Feb 17 • 21:33 UTC 🇱🇻 Latvia LSM

Hockey coach Vītoliņš: The team's self-sacrifice was at the highest level

Latvia's hockey coach Vītoliņš praised his team's performance and self-sacrifice during the tournament, despite acknowledging the challenges faced in their recent match against Sweden.

In a post-game reflection, Latvia's national hockey coach, Vītoliņš, expressed pride in his team's dedication, noting that their self-sacrifice had reached a remarkable level throughout the tournament. He mentioned that during the middle of the game, there was a window of opportunity when the Swedish team seemed hesitant and did not fully press their advantage, allowing Latvia to capitalize on counterattacks. Vītoliņš lauded the players for their effort and commitment, stating they fought until the very end in every match they played.

Uvis Balinskis, a defender for the Latvian national team, conveyed emotional feelings after the defeat, highlighting the promising performances of the younger players throughout the tournament. He emphasized that the young talents within the team are of top-notch caliber and have proven their worth, expressing confidence that Latvian hockey is in good hands for the future. Balinskis specifically praised 18-year-old Albert Šmits, indicating that he had been impressed by their first-time collaboration on the ice.

Forward Sandis Vilmanis, who made his Olympic debut at the age of 22, shared his gratitude for the opportunity to play in the Olympic tournament, emphasizing it as a significant milestone in his career. He highlighted the great experience it provided for the players, reinforcing the notion that Latvia's hockey program is capable of competing at higher levels. The reflections after the game paint a picture of a team that, despite setbacks, remains optimistic and committed to future success, with strong performances from both experienced and young athletes fueling their aspirations.

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