Hockey: Coach Craig Ramsay evaluates the qualification to advance to the Olympic Games 2022 – SME.sk

BRATISLAVA. When the general manager Miroslav Šatan appointed him to the position of coach of the Slovak national hockey team four years ago, many fans remained surprised. What is this guy?

Craig Ramsay has had a solid career in the NHL. He started training right after her, and in 2004, the Tampa Bay Lightning team led to the Stanley Cup as an assistant coach. But was it a really good choice?

Today, the Canadian has won three world championships on the Slovak substitute (this year, after a long time, the Slovaks advanced to the quarterfinals), one Olympic tournament and just won the promotion to another, which extended his contract by a year.

Slovak hockey players defeated all opponents at the Olympic qualification tournament at home, but it was a surge on their nerves. For fans, players, and the Canadian coach, who celebrated his 70th birthday in March.

It was seen that he survived the matches intensively.

“I’ve been in this business for fifty years, but I’m still out of the question,” Ramsay sighed after the drama against Belarus.

Ramsay: It means a lot to me

At the end of the third period, the opponent recalled the goalkeeper, he needed to win in regular playing time, but Libor Hudáček sent the puck into the empty goal and adjusted to 2: 1.

However, the Belarusians did not give up. A moment later, another shot into the deserted goal missed the target, a television camera caught Ramsay grabbing his head.

“We could have led by two goals after all. After Hudáček’s goal, I had no idea that there was so much time left until the end. When I found out, I leaned towards Hriv (Marek Hrivík – editor’s note) to make sure that all the players are aware of that, “he described the exciting moments with a smile.

Ramsay was already coaching the Slovak team at the Winter Olympics in Pyongyang. In Beijing, however, it could be a different tournament – more prestigious, even with NHL players.

“I can’t even express what emotions I experienced and I experience. We managed to get Slovak hockey to the Olympic tournament, where the best teams will play, maybe the best players in the world. It means a lot to me.

Two years ago, we missed the last step in Košice to advance to the quarterfinals, but we did not manage it. In Bratislava it was the opposite. I’m very proud of the team, “Ramsay said, his voice feeling moved.

Not us, but them

From the beginning, the Belarusians challenged the Slovaks with a hard game, several interventions were on the border of the rules or even beyond it. Juraj Slafkovský had a hard time rising from the ice in the first period after the intervention of Sergei Sapego.

“After each whistle, we called the referees to each other and I explained to them that it was not we playing uncleanness, but them. Pospíšil did a great job. Not only was he unable to provoke, but he also encouraged others to keep their emotions under control.”

The most difficult moments were experienced by the Slovak substitute after the equalizing goal of the Belarusians at 1: 1. This was arranged by NHL player Yegor Sharangovic.

“The opponent added, the pressure intensified, we were nervous and they sensed it. But goalkeeper Konrád caught up well and the defense helped him. We took the initiative again and had more chances,” Ramsay added.

Satan: Ramsay stays until the World Cup

The qualifying tournament in Bratislava was also evaluated by the head of the hockey association and the general manager of the national team, Miroslav Šatan.

“Advancing to the Olympics means that we are still at the forefront. I am glad that the players have resisted the pressure and stress that this qualification has brought.

It was not easy to play such a tournament in August, it had many pitfalls, but we are glad that the players managed it and several of them will have the opportunity to play in the Olympic Games for the first time, “he said.

The captain of the world champions from Gothenburg revealed that on Sunday not only the future of Craig Ramsay was at stake, but also partly his.

“I think it would be stupid to look for a coach in March after the Olympics, the clause in the contract says that if you advance to the Olympics, the contract with Craig Ramsay is extended for another season. I’m glad we don’t have to look for a new coach or a general manager. , “Satan said.

They want the best in Beijing

In Bratislava, as well as in Riga, the team was attacked by forwards Peter Cehlárik and Marek Hrivík, who were joined by Libor Hudáček and goalkeeper Konrád.

According to Ramsay, other leaders included defenders Gernát and Čerešňák, and youngsters Slafkovský, Samuel Kňažko and Šim Nemec also took the place in the nomination.

“I am glad that new players’ personalities are growing for us,” Šatan said, also commenting on the issue of the Olympic nomination.

“I don’t know how the agreement between the NHL and the IOC will turn out in the end, this question is open, but of course we would like to have the best possible team there, and especially the players who contributed to this process.”