Austria's ice hockey team before duels of fate: relegation in danger!

Austria's ice hockey team before duels of fate: relegation in danger!

Austria's national ice hockey team faces decisive games against France and Slovenia, which are to take place on Friday and Sunday. These duels are crucial to secure the whereabouts in the A group of the World Cup. The team boss Roger Bader is currently being prepared for the upcoming challenges, with the focus on relegation. After a opening game against Canada on Thursday at 8:20 p.m., in which Austria played against 28 times the world champion, the team had to react strategically after a defeat (1: 5).

The previous appearances against Finland and Sweden were promising, since Austria led in both games, but ultimately remained without points. Dominic Zwerger, who plays for Ambri-Piotta in Switzerland, was optimistic about the team spirit and the progress that the national team has made in recent months. This team spirit is even more pronounced than in the previous year, which could be of crucial importance for the upcoming games.

Team dynamics

The first victory came against Slovakia in penalty shooting, which was classified as psychologically important. Dwarf emphasizes how important it is to take every opponent seriously so as not to be surprised. "We found the rest break after the victory and our team spirit is strong," says Zwerger, who has already established himself as a key player.

The squad consists of 15 players who were also represented last year, and is also strengthened by goalkeeper Atte Tolvanen and NHL striker Marco Kasper. "The main goal remains the relegation, everything beyond is considered a bonus," explains Bader. The team has a lot of potential and captain Thomas Raffl and defender Dominique Heinrich agree that the team is able to show the necessary services.

The way to the A-World Championship

For the ÖEHV national team, there is an intensive preparation for the A-World Championship in Bratislava, which takes place from May 10th to 26th. You have prepared for the World Cup with test games against the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany, Denmark and Canada. Bader sees the performance in the last international match against Canada as an improvement compared to the previous year. Austria reached the best placement in Prague last year in Prague and showed remarkable games, including a victory over Finland.

Dominic Zwerger is recognized for his previous services, since he was elected “ÖEHV player of the year” in 2018. With 22 international matches, including all seven games at the 2018 A-WM in Denmark, he has established himself as a valuable player. In the National League, dwarfs scored 19 goals and 28 assists for Ambri-Piotta, which underlines its outstanding form.

"We have to do everything we can to fight against relegation. The cohesion in the team plays a crucial role," said Zwerger, who, after his comeback from North America, calls a greater number of spectators in Switzerland than incentive for its performance. The next two games against France and Slovenia could make up the difference between relegation and relegation from the A group for the Austrian team. The anticipation for the challenges grows and the team is determined to give everything. The best performance is not yet very exhausted, but the next games promise tension. Vol.at , diepresse.com