For many ice hockey professionals, the first week of November means taking a deep breath and leaning back. The legionnaires have planned a short vacation. Other cracks tend to their first wounds. And others were called up as a contrast program for the national team. Austria was invited to the Germany Cup again this year (November 7th to 10th in Landshut). From a domestic perspective, in addition to league veterans like Lukas Haudum, the Swiss Legionnaires are of course particularly eye-catching.
Benjamin Baumgartner (SC Bern) and Co. arrive with a big chest. The Salzburg player has already collected 15 scorer points for the Bears. Most recently he was considered the big match winner in the 3-2 win against Ambri-Piotta (Dominic Zwerger). Baumgartner was involved in all three goals (one goal, two assists). “I’m looking forward to the tournament, to my colleagues and I enjoy playing for Austria. You don’t often have the opportunity to prepare for the World Cup with such high-quality opponents. You should take every game with you so that you can develop further,” says the toxic striker.
He doesn’t feel any hype about him in Switzerland: “We work differently there, we have a good team. Of course, a lot depends on our equipment manager,” he says with a smile, referring to Uwe Moser from Villach, who is also there in Landshut. He was often asked by the Swiss about his World Cup goal against Finland (0.2 seconds before the end). “That was already an issue. But also Austria’s good performances against Switzerland and Canada.” Baumgartner already has 27 games under his belt (NL and national team including Olympic qualification). He doesn’t see any problem with additional stress.
18-year-old beaver with a tailwind
This probably also applies to Vinzenz Rohrer, who is causing a sensation in Zurich. The ZSC striker scored a 1-1 goal against Fribourg-Gotteron when he was outnumbered and was later the only shooter to convert his penalty into a 2-1 win. “You are still very young. In Switzerland they play outstanding roles. But they have also made their mark in the national team. We can have great joy with them,” says team boss Roger Bader proudly, who also highlights Swedish legionnaire Gregor Biber. The 18-year-old defender recently had over 19 minutes of ice time in Rögle’s 5-2 win against Färjestad BK and was of course also called up.
There is no news for the ÖEHV regarding the naturalization process of Salzburg keeper Atte Tolvanen. Bader: “According to our information, he is on the list for naturalization. But that will probably only happen after the new federal government is formed.” There is therefore no discontent among the keepers: “We are in competitive sports, not in kindergarten. There is also a huge battle among the strikers and defenders with a view to making the World Cup squad. And in the end, competition stimulates business.”
Ohne Del Curto
As with the Olympic qualification, the team boss has to do without advisor Arno Del Curto. It is also highly questionable whether the Swiss coaching legend will be part of the red-white-red staff in Stockholm again. Behind the gang, Bader relies on Paul Ullrich, Christoph Brandner and Reinhard Divis, who had to react to personnel changes. Dominique Heinrich, Kilian Zündel and David Maier asked for a break. Instead, Philipp Wimmer, Niklas Würschl and Patrick Söllinger are in the squad.
By the way: Denmark is not only strengthened by KAC striker Mathias From. Joachim Blichfeld and Alexander True (both SHL) as well as Christian Wejse are among the Vikings’ stars. Salzburg’s Philipp Sinn celebrates his team debut for Germany.
