It was noticed that the severely corona-stricken Germans walked around on few players.
They barely got together to three fives in their premiere match against a full-fledged and already pre-favorite Finland.
Everything was in order when the "Junior Lions" pulled away to 3-0 at the beginning of the second period.
It was all the more surprising that the Germans, halfway through the same period, had weathered an equalizer.
3-2 goal scorer Tim Stützle led Germany with his sacrificial game all over the ice and looked to be able to push in another puck on pure willpower.
No wonder he was addicted to games.
Stützle broke his hand in October and has not played a minute since.
The German team captain was picked by the Ottawa Senators as third in the first round of this autumn's draft and is one of many players who will stand out in the tournament.
But he will probably have to wait for the rest of his teammates to be released from their extended corona quarantine.
1 + 1 from him was only enough for an honorable loss.
Finland put in another gear and was able to win 5-3 without wearing out.
The 14 outfielders who were available in the premiere are also the ones available for the next match.
Only after the match against Canada does the rest of the squad join.