ZOH 2022 hockey – Slovakia won bronze, Craig Ramsay turned Slovak hockey upside down – ŠPORT.sk

The match had several important phases, the first of which took place a few minutes after its start. The Swedes played a power play, but they did not prevail.

“We thought it would help us if we scored the first goal. We made a mistake in the weakening, but luckily we didn’t cash in there. Then we scored a goal and then we controlled the game. In the third period we defended and the Swedes pushed us. It looked “that we have less power, but the guys got it out of it,” said Podkonický.

Immediately after the match, in addition to the players, the implementation team also enjoyed the joy. “We thanked him that he deserved it for the robot he demonstrated here. He turned Slovak hockey upside down, taught the boys to believe that we can win with everyone.”

The success itself will resonate in Slovakia for a long time to come, Podkonický believes that it will also benefit: “It’s definitely a motivation for the kids and the people who play around hockey. We have to unite, not envy, not go against each other. We have to take what Craig gave us coaches, what he taught us. And those who have to help Hockey is making Slovakia a big advertisement, but all sports need to be supported. It is unbelievable that such a small country has succeeded in such a success. “

Slovak hockey player coach Craig Ramsay poses with a bronze medal

Source: TASR

He was taken care of by all the players, including those who were given less space on the ice. However, Juraj Slafkovský stands out among them, who drove Slovak fans crazy at the age of 17. “He has a great career ahead of him. I wish him to continue with such performances and let him wear it. We didn’t expect him to pull us like that, but he goes against it. He played unbelievably, he played what Craig wanted from him. He already has men’s hockey. He’s strong on the puck, a good skater.

The only thing he didn’t quite top was that his shot wasn’t prompt and fast, but he had already learned that. The goals he scored … He is the dominant force player, he has a move to the goal and he surprised us with defensive activities in the tournament. That’s a big deal for him, and it could move him somewhere else. “ added Podkonický.