NHL Phenom Stützle Joins Germany's Ice Hockey Squad Mid-Tourney
Germany establishes stringent prerequisites for the World Cup
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Germany's ice hockey national team secured a convincing victory over Hungary to commence the World Championship, but their top forward Tim Stützle, an NHL sensation, is yet to make his debut. With Kazakhstan lined up as their next opponent on Sunday (16:20 / ProSieben and MagentaSport), the wait for Stützle's arrival is almost over.
In a tense, 6-1 win over Hungary, Dominik Kahun (10th & 60th minutes), Joshua Samanski (16th), Lukas Kalble (35th), Frederik Tiffels (40th), and Alexander Ehl (46th) scored the goals, giving Germany their seventh win in eight World Championship matches against the outsiders. Two years ago, they swept Hungary 7-2 in a lopsided match on their way to the World Championship final in Tampere.
On Sunday, Stützle will finally touch down in Herning, Denmark, after gaining clearance from the Ottawa Senators. Christian Kunast, Germany's sports director, shared that the process was a test of patience, and they had hoped to resolve it sooner. Stützle had some minor injuries after the play-offs, but barring any complications, he is expected to train with the DEB team for the first time on Monday morning.
Sporting a successful World Championship debut back in 2022, Stützle was forced to withdraw early due to a knee injury. Curiously, his club vetoed his participation in the 2024 event, citing a shoulder injury. However, this time, he's set to reinforce the German squad.
Coach Harold Kreis has two goaltenders ready: Philip Grubauer, who successfully held the fort in the opening game, and Mathias Niederberger, expected to play the next game. With the status of Berlin's debutant Eric Mik and clubmates Manuel Wiederer, as well as third goaltender Arno Tiefensee, yet to be clear, expect a legendary duo between the pipes.
Despite some early wobbles, Germany demonstrated a strong performance in the first period against Hungary. A fortunate bounce off Justin Schutz provided the opening goal, and Lukas Reichel's precise pass set up Samanski for the second. Grubauer had more work cut out for him in the middle period, thanks to a few sloppy mistakes.
In the final stages, Kalble, Tiffels, Ehl, and Kahun scored further goals, sealing Germany's victory. Even though Stützle will be absent for the initial matches, his presence should shake up the tournament dynamics once he steps onto the ice in Herning, Denmark.
Source: ntv.de, lme/sid
- Ice Hockey
- NHL
- World Championships
- Tim Stützle, a star from the NHL, is set to join Germany's ice hockey squad during the World Championships, following clearance from his Ottawa Senators.
- Lukas Reichel demonstrated precision in his passes, setting up a goal for Joshua Samanski during Germany's 6-1 victory over Hungary in the World Championships.
- After participating in Germany's successful World Championship debut in 2022, Stützle will return to the team in Herning, Denmark, despite earlier club vetoes due to injuries.
- Coach Harold Kreis will have a legendary goalie duo between the pipes, with Philip Grubauer and Mathias Niederberger ready to take turns, depending on the game and the status of other goalies.
