Globe Arena in Stockholm, Sweden
The first back-to-back games in the new format of the Euro Hockey Tour (EHT) were played this weekend and here are the results:
Sweden – Finland
The first game between the two nordic rivals were played in Västerås Sweden. Sadly, it ended with an ice-fiasco. The game had to be abandoned two minutes in into the second period due to ice problems. This is not the first time it happens on swedish ice. A game between Norway and Sweden had similar problems in April last year and in the Champions Hockey League semifinal in Gothenburg between Frölunda and Kärpät the game had to be paused for a long time because of the ice. The problem arises when new ads are placed under the ice. For some reason the new layer of ice above the ads cracks. Talk about hot advertising! Anyway, when the game was abandoned Finland was in a 1-0 lead and that also became the final result.
In the second game, which was played in Globe Arena, Stockholm, the ice held and we could enjoy some exciting ice hockey. 18:11 into the first period Finland took a 0-1 lead, however, 37 seconds later the score was 2-1 in favour of Sweden. That’s hockey.. In the second period Sweden could make it 3-1 while Finland managed to reduce the lead to 3-2 which also became the end result after a scoreless third period.
Czech Republic – Russia
Czech Republic is the host of the 2015 IIHF World Championships this May and are looking to fine-sharp some details in their game. So far they haven’t directly shined in the EHT with a fourth place. However, EHT is one thing, the world championships another. Last time Czech Republic won the gold medal was in 2010 and before that 2005. In the 2006 Torino Olympics they got the bronze medal.
This weekend the Czechs managed to get two consecutive wins against Russia. The first win was a clear 3-0 while the second game was tighter: Czech Republic got an early 2-0 lead in the first period, but the Russians came back in a hurry making it 2-2. In the second period the Czechs could once again take the lead. In the beginning of the third period Russia tied the game again making it 3-3. With four minutes to go Czech Republic was awarded a Penalty Shot on which Svacina made no mistake, making it 4-3 to Czech Republic which also became the end result.
Next round in April
The next games of the tour is played in Finland and Sweden between Finland-Russia and Sweden-Czech Republic.
