Interview | Ice hockey national player Marcel Noebels
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“It was one of the biggest games I was in”
05/27/21 | 7:15 pm
The national ice hockey team recorded a historic win against Canada at the start of the World Cup. Eisbär Marcel Noebels speaks in an interview about the special character of the team, walks in the woods and the return of spectators.
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rbb | 24: More than half of the preliminary round of the World Cup is over, Germany started the tournament with three wins against Italy, Norway and Canada and one defeat against Kazakhstan. Now you have two days off, what is your interim conclusion so far?
Marcel Noebels: If we had been told before the World Cup that we would get nine points from four games, we would definitely have taken that. I think we started the tournament very well and did a lot of things right. Yesterday (the defeat against Kazakhstan, editor’s note) was of course a bit annoying. Unfortunately, I think that was a bit of a damper for us. We want to learn from it and take the positive things with us into the next game.
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In particular, the win against Canada caused a stir. After 25 years, a German team won again against the Canadian selection at a World Cup. How did you experience the game and how is this success to be classified?
There was of course a lot of passion, a lot of heart and a lot of effort in the game. I’ve seldom been on a team where every inch of it was fought as much as in the game against Canada. For me it was one of the biggest games I was in. I rate the win pretty high because I know a lot of the Canadian players and I know how good they are. This game is very important to me because we played our game and scored a character victory. You can see that everyone can win against everyone and the level is very high. So the win against Canada was something really great.
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After this game, there was an extremely high level of euphoria, especially on social media. Did you notice that and what opportunities does it offer for German ice hockey?
Of course, it’s nice when you get attention, especially from the media. It is of course important that we continue like this. I think that in the last few years in German ice hockey we are on the right track to show that we are at least in the top eight. We have played very good tournaments so far and I think it is time we deserved it. We are a team sport that is a lot of fun and can still inspire a lot of people in Germany who may not have seen ice hockey that often.
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Quite a few talk about the secret favorite among the German team. What do you think is possible for Germany?
It is important that we think from game to game. From the start, that was our clear idea that we shouldn’t think too far ahead. Of course we want to get as far as possible and we will certainly annoy one or the other in order to get further. The next three games are very important to us and then we’ll see where the journey is headed.
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At the beginning of the tournament, you had to be quarantined for three days. How are the conditions now that the tournament is on? What freedom do you have on a day when there is no play like today?
Of course, we don’t have that much freedom here. We knew from the start that it was very strict. We all want to protect each other a bit and bring the tournament to a sensible end. We are tested regularly. These are things that belong in the current time and that you have to accept if you want to be part of it. We had a bit of space today to take the team for a walk in a forest. That was the chance for us to get some fresh air. We are now back at the hotel and have to stay in the room. The rules are clear and simple: only arena and hotel, nothing else.
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In the German attack, you form the “Berlin Storm Series” together with Leo Pföderl and Lukas Reichel. To what extent is this well-established series of polar bears perhaps even a special reinforcement for the team?
You can tell that we play together over a longer period of time because there is a certain rhythm and processes are completely normal for us. I think we have so far proven very well on an international level that we are a very good series. I’m really happy that the coach gave us the chance to play together like that and that we have already paid back the trust. I think the coach knows what he’s got in us and that’s why we play together.
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Can the series continue to play together after Lukas Reichel received a hard check on the head in the last game?
I think Lukas is on the right track. He had a little neck pain. I believe he will use the day today to recover. It wasn’t an easy check. Everyone who saw it knew that it was not without it and that it hurts too. But Lukas is a tough guy and tries everything so that he can play again the day after tomorrow.
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Another polar bear showed an outstanding performance against Canada – goalkeeper Mathias Niederberger. How did you see his appearance on the ice?
That was the best game Mathias I’ve ever seen. He always plays well, but in that game he was a number higher. It was incredible. I also assume that we would not have won the game without him. He always kept us in the game at the right time and showed important saves when we needed them. I’m really happy for him. He’s a great guy and he just deserved it. He’s also picking up where he left off in Berlin. That’s why he’s so important to the team and one of the best goalkeepers here.
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So far, the games in Riga have taken place in front of empty stands. From the weekend, however, spectators could be admitted (shortly after the interview it was confirmed that partial return of the spectators is allowed from June 1st, editor’s note). After months of playing in empty halls, what would the return of at least some fans mean to you?
You can really only say finally. I’m glad. The more spectators there are, the more beautiful it is of course. Who doesn’t like to play in front of full ranks. I don’t think it will be such a great change. Of course, we players want fans to come back to the stadium and get enthusiastic about the cause. I can’t wait, even if we’re more likely to have an away game in Latvia. Still, it would be nice to see the stands full again.
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Your team will continue their game against Finland on Saturday. How do you rate the Finns, what are your expectations?
This is of course a top nation and currently still the world champion. They are one of the best teams that are here at the tournament. For us it’s a big challenge and certainly not an easy game. But you can see that all teams can cause a surprise. Now we want to fully attack the Finns again and get back on track.
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Thank you for the interview!
The interview was conducted by Lisa Surkamp, rbb Sport.
Broadcast: rbb24, May 27th, 2021, 9.45 p.m.
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