The national coach is still in good spirits that the injured Tim Stützle will soon be able to play again. However, it is now clear: Germany will have to do without the 20-year-old for the rest of the Ice Hockey World Championship. Still, there’s good news for the NHL pro.
NHL striker Tim Stützle will no longer play due to his knee injury at the World Championships in Finland. The German Ice Hockey Federation (DEB) said before the penultimate preliminary round game against Kazakhstan (3:20 p.m. / Sport1 and MagentaSport) that consultations between the national team’s medical department and the supporters NHL team Ottawa Senators resulted. Germany has already qualified for the quarter-finals of the World Cup, and Stützle’s absence is a setback for the German team’s medal ambitions. “I’m not a doctor. That’s why I can’t say whether the injury is serious or not. The decision isn’t in my hands,” said national coach Toni Söderholm: “I’m optimistic that he can play.”
The 20-year-old Stützle injured his knee in the 3-2 win against France in the first third last Monday and was unable to continue playing. Stützle was also absent from the 1-0 win against Denmark and the 9-4 win against Italy. National coach Toni Söderholm and DEB sports director Christian Künast had initially expressed confidence in Helsinki in the past few days that the attacker could still intervene in the course of the tournament.
“Tim was lucky in misfortune. He suffered a knee injury that will heal quickly and completely,” said DEB sports director Künast and explained about the World Cup: “Tim would not be spared by the opponent in the upcoming games and his health is important first place. It is therefore logical and consistent to take this precautionary measure.” For the German selection, the final preliminary round match against Switzerland is scheduled for Tuesday. The quarterfinals will be played on Thursday.
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