goal is to get into the top four nations – so that the Germans are still part of the game on the final weekend in Beijing and can “fight for a medal”.

He has nominated 25 players with whom he would like to continue the growth course. He formed a collegial group from athletes who used to be ridiculed as marginal figures at major international events, in which no one takes themselves more seriously than their fellow combatants. “Olympia is not there to learn,” said Söderholm, “but to deliver the best you can.” That’s why when putting together the squad, he made sure that the chosen ones had a level of experience that they had bring earlier title fights and prepares you “for the other duels and the higher speed”.

“‘Being there’ is everything, but that was once.”

Marco Sturm, Söderholm’s predecessor, who four years ago was able to experience the feeling of happiness as the selection of the German Ice Hockey Association grew beyond itself and landed a coup in Pyeongchang by winning the silver medal that permanently changed their own perception, listened to the look forward to the optimists. After the surprise, Sturm opened up the professional option of gaining a foothold in the NHL as an assistant coach with the Los Angeles Kings.

And as an observer from the other side of the world, Sturm sent a message about the Pacific Ocean via a “Eurosport” interview, which he wanted to be taken as an encouragement: “The journey is not over yet. The German team has the advantage that they have been together for years and have actually always gotten better.” There are many experienced players at work. “You have to use this advantage now against teams like Canada and the USA that are thrown together.” He believes his old companions “can do a lot”.