Devout Christian Ben Blood scored two goals for the Pelicans in an extremely important victory in Tampere. The underdog Pelicans is now unexpectedly leading the semifinal series against Ilves.
Ben Blood was on a rampage on Thursday. Mika Kylmäniemi / AOP
Easter is the time of resurrection, and it can be seen that it is also in the puck bowl.
Pelicans cult player Ben Blood drifted into the middle of the commotion on Saturday, when he bumped Ilves’ captain Eemeli Suome, worthy of being sent off.
Blood, spared from suspension, blew up the bank in Tampere and scored two goals in Pelicans’ crucial 3–2 victory.
– I am grateful that Liiga made the right decision. I was also happy that Finland was in the lineup, Blood said.
The US quarterback is a very religious person. He was the first to thank his master for his great night.
– I honestly prayed that I could help the team and be a decisive player today. God answered my prayer!
A twist of fate
You can’t escape the thought that Blood’s goals had a touch of fate due to the events of last Saturday. This was already felt in the opening goal of the match he scored, and especially in the 3–2 hit of the final set, which decided the victory for the Pelicans.
– In the second goal, the puck bounced and landed on my shoulder. It was honestly a godsend, Blood thanked again.
In addition to Blood’s hits, in the third semi-final match, refereeing and speculation about ice fishing were once again talked about.
In particular, the jähy acquired by Finland, seen in the opening set, sparked comments on social media about a “dying swan”.
What did Blood think of this, when there was still a familiar figure involved from Saturday’s incident?
– I don’t want to participate in that game, Blood acknowledged briefly.
Pelicans’ victory in Tampere can be considered at least a small-scale Maundy Thursday Easter miracle, because Ilves was undeniably the more dominant team. However, the Pelicans were tight and efficient.
– We believed all along that we are a hungrier team.
The story continues after the picture.
At times, Blood also showed toughness in front of the goal. Mika Kylmäniemi / AOP
Last chance
Blood’s career in the SM League seemed to have ended in the spring of 2021, when they parted ways with Tappara.
To the surprise of many, the Pelicans decided to give Blood, who previously represented the bay club, another chance last November. Blood’s mainstay emerged again.
– God blessed me with this opportunity at the Pelicans. I feel good now, but there is still a lot of work to be done.
In addition to his toughness, the 34-year-old Blood’s cult fame has been created by his name. He is playfully known as “Blood Pen”.
– I love that name. If Finland loves it, I love it too. Me and my family are grateful to be here, Blood appreciated.
Blood also took a stand on the special match program of the semi-finals, where several matches are played consecutively in the same city. Now we want to play three games in a row in Tampere.
– There was definitely too much break between games. However, it is not in our hands.
– On the other hand, the body got a rest, but in the playoffs you want to stay in the rhythm of the game, Blood reminded.
The semi-final series between Ilves and Pelicans continues in Tampere on Saturday with the Lahti team winning 2–1.