ice Hockey
Farm instead of national team: Reichel not at the Ice Hockey World Cup
Met with the Kings for the Chicago Blackhawks: Lukas Reichel (M.). photo
© Ashley Landis/AP
Lukas Reichel is one of the greatest ice hockey talents, but has had a difficult NHL season. This now has consequences: instead of playing for Germany at the World Cup, he plays second-class in the USA.
“We can definitely get this thing. It’s good for me to play in the playoffs, but unfortunately I can’t go to the World Cup because of that. Unless we fly out earlier than expected,” Reichel told the German Press Agency after 4:5 after extra time. Reichel has had a mixed third NHL season and has had to make several appearances for the Blackhawks’ development team in recent months.
The 21-year-old missed last year’s World Cup, when Germany became runners-up, due to an injury. “It’s definitely disappointing, as a German player I think you always want to play for the national team. That’s why it’s not easy,” he said after a turbulent game in Los Angeles. Reichel made it 1-0 for the Blackhawks with a remarkable goal.
The German selection will also have to do without Tim Stützle from the Ottawa Senators in the Czech Republic (May 10th – 26th). The attacker canceled his participation due to injuries to his shoulder and wrist. Stützle was also missing last year.