The head coach of the Latvian national ice hockey team, Harijs Vitolins, stated after the victory over the USA that the team succeeded due to their selfless play and fighting spirit. According to him, the hockey players "gave everything they had" for the result.
After the important victory of the Latvian national team over the USA with a score of 4:2, the head coach of the team, Harijs Vitolins, particularly noted the character of his players and the performance of goalkeeper Kristers Gudlevskis.
“We won solely thanks to our fighting spirit and selflessness,” said Vitolins after the match.
According to the coach, the Latvian hockey players gave their all on the ice and sacrificed themselves in every episode.
“The guys gave everything they had, laying down in front of pucks, Gudis [Kristers Gudlevskis] saved us,” noted the team’s mentor.
Vitolins emphasized that the match against the USA required maximum concentration, as the opponent was composed of NHL players.
“We were playing against NHL players — if not from the first lines, then from the third. As soon as you don’t finish your episode to the end, you immediately lose your position,” explained the coach.
Despite the victory, the team is trying to quickly switch to the next match. On Sunday, the Latvians will face Great Britain.
“There is, of course, euphoria after the victory, but we don’t have time to celebrate. We have to play again tomorrow,” stated Vitolins.
After a heavy defeat against Finland, the Latvian team managed not only to recover psychologically but also to defeat one of the favorites of the group. This victory significantly strengthened the team’s chances of reaching the quarterfinals.
The head coach also announced important news for the fans: forward Eduards Tralmaks is expected to arrive in Zurich by Sunday morning.
It is still unknown when exactly the forward will be able to hit the ice and in what combination he will play, but his possible appearance could significantly strengthen the Latvian team’s attack before the decisive matches of the group stage.
Currently, Latvia has six points after five games and is in fourth place in Group A.
The next opponents for the Latvians will be Great Britain and Hungary.
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