The German national ice hockey team is competing at the Winter Olympics with a number of NHL players. One of them is Tim Stützle, who is maturing into a top star in Ottawa. At the Olympics, there is one rule that applies to the team, he says in an interview.
The best possible German Olympic ice hockey team with all NHL top stars is perfect. Because world-class professionals such as Leon Draisaitl, Moritz Seider and Philipp Grubauer will all be playing together for the national team for the first time at the Winter Games in Milan in a month, a number of DEB greats from previous years are missing.
“We will have the best team of all time. But so will the opponents. It’s a good indicator for German ice hockey,” said striker Nico Sturm from Minnesota Wild – one of nine North American professionals taking part in the Olympics. Tim Stützle is one of them. He has long been more than just one of the greatest talents that German ice hockey has produced.
At the age of 23, he is responsible for the Ottawa Senators, shapes games in the best league in the world and is considered the face of a new NHL generation: fast, creative, self-confident. In the interview he talks about his development and the prospects of the German team at the Winter Olympics.
Ask: Mr Stützle, the Olympic Games are starting in Milan in a month. This is your first time. What childhood memories do you have of the Olympics?
Tim Stützle: In 2018 we watched the semi-final between Germany and Canada (4:3) with the whole class. The lesson was specially interrupted. I went to the integrated comprehensive school in Mannheim, an Adler partner school. That was possible then. I also remember the 2010 final in Vancouver when Sidney Crosby scored in extra time for Canada against the USA.
Ask: Germany will probably have a number of NHL players in Milan. Is a medal like 2018 possible again when there were no NHL players?
Stützle: If you look at each other’s squads, it will be extremely difficult to get close to Sweden, Finland, USA and Canada. In such short tournaments, it’s all about how quickly you come together. We don’t come from playfulness, but from hard work. We need to understand this as quickly as possible. Then I wouldn’t rule anything out.
Ask: They will play alongside Leon Draisaitl of the Edmonton Oilers for the first time. Do you want to be in line with him?
Stützle: Coach Harold Kreis will decide that. Sometimes a row clicks immediately, sometimes not. Leon is an exceptional player. It will be cool for everyone to play on a team with someone like Leon. Everyone will learn from him.
Ask: In the NHL you have a similar number of wins and losses with the Ottawa Senators. How satisfied are you?
Stützle: After reaching the play-offs last season, we thought this year would be easier. But the exact opposite happened. It will be even more difficult. But now we understand that.
Ask: With 19 goals and 24 assists in 40 games, you are your team’s top scorer. You also win 55 percent of your face-offs, more than ever before. 1.8 checks per game are also more than ever. Have you changed the way you play?
Stützle: Yes. Check more, block more shots, work backwards more – that’s the way to win games in the NHL. I may have understood this a little late.
Ask: Can you still walk on the streets in Ottawa without being harassed?
Stützle: That’s hard. I am spoken to anytime and anywhere. But that is a sign of recognition. Without fans we wouldn’t make any money. Nevertheless, I still like to be at home and have peace and quiet. Especially since winter is extremely cold here. You prefer to stay indoors.
Ask: What’s the most unusual place you’ve been asked for a selfie?
Stützle: This happens most often when eating when it doesn’t actually go well. But I’ve also been asked for a selfie in the bar, at the gas station or even in the restaurant toilet.
The text was created for the Sports Competence Center (WELT, SPORT BILD, BILD) and first published in SPORT BILD.
