HOCKEY CANADA
2003 IIHF World Junior Championship
Germany in Danger of Being Relegated The hockey has picked up again in the Halifax Metro Centre after a day of rest on New Year’s. The crowd of 7,420 was quiet, uncertain what to expect from Switzerland and Germany heading into the relegation round, but clearly hoping for some good hockey. The game got off to a slow start, even with Dmitri Patzold, one of this tournament’s outstanding goalies, in net for Germany. This was the first meeting of these teams in Halifax, so they were each watching the other to see what kind of game it was going to be. Switzerland came out aggressively, testing Patzold and looking for holes in Germany’s defense. Germany responded by playing a physical game, bumping and elbowing and focusing on defence, trying to frustrate the Swiss. The tone was set for the game. The most exciting moment came at 13:35 of the second period when Switzerland and Germany took turns scoring three goals in 1:13. Kevin Romy kicked off the scoring flurry for Switzerland by scoring its fourth goal of the game from his knees. This goal prompted the German coach, Ernst Hofner, to pull Dmitri Patzold. Patrick Ehelechner took over the duties in front of the cage, and the Germans perked up their game. Just 46 seconds later, Christoph Ullman, Germany’s player of the game, scored the team’s first of the game and it looked like the momentum was turning in Germany’s favour. The advantage was short-lived, however. Some 27 seconds later, Switzerland regained its four-goal lead on a goal by Kevin Gloor. Christoph Ullman again brought excitement to the game at 17:13 of the second. Coincidental penalties led to two minutes of four-on-four hockey. Ullman scored his second goal of the game, giving the Germans another lift. They looked more confident going into the dressing room for the second intermission. But, the Germans evidently left their energy in the dressing room. They fought back for the first three minutes of the third period, where they got their best chances of the game, but couldn’t put the puck in the net. After that, they accepted the loss and let the game play out, showing very little enthusiasm, and a lot of frustration. The next game for the Germans will be against Belarus on January 4, which they must win if they want a chance to stay in Pool B next year. Also on the 4th, Switzerland will be facing Sweden. As of now, though, it will take a series of favourable results to keep the Germans out of Division I. Jen McCauley
Switzerland vs. Germany: Preview There is an old adage that states, ‘play hard or stay home’ and for Team Germany and Team Switzerland a truer statement cannot be found. Switzerland and Germany face off in game one of relegation round action at the 2003 World Junior Hockey Championship in Halifax on Thursday, and both nations hope to ward off the threat of finishing last and losing their chance to compete at the same level next year. In Group A action at Sydney, Switzerland surprised many spectators with its strong play. The team begins playoff action with two points that they gained in a win over Belarus, but also come into the game on an emotional high after an extremely hard-fought battle with the powerhouse Russians. Switzerland earned a good deal of respect in its 7-5 loss, actually tying the game 5-5 with ten minutes to go. Switzerland is led by Patrik Bartschi who is eighth in tournament scoring with four goals and an assist. While Bartschi leads the offense, look for Tobias Stephan to get the start in net. Stephan enters the game with the lowest save percentage of any number-one goalie in the tournament, just under .850. He is backed up by the team’s only CHL player, Daniel Manzoto. In Group B action in Halifax, Germany adopted the role of underdog behind solid goaltending from Dimitri Patzold. The Germans have had scoring difficulties so far (three goals in four games), but Patzold has kept them within striking distance and has become a fan favourite in the process. The German attack is paced by Marcel Goc, who was selected 21st overall by the Minnesota Wild. Goc logs as much ice-time as anyone in the tournament and is the team’s main scoring threat. Look for him to continue logging most of the ice time among the forwards as the Germans try to earn their first points of the tournament and attempt to stave off elimination. Like the Swiss, Germany enters the game on a moral victory. The team ended its scoreless drought after 138 minutes and 5 seconds against Canada, and were able to generate two more goals in their next game against Sweden. They will need to both continue their offensive exploits and receive Patzold’s best efforts if they are to be successful. The action begins 12:00pm at the Halifax Metro Centre. Check back throughout the game for live updates and for comprehensive post-game analysis at www.canadianhockey.ca Forest Kenney
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For more information: André Brin Director, Communications | Directeur, communications |
