2024-04-11 18:01:03
“It’s nice to live in the memories of the bronze medal, but we don’t have any reserves and we’re starting from scratch. We know that all opponents will definitely play more seriously against us,” said Vītoliņš in the “Morning Panorama” program. “The same Swedes did not take it seriously, they thought that they would simply pass over us. This time, the Swedes want to prepare very well for this world championship and not make the mistakes they made in the last three years, not being among the medalists.”
The head coach of the national team stated that roles will not be strictly assigned to each player in the team, and everyone should be ready to do menial and ungrateful work in the interests of the team.
“We are not such a good team to allow division – you will only score goals, you will only play in the majority, you – only in the minority. Everyone will have to do everything here,” emphasized Vītoliņš. “You have to understand where you are. Maybe it’s difficult to maintain such dedication over a long period of time, but the World Championship is a short tournament – a maximum of ten games. If you’re really in the right mood, you can do it. We proved that [pagājušajā gadā], that everything is possible, so there will be no discount. The demands will be high and the guys have to understand that we have to work hard to achieve something.”
As you know, last week the Latvian national team started preparing for the world championship with two test matches at home against Austria. In both matches, the Latvian team, which also included several reserve players and US university hockey players, was superior with 3:2 in the post-game shootout.
As Vītoliņš pointed out, no new players are expected to join the national team this week, although defenders Jānis Jakas and Kristaps Zīles ended their season in the Czech Republic last weekend. The players still need about a week of various formalities in the team, but next week it will be clear which players will join the national team in the near future.
The Latvian national team is scheduled to play six games at home and two away this spring. After the battles with Austria on April 10 and 11, the Latvian ice hockey players will meet with Finland on April 10 and 11, and with Norway on May 3 and 4.
On the other hand, away games with Switzerland will be held on April 26 and 27.
In the Latvian national team, the head coach Harijs Vītoliņš is assisted by coaches Lauris Dārziņš, Artūrs Irbe, Petri Nummelins, Ville Peltonens, Raimonds Vilkoits, video coach Pēteris Groms and physical training specialist Āriks Visockis.
The Latvian national team will go to the world championship in the Czech Republic on May 9.
The 2024 championship will take place in Prague and Ostrava from May 10 to 26.
2024-04-11 18:01:03