With a crazy 5: 4 after extra time against Berlin on Sunday, it was finally that time again: The Grizzlys Wolfsburg were not only able to send three pairs of defenders, but also four complete rows of storms on the ice. It was the first time since September 26th (2: 6 against Mannheim). Coach Mike Stewart had been spoiled for choice for a long time, could and had to give two fit 23+ players a break, Phil Hungerecker and Janik Möser just watched. And before the game on Tuesday evening in Krefeld (7.30 p.m.), the situation eased even further: Valentin Busch has reported fit again after his otitis media.
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“Only the injured Tyler Gaudet, Luis Schinko and Steven Raabe stayed in Wolfsburg,” said Stewart on Monday afternoon, when the grizzly crowd had already set off for the Lower Rhine. All other players drove with them, on Tuesday the head coach will then make the decision as to which three over 23 players have to watch. “It was a long time ago that I had such a large selection. Manager Charly Fliegauf came into my office two days ago and asked when we last played with four complete series of storms. I had to think about that first,” says Stewart with a smile. The third U23 squad place will remain free again, because with Jan Nijenhuis (made his comeback against Berlin) and Thomas Reichel there are only two young players available.
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What is already certain: New signing Jonas Enlund “will play in Krefeld”, said Stewart, who attested the Finn “a good first game”. The striker had only trained once with the team before the Berlin game and should now get used to the team through competitive practice. There was also a training session for the Wolfsburg team on Monday morning, and on Tuesday morning the grizzlies will go on the ice again in Krefeld before the game.
The coach does not want to underestimate the task of the penguins, who are in the last third of the table in terms of both points and quotient evaluation, especially after the adrenaline rush on Sunday. “Krefeld has gotten better in the last few games, they have gained a foothold in the season,” warns Stewart, who is aware that a game like the one against the polar bears could be a small motivational obstacle. But: “What I always tell the guys is: tick off the games right away, the next challenge is imminent. We are all professionals, we always want to go out and play full of energy.”
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