Olympia 2018: Thomas Greilinger interviewed:”You mustn’t miss something like this”.

Thomas Greilinger has been playing for the ERC Ingolstadt in the DEL since 2008. In an interview, the former international player talks about the final move of the German ice hockey team to the Olympic Winter Games and assesses the chances against the Russian selection.

He also explains what makes the DEB team so strong and why he doesn’t believe that there is now an ice hockey boom in Germany.

SPOX: Mr. Greilinger, the German national ice hockey team has reached the final of the 2018 Olympic Games in Pyeongchang. How does that sound in your ears?

Thomas Greilinger: Simply outstanding! This is of course great for German ice hockey. I am also very happy for the guys who are in Pyeongchang right now. I hope that we can take the momentum especially in the DEL with us and move forward.

SPOX: That the DEB selection is now competing for the gold medal: Would you call this a surprise or even a sensation?

Greilinger: Well, it’s a good thing that the German team is now playing for gold, but you certainly couldn’t count on it. However, I said in another interview before the Olympic Games that, with the exception of the Russian team, I see all the other teams roughly at eye level. When the goalkeeper – as in our case Danny from the birch trees – plays so well and the players get to know each other, a lot of things are possible in ice hockey. But the fact that this is exactly what has happened to the German team and that they are now advancing into the final is certainly a big surprise.

SPOX: In your opinion, what is the secret of the German team’s success in this tournament?

Greilinger: Well, at the end of the day the boys were defensive, which was shown by the tight wins against Switzerland and Norway. Powerplay is also excellent for German standards. In addition, every player has put himself at the service of the team to be successful.

SPOX: Can you also say that the DEB-selection has worked hard for the necessary bit of luck, which you also need in such a tournament?

Greilinger: Yes, definitely! One thing must not be forgotten: even though the top nations in particular lacked all the NHL people, they are still able to send a high quality on the ice. And when you play against these teams, you just need that little bit of luck to win. But this is quite normal in sports. However, the group also played excellent ice hockey. The boys didn’t only put themselves in the back, but also scored some very nice goals – like in the semi-finals against Canada. It was fun to watch this game.

SPOX: In recent years, the German team has developed a certain core which is regularly involved in tournaments. By contrast, the top nations of the Olympic Games in particular had to send formations into the race, most of which have never played together before, due to the fact that the NHL clubs have not released their players. An advantage for the DEB team?

Greilinger: Definitely. For example, you just have to look at how many NHL players are missing – unlike in Canada, USA, Sweden or Finland. The fact that national coach Marco Sturm has been able to rely on the solid core of players you have mentioned since he took office in 2015 is also extremely helpful. You have a small advantage over other nations, yes.

SPOX: To return to the missing NHL pros at this tournament: Does this fact reduce the success of the German team in any way?

Greilinger: Well, I think it’s clear to everyone that if all the NHL guys were there now and then you would enter the final, it would be another house number. You don’t have to lie to yourself. But apart from that, however, we also have to get this far in the current situation. Teams such as Sweden and Canada have all recruited their players from the top European leagues. What I have seen so far is not a single foreign player from the German Ice Hockey League. From that point of view, this is a great success. And above all, you can see that the Germans can play ice hockey, or how good they really are if they get confidence and the ice age.

SPOX: You yourself participated in the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver. What are the main differences for you when you watch the games today?

Greilinger: Well, it would be sad and bad if, for example, there was no difference to be seen between a Canadian team with NHL stars and a troop like now in Pyeongchang. You don’t have to kid yourself: In 2010 in Vancouver you didn’t even have the slightest chance to win against such an opponent. Basically, it was all about damage control. It’s not for nothing that the pros in the best league in the world, NHL, earn a lot of money. Of course, this reflects the quality of these players.

SPOX: What is Marco Sturm’s share of the current high-flying German team?

Greilinger: The head coach has at least the same share as the players. In my opinion, it is incredibly important that the German national coach himself comes from Germany. This simply creates a completely different cohesion. In the time between Uwe Krupp and Marco Sturm, even in big tournaments, cancellations have been hail. That is no longer the case. Everyone likes to go to the national team and is happy to be part of it. And Marco Sturm undoubtedly plays a major role in this.

SPOX: Let’s take a look into the near future: Do you think that the success of the DEB selection at the 2018 Olympic Games will have a positive impact on ice hockey in Germany?

Greilinger: I hope it is strong. But to be honest, I can’t really imagine it.

SPOX: Why not?

Greilinger: Unfortunately, it has always been the case in the past that when the national team was successful, they talked about it for a few days. After that, it’s all gone missing again. Despite the current success, the German players in the league will not be trusted any more, either. Nor can I imagine that all of a sudden public television will get into hockey properly. I would, of course, like to wish for it, but I am rather pessimistic in this respect.

SPOX: And what is your optimism about the final match on Sunday against the team of Olympic athletes from Russia?

Greilinger: When you are in the final, everything is possible! Even though the Russians were the favourites for me even before the tournament, I naturally hope that Germany will be able to crack this opponent.

SPOX: Does Marco Sturm’s squad have anything to lose after the performances in this final?

Greilinger: Well, if you’ve come this far before, of course you want to win and win the gold medal. Of course, if you really should lose, silver would be a mega-success – especially since you never know if you will ever get the chance to play medals again. But when you’re so close to gold, you’ve got something to lose. From that point of view, our boys will do everything they can to make this last encounter of the tournament a success.

SPOX: The final begins on Sunday at 5.10 a. m. of our time. Will you set your alarm?

Greilinger: Yes, definitely! Who knows when a German national ice hockey team will ever be in an Olympic final again. You can’t miss something like that.