Women’s Olympic Qual­i­fying: National Team arrives in Bremer­haven with high expec­ta­tions

“It is every athlete’s dream,” all the team players agree when it comes to the Olympic Games. The squad has also been complete since Tuesday, with captain Anna Meixner, Theresa Schafzahl and Magdalena Luggin joining the National Team.

Three players who bring additional momentum. “When those two are there (editor’s note: referring to Anna Meixner and Theresa Schafzahl), there is even more pace and a better atmosphere. It is very inspiring when they are there,” enthuses Tamina Schall. Selma Luggin is particularly looking forward to seeing her sister again: “We have not seen each other for a long time.”

Germany, a top-division nation with home advantage, Hungary, promoted to the Top Division, and Slovakia, returning to Division IA, are the opponents in the battle for the only Olympic berth awarded in this group. Austria’s women have never previously competed at the Olympic Winter Games. That is something they want to change, says Tamara Grascher: “We certainly have high expectations.”

Just over three years ago, in qualifying for the 2022 Olympic Games, Austria also faced Germany in their opener and prevailed 3:0. “Back then, we had that certain underdog mentality; we went into the game with the attitude of seeing what would happen. We are approaching the tournament with the same attitude this year, are very well prepared and are trying to be ready for anything the opponents throw at us. With that attitude, we can achieve great things,” says Selma Luggin confidently.

All of this, however, in the knowledge that it could also go the other way, says Tamina Schall: “Anyone can beat anyone in this group. We have already beaten all three nations, but have also lost to all three. We are going in with good preparation, will play our system and give everything we have.” “We are taking it game by game and shift by shift,” adds Tamara Grascher.

After the opening game against Germany, Austria have a day off before facing Hungary at 18:00 on Saturday and Slovakia at 14:30 on Sunday.

2025 WOMEN'S FINAL OLYMPIC ICE HOCKEY QUALIFICATION, GROUP I

06 February - 09 February 2025
Host: Germany
Participants: Germany, Slovakia, Austria, Hungary

Schedule

THURSDAY, 06 FEBRUARY 2025

Hungary vs. Slovakia
Eisarena Bremerhaven, 16:00

Germany vs. Austria
Eisarena Bremerhaven, 19:30

SATURDAY, 08 FEBRUARY 2025

Slovakia vs. Germany
Eisarena Bremerhaven, 14:30

Hungary vs. Austria
Eisarena Bremerhaven, 18:00

SUNDAY, 09 FEBRUARY 2025

Austria vs. Slovakia
Eisarena Bremerhaven, 14:30

Germany vs. Hungary
Eisarena Bremerhaven, 18:00

All information on the official IIHF website