WORLD JUNIORS: Munzenberger, Germany ready to build off last performance

EDMONTON, AB - At the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship, Luca Munzenberger and Team Germany were on the cusp of a Christmas miracle.
Deutschland defied all the odds to put the junior hockey world on notice, icing a depleted lineup due to COVID-19 and still managing to make it into the mix for a medal.
The valiant effort by the Germans - whose run ended in a one-goal, 2-1 quarter-final falling to the Russians - earned them a sixth-place finish, the best they've seen since sitting in the seventh seat in 1995.
Edmonton Oilers 2021 NHL Draft selection Munzenberger played a big role in the brave display by patrolling the blueline with a rotation of five defenders for the bulk of the matches. So, too, did offensive compatriots Tim Stutzle, John Peterka and Florian Elias, who combined for 29 points.

The 90th-overall selection is back in familiar territory in Oil Country for another chance at the crown in the 2022 edition of the circuit, which will feature a new set of challenges.
While COVID-19 hasn't decimated the team personnel this time around, the departure of German wunderkinds Stutzle and Peterka has the squad short of key offensive pieces - prompting the unit to prepare for a well-balanced performance.
And after the adversity Germany experienced in Alberta 365 days ago, Munzenberger and his teammates are raring for the upcoming opportunity.
"The experience from last year is going to help us because we were successful even though it was a tough situation," Munzenberger, speaking to EdmontonOilers.com before attending a Christmas Eve team dinner, said.
"Now we know that we can battle through almost anything as a team."
Helping Germany's cause is their closeness as a group and bringing an older, knowledgeable cohort of players together for the endeavour. Many of Team Germany's skaters appeared in last season's tournament and have also worn the same uniform for the national club at different age levels.
"We have a good D core and a lot of returns," Munzenberger said.
"It helps a lot because we've known each other for a long time now and know what kind of players we are. Everyone knows their roles and sticks with them. We're a great team, all of them are great guys and everyone likes each other. That helps in games when it's not going too great."
When put to action, Germany's plan of attack will involve support along the boards, throwing everything on goal and administering relentless pressure. Pre-game pre-scout will also be utilized ahead of matchups to acknowledge specific tendencies of opposing teams.

"We want to forecheck hard, pressure them early and don't let them peddle. Don't let them breakout, don't let them play their game and always be tough," Munzenberger said.
"If we have possession, we want to play fast and get the puck to the net as fast as possible by creating shots. If we get good shots or everything to the net, something is going to fall in. The goal is definitely to get a lot of pucks to the net because if you don't shoot, you're not going to score."
Although they will be without some heavy-hitters offensively, the mission is to achieve another playoff round entrance where Munzenberger and his comrades believe anything can happen.
"Our goal is definitely to reach the quarter-finals again and then we'll see who we play against. We think anything is possible if we make the quarter-finals. The quarter-finals are definitely something we can reach."
As for Munzenberger, the business major with a minor in sports management at the University of Vermont, the rearguard is poised to apply his hard-nosed defensive edge to Rogers Place ice in front of a half-capacity crowd.
The 19-year-old still strives to imitate Oilers stalwart Darnell Nurse and has emulated his workhorse persona by logging 20 minutes of ice time in the NCAA as a first-year. The 6-foot-2, 190-pounder is expected to safeguard the D-zone on the penalty kill and wants to add some offensive upside on the power play.
"Be solid, play hard defensively and get pucks out quickly," said Munzenberger, detailing specifically what he brings to the ice. "I want to focus on the defensive part but I'm going to be on the power play and I want to play offensively, too. I want to add the offensive part to my game."
Should the Germans conquer the upcoming challenge, they could be in store for another miracle on 102nd street.