A hole in the ice, pucks that are difficult to control: The ice in the exhibition hall in Herning, Denmark, is not ready for the World Cup.

NHL goaltender Philipp Grubauer had to back off. "Now I have to be careful what I say. I don't want to get a reprimand from the world governing body," said the German national goalkeeper after the 5-2 (2-1, 2-0, 1-1) victory against Norway in the third World Cup preliminary round match.

Ice hockey players are increasingly frustrated by the condition of the ice at the exhibition center in Herning, Denmark. The game against Norway even had to be interrupted twice due to a hole in the ice. Numerous passes were also missed because the ice was too soft.

"In my opinion, it's dangerous for the player," complained the 33-year-old Grubauer, explaining: "You can hardly play a pass anymore. It's like being on a melting pond."

Before Thursday's game against Switzerland (4:20 p.m./ProSieben and MagentaSport), the Seattle Kraken goalie recommends possibly extending the intermissions "by one or two minutes." "So the ice can stay cool longer."

National coach Harold Kreis took note of the ice incidents. "We're not dwelling on them too much because we don't want to waste our energy," explained the 66-year-old coach. "The team is upset. It's obviously frustrating." NHL star Tim Stützle preferred not to comment on the ice conditions. Captain Moritz Seider promised: "We'll make the best of it. It's the same for both teams. There are no excuses."