In the World Cup, Germany is participating. - Sturm expresses his desire to enjoy competing in ice hockey.
Nico Sturm: Last season wasn't enjoyable for me at the club. It was extremely frustrating. Ice hockey became more of a chore than fun. I wasn't eager to go into the long summer break feeling that way. I wanted to regain my enthusiasm for field hockey and gain some self-confidence. I desired to leave the stadium with happy memories, even jokes in the dressing room. We aimed to make progress within the club, but unfortunately things took a turn for the worse. However, one of the great aspects of ice hockey is that there's always another chance.
"Our national team is something special"
What stands out about our national team?
The players seem to enjoy being part of the national team as opposed to other countries where players are often coaxed into joining. Currently, we have several top-tier players on our team, not exclusively from the NHL, but also from leagues like Sweden, Switzerland, and DEL. This has contributed to better overall performance and greater success.
How did the team members react after NHL superstar Moritz Seider withdrew from the World Championship?
Nobody was surprised or alarmed. There are numerous factors at play in the NHL, such as contract status and insurance issues. Mo is not here in Ostrava now, but other defensemen will be given the opportunity to shine.
"The number 78 on my jersey holds significance"
Is there any deeper meaning behind your jersey number 78?
It refers to the founding year of my hometown team, the Augsburg Panthers.
You win over half of your face-offs, how do you account for this?
I was looking for a unique skill set to showcase in the NHL. I realized that I wasn't going to fit into a power play or first two lines. As a tall, skilled skater, I chose to focus on face-offs. A competent face-off player earns ice time right from the start. That was my strategy for securing more NHL playtime. For me, strength is important and consistent practice of face-offs is crucial. I often switch my stick around to hit the puck with its opposite end. After the official training session, I perform 30 individual face-off repetitions. I also watch videos of my opponents at the face-off dot to learn from them.
Do you think we can go for gold after winning silver at the World Championship?
Of course, silver can be upgraded to gold. However, the players are pragmatic and won't sit down and declare, 'Silver will turn into gold'. We'll reach the quarter-finals and then we can reassess and set new objectives.
Last year, Moritz Seider mentioned that he had brought only five pairs of socks for the World Cup trip that lasted up to the final. Have you packed appropriately?
In fact, I have enough for two months.
Do you have any special pre-game rituals?
I strive to eat the same meal every time. This includes pasta, rice, salad, and vegetables. I avoid going to the Chinese restaurant. I trust my preparation and faith in God. I pray before each game.
Read also:
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- Tim Schreiber, victor in Bayern, joins Dresden's team.
- Uncovering the dietary guidelines of an 96-year-old celebrity.
- Gladbach's key players in their title pursuit!
Source: symclub.org
