The reliable forward played fearlessly in Zurich, holding his own against NHL stars Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk. He even contributed a goal in the 3-1 victory over Latvia. "That was a highlight, but there were several things."
He shared a room in Switzerland with Peter Schneider. The veteran was impressed with how the World Championship debutant presented himself. "We talked a lot, he gave me some tips. I took them on board and implemented them well," Harnisch himself says.
After the World Championship ended, he was among the big winners in the ÖEHV team. "The World Championship was a huge boost, great for my self-confidence and helped me a lot. I also started my preparation with this boost."
Better Standing in Graz?
It took time to realize everything that had happened in recent months. "It was one big, great event after another. I am very happy that I got to experience all of it. My goal is to continue exactly like this," says Harnisch.
In this regard, the injury was a setback, but it shouldn't derail him. "I'm carrying that boost forward," emphasizes the 25-year-old.
He believes that the strong World Championship will also help him in Graz. Harnisch: "If you've played in an A-level World Championship and performed well there, that's also very beneficial for the club. I do think that gave me a push and better standing."
He can prove that starting immediately – beginning with the Pack Derby against the record champions. Next week, he will travel with Austria to the Deutschland Cup in Düsseldorf.
