News of the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship in Minsk and Riga
Hanlon: Belarus played some of their best World Championship hockey to date
MINSK, 23 May (BelTA) – Head coach of the Belarusian national ice hockey team Glen Hanlon said that Belarus played some of their best World Championship hockey to date. Glen Hanlon made this statement at a press conference after the game against Sweden, BelTA has learned.
“Right after the match I was extremely disappointed that we lost the game. But now I am proud of my players, of the game they showed. I hope the whole country is proud of what they achieved. I am sure people feel the same way. These guys sacrifice a lot for the national team. They miss vacations, go to training camps, fight tooth and nail,“ Glen Hanlon said.
According to the coach, today’s team is much stronger than the one he trained back in 2005. “We have changed the approach. I believe that things should be changed from time to time. The gap between top leaders and the teams ranked 12th-14th is gradually reducing. If a player comes to a training camp, it means he likes hockey, he likes being in the game. In 2005 the players needed the national team to get into the Russian championship. Today the majority of them play in the KHL. Now they come because they like sport, they come to play for the national team. Today they have a choice and they make it in favor of the national team,” the coach said.
“One thing which stays the same about the team is the character. The team never gives up. They always fight to the end. I enjoy working with them,” Glen Hanlon said.
The first period went under a total control of the reigning champions.
The second period was the complete opposite from the first for Belarus. I did a little shouting in the break. I scolded the players. I tried to explain to them that we are giving too much respect for the opponent, but in fact can play much better. I do not mean that they are bad players but they were under huge pressure. They knew there was just one step away from the medal games. I know I had to distract them and shock them, said Glen Hanlon.In the second period Belarus leveled and then took a lead 2:1. However with two and a half minutes remaining, Sweden capitalized on the power play again. When Kitarov was sent off for hooking, the Swedes made fast work on the power play as Jimmie Ericsson scored. A Magnus Nygren shot was tipped in front by Ericsson.
The third period featured both teams matching each other with offensive opportunities. The goalies were equally good in managing to keep their teams in the game. With 8:19 remaining, Ekholm’s breakout pass was intercepted by Kalyuzhny who skated in on goal but was obstructed by Ekholm. A penalty shot was awarded, which Kalyuzhny could not convert.
Mattias Ekholm made up for a late game mistake to score the 3-2 game winner for Sweden.
"Sweden plays faster entertaining hockey and it was fun to be a part of tonight. We sought to play attacking hockey and our boys did it tonight and I am very proud of them. I hope as the national program has turned the corner to play more like Sweden,” Glen Hanlon said after the game.
Glen Hanlon congratulated Sweden on the victory and wished them luck in the following clashes. Tre Kronor would need that luck as they face the so far unbeatable Russia in the semifinal. “It will be a good match. Both the teams are good but their playing styles differ. The Swedes would hope for a control of the puck, while the Russian team features a handful of key players that can make the game. I expect a spectacular show,” Glen Hanlon said.
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