2023-05-29 11:55:42
Leon Draisaitl did not strengthen the German ice hockey team at the World Cup, but was rooting for Canada from afar. “Definitely a tournament for the history books,” he said after the final.
NHL top star Leon Draisaitl is also enthusiastic about the historic silver medal of the German national ice hockey team.
“Incredible. Definitely a tournament for the history books. I’m really happy for the boys,” said the 27-year-old Edmonton Oilers striker when asked by dpa after the first German World Cup final in ice hockey since 1930. “It was a really great one Week for German ice hockey: silver medal, Olympic qualification and World Cup award. More is not really possible, “said Draisaitl.
In the 5-2 final in Tampere, Finland, against his adopted country Canada, he was rooting for the German team in front of the television. The final was open until the final third. “It’s a shame that it wasn’t quite enough in the exciting, tight final,” said Draisaitl, who is currently considered one of the best ice hockey players in the world: “But what a great success the silver medal is. It was really fun to watch. In the knockout games, the lads showed outstanding performances against really good teams.”
Without Draisaitl and without NHL goalkeeper Philipp Grubauer and NHL attacker Tim Stützle as well as several other veterans and top performers, German ice hockey celebrated its first World Cup medal in 70 years. Under national coach Harold Kreis, the team inspired with will and passion, but also with playful class. By reaching the final, the national team exceeded the target of the association at Kreis’s World Cup debut and also managed to qualify directly for the 2026 Olympics. Another happy customer was that Germany was awarded the contract to host the 2027 World Cup.
“I’m sure that the national team has attracted many new ice hockey fans in the past few days,” said Draisaitl. Even during the preliminary round and before the quarter-final qualification, it was rumored that Draisaitl and Grubauer would travel to the World Cup after being eliminated in the NHL playoffs. However, due to the tight schedule, the players and the German Ice Hockey Federation decided against it. (dpa)
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