Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 25 May (BelTA) – The ice hockey world championship in Minsk has been virtually ideal, BelTA learned from head coach of the Czech team Vladimir Ruzicka.

“I would like to thank organizers of the tournament. An outstanding job. They have done everything for us to be comfortable here. The championship has been virtually ideal. The Czech team has absolutely no complaints. We’ve enjoyed excellent service and everything that contributed to our top performance,” said Vladimir Ruzicka. He added he will leave Minsk with warm feelings and good impressions.

The head coach also praised the high level of the teams that have taken part in the championship. “Many tenacious games have taken place in Minsk. Often one score was able to decide between victory or loss. The teams that were said to be underdogs fought in every match and demonstrated very good ice hockey. It was the time of true ice hockey,” stressed Vladimir Ruzicka.

On 25 May Czechia lost to Sweden 3:0 in the match for the bronze award of the ice hockey world championship. “Today we’ve had an excellent game. Both teams had a lot of opportunities. Unfortunately, we didn’t act on our own ones and paid a steep price for it. Our players were constantly pressured by the Swedish players and made errors. The Swedish team managed to grab their opportunities,” said the Czech coach.

Vladimir Ruzicka also spoke about the decision of legendary Czech forward Jaromir Jagr to stop playing after the 2014 ice hockey world championship. “Only Jagr knows whether it is the final decision. But here in Minsk his performance was incredible. He showed everyone that he is a great player, a true leader,” stressed the coach.

Thus, the Czech team landed one step short from getting any awards during the 2014 IIHF WM championship. The 2015 ice hockey world championship will take place in Czechia. There is no doubt that the Czech team will be resolute to play better in their own country.