Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 2 November (BelTA) – We do not expect easy games at the forthcoming Euro Ice Hockey Challenge in Slovenia, head coach of the Belarusian national ice hockey team Dave Lewis said after the team’s final training session in Minsk on 2 November, BelTA has learned.

“A lot of young players have been called for the November training camp. They must understand what level they need to play at in the national team. We teach them our playing system. There will be no easy games at the forthcoming tournament in Slovenia. All the rivals are equally strong. Players gain useful experience from playing under pressure,” noted Dave Lewis.

The coach added that he would decide on the final roster within a day. “HC Dinamo Minsk goalie Mikhail Karnaukhov will be given a chance to show his best in Slovenia. He needs playing practice and he will get it in the coming games,” Dave Lewis said.

The Belarusian national team have just completed their first training camp and are expected to depart for Slovenia in the afternoon. Belarus will play the first stage of the Euro Ice Hockey Challenge in Slovenia’s Bled against France, Latvia and Slovenia on 3-5 November.