Germany’s ice hockey women still remember the shock of the extravagant World Cup being canceled ahead of its date in August. The preparations for the World Cup in April were almost complete.
Suitcases were packed for a trip to Canada the next day when a team meeting in Fusion was called unexpectedly: the World Cup in the Canadian province of Nova Scotia was canceled at short notice due to coronavirus safety concerns. “We were joking before that”National player Tanja Eisenschmidt said: “Then we were actually sitting there with our mouths open. We were really stunned.”
After all, discarding and preparation in the isolated bubble was initially futile. Meanwhile, the team has again organized a World Cup training camp. Four months later, the tournament is set to begin on the Friday after the postponed marathon. Play from August 20 to August 31 Calgary instead of in Halifax and Ten Nations for the Truro title. Germany’s first group game is against outer Hungary (8 pm) on Saturday.
summer tournament
After a coronavirus-related cancellation in 2020, the first planned date in April 2021 and the then-planned date in May, the women are now playing in the summer – before the start of the next season. Normally, the World Cup concludes. “I don’t think there’s ever been a World Cup in August”Tanja Eisenschmid said: “You had to train very differently in the summer. But now it’s the same. We’re glad we can play at all.”
German Ice Hockey Federation (DEB) president Franz Reindel had canceled “disaster” Nominated. Women’s hockey is a fringe sport. This position is much lower than that of the men who reached the semi-finals of the World Cup in Latvia with Eisenschmidt’s brother Marcus. “In this case it was certainly not a matter of man and woman”DEB sporting director Christian Kunst is relieved: “I believe that no major event in the world would have prepared a replacement venue if it were canceled overnight.”
“Everyone has to get used to the timing of the World Cup,” Kunst said. and deal with some problems. Players in Germany cannot earn their livelihood directly from ice hockey. According to Kunst, 16 are in the Bundeswehr, as well as female students. A World Cup teammate works part-time, Eisenschmidt said. But the World Cup in August was not possible for everyone. “It was difficult for those who have to take a break from work”Eisenschmid reported: “There are players who have had to drop out.” Just because of work or because of studies.
fight for attention
Yet, placement is also an opportunity and has an appeal. “Maybe this is exactly where women’s ice hockey is looking for internationals”Kunast was suspicious. “As sad as it sounds, maybe we inspire other people because nothing else is coming”The 28-year-old defender Eisenschmid said.
Groups with Hungary, Denmark, the Czech Republic and Japan
With new national coach Thomas Shadler, who only took over after a rejection in April, it should be relegated to the quarter-finals. Hungary, Denmark, the Czech Republic and Japan require at least a third place in Group B. Which seems possible, as the USA, Canada, Finland, Russia and Switzerland are the best in Group A.
Despite all the ambitions, the World Cup serves as a preparation for more important games. From November 11 to 14, the women of Fusen want to secure a trip to the Olympic Games in Beijing. “Of course we want to play a good World Cup. But the most important thing for us is to qualify for the Olympics in November.” Kunast said.
Source: DPA
