WC hockey 2023 | German silver even for a Czech native. In one year in Prague, we want gold, we have a great team, reports Kahun

“It’s exactly the same feeling as at the Olympics, there’s definitely more disappointment now. But it will definitely get better and we will celebrate the silver,” said Kahun, who was born in the Czech Republic, but moved to Germany, which he also represents, when he was still in preschool.

The Germans took Canada by surprise in the final, they played a completely even match with them for two thirds. But then they paid for unnecessary mistakes preceding the decisive third and fourth goals of Javorový leaf’s selection.

“We got goals that we gave Canada ourselves. We had hockey pucks. I won’t say it was anyone’s fault. We win and lose together as a team. The forces were there, we trusted each other terribly. It hurts all the more that we got such goals,” lamented the 27-year-old center of the first formation, who scored one goal and added six assists at the tournament.

“I don’t want to say that we controlled the final, but we led twice and had other chances. It’s a shame, but Canada played well at the end of the game, they didn’t offer us much and we had a hard time getting into the attacking zone. Hats off to Canada for the way they played at the end,” Kahun praised the overseas opponent.

“In a few days we will certainly appreciate the silver, but now we wanted the gold. After all, the inexperience of our still young team showed when we lost the puck and offered Canada two goals,” John Peterka, the best forward of the tournament chosen by his directorate and a member of the All Star team according to journalists, declared for ČT.

And Kahun promises that the young German team with promising and star fighters like Seider and Peterka will be aiming for gold at the next WC held in Prague and Ostrava.

“That’s clear! We always want more. We want to prove again what we have already demonstrated. So we have a great team. It doesn’t matter who comes, everyone is fighting for Germany and wants to represent. That’s what makes us so strong,” Kahun reveals the recipe for Germany’s success in recent years at the World Cup and Olympic Games.

While the Germans absorbed the short-term disappointment, the Canadians celebrated the world championship title after a one-year hiatus. Overall, already 28th, which made them independent in front of Russia or by the Soviet Union.

“It’s a beautiful feeling. We have been together in Europe for a month and we have all been waiting for this moment. We were lucky to get the gold. We are happy that our families could also be there in Tampere,” rejoiced the hero of the final, Samuel Blais, who defeated the Germans with two goals, including the winning one.

“Before the tournament, I called the management of the national team to see if they had a place for me. I won the Stanley Cup (with Boston) 12 years ago, but nothing since then. I really wanted gold with the national team and I succeeded. It’s a great feeling, we played a great tournament,” 34-year-old forward Milan Lucic told ČT.