Opportunity for Misbach’s youngster: why dress rehearsals with the U20 national team are so important for Josef Ehm

Miesbach – Josef Ehm just happy. Glad that their Red Bull Hockey Juniors away game in the Alps Hockey League (AHL) didn’t take place recently in Linz. In an overhand position, Ehm placed himself in front of the opposing goal and after a shot smashed the target so badly in the face that a concussion was suspected.

“But I was really lucky,” he says. Nothing was missing except plump lips.

Extremely important, after all, the young attacker was able to accept an invitation to the U20 four-nation tournament in Lillehammer (Norway). The tournament, which takes place from today until 15 November, is nothing short of a dress rehearsal – the last Test before the season highlight: the U20 World Cup in Canada. “I want to show that I want to be there,” Ehm insists.

Preparations for the big event will begin in early December. Till then the 19-year-old attacker wants to show his performance again. There is always room for improvement. On top of that, Misbacker’s recent appearance in the national jersey worried him because – despite an impressive performance – he didn’t score a single point in the U20 Summer Challenge in July. “Last time around, maybe a little bit of luck was missing,” he says. “I just want to play well for the team. The rest will come soon.”

Meanwhile, DEB Juniors, Slovakia and Switzerland, will face two nations that will also take part in the A-World Cup. “But hosts Norway will also have a good team,” believes Ehm. “I still think the goal should be to win the tournament.” And give an amazing dress rehearsal for the world cup.

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