Germany wins Deutschland Cup

Going into the last day of the tournament it was already clear that Germany would win it and that Canada would be the last placed team. The host had won its games against Switzerland (3-1) and Slovakia (2-1) and since today’s opponent Canada has lost both of its games (1-4 against Slovakia and 1-2 against Switzerland) no team could pass Germany any more. The insurance for the German wins was Patrick Reimer with 2 goals against the Swiss and assists on both of the goals against the Slovaks. He could also win the tournament’s scoring race.

Despite – or maybe because of – the win being secured already they dropped the last decision against Canada today with 2-4 after a 2-0 lead in the first period. Goals by Kevin Clark, Bud Holloway, Steven Reinprecht and Brandon Buck turned the game around and gave Canada the first win along the way.

More interesting was the game for the second place. After Adam Lapsansky gave the Slovaks a lead after 35 minutes, Lino Martschini and Samuel Walser could guarantee Switzerland a second place finish within 51 seconds early in the last period.

In a press conference DEB president Franz Reindl also discussed the future of the tournament. The host was satisfied with the tournament and they want to keep it in Munich, while the number of sold tickets leaves room for improvement. The most interesting question will be which teams will participate in the next year. Slovakia and Switzerland will most certainly be back, but it is discussed whether the exchange of Team USA and Team Canada will continue. Austria might be another option for the tournament to spark the local rivalries.

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