Switzerland finished the four-nations tournament with the best record of 3-0, including two shootout victories. Germany and Slovakia had a win and a loss and a shootout loss while Team Canada was last with one win and two losses.
Munich's Douris on topWith two goals and two assists, Peter Douris of the Munich Barons was the tournament’s top scorer, tied for first with Slovak Dusan Milo. Two other Barons forwards were in action with Team Canada: Andy Schneider, who tallied a goal and an assist, and Mike Kennedy, who had an assist. Defenseman Shane Peacock had also been nominated but an injury forced him to sit out.
Three Barons defensemen were in action for Team Germany: Mike Smazal, who looked solid in all three games, and youngsters Patrick Köppchen and Christoph Schubert, who both made two appearances.
Schubert: "Not mature enough"Ottawa’s 2001 draft choice Schubert was the talk of the weekend, though, after being publicly criticised by German head coach Hans Zach for his work ethics and off-ice behavior.
"He just isn’t mature enough to deal with his stellar career," Zach said about Schubert. "I’m gonna give him a comprehensive brainwash." Schubert didn’t want to comment, but looked ok on the ice.
Switzerland unbeatenAfter wins over Slovakia (2-1 after penalty shootout) and Canada (4-2), Team Suisse won the final game against historical rival Germany 2-1 (again after penalty shots) on Sunday. It was the 101st game between Switzerland and Germany in a rivalry that started in 1910.
Slovakia beat the Germans 2-0, but lost the highest-scoring game of the tournament 4-6 to Canada, which concluded the Deutschland Cup with a record of 1-2. Brad Purdie of the Krefeld Pinguine scored twice for the Canadians, including a penalty shot with 20 seconds left in regulation.
Germany had beaten Canada, 3-1, on opening day.
Canadians "invade" Europe with three different national teamsCanada had three different teams playing in Europe the last week with players selected from various European leagues. While one was defeated by Switzerland in an exhibition game, another Team Canada finished last in the five-nations Sweden Games. Host Sweden won the tournament after beating Finland 5-2 on the final day. Detroit Red Wings draft choice Henrik Zetterberg was earned game MVP honors as he tallied four of Sweden’s five goals.
Slovakia, Germany, Austria and Latvia will play in Group A of the Olympic Preliminary Round in Salt Lake City next February. Only the winner will advance to the Final Round. Switzerland will have to battle Belarus, Ukraine and France in Group B in order to make it to join the “big six”, Canada, USA, Czech Republic, Russia, Sweden and Finland.
