Latvian players emphasized the importance of the medal for the entire nation.
The Latvian players were naturally in awe of the country’s first men’s ice hockey World Cup medal.
Kehuja also came to Finland, because the team’s defender Ralfs Freibergs began to praise the team’s assistant coach Petteri Nummelinia.
– I have never had such a coach in the national team. He coaches us defenders and has been so positive. If someone made a mistake, he was always there to support. He is an incredible guy, Freibergs beamed with the bronze medal around his neck.
The team did not win a medal by chance. According to Freibergs, the Latvian national team did things clearly differently this year than before.
– We started preparing quite early. We ran a lot and did tests on the ice. The biggest thing was that no one complained or said that this was too tough, even though it was tough. We did extra and were a tight group.
Oskars Batna (right) was moved by the unity of Latvia seen during the World Cup tournament and the meaning of the medal. PASI LEISMA
“We celebrate a year”
Scored 14 power points in 57 matches in the SM league in Jukurei this season Oskars Batna highlighted the importance of the medal for the entire Latvian people.
– Throughout the tournament, our fans were unreal. I have great respect for how we are such a small but united nation. This is an incredible feeling. I almost cried, although I never cry, Batna said.
Something about the meaning of the medal is also said by the fact that the president of Latvia Egils Levits arrived in Tampere on Sunday and was present at the game. After winning the bronze medal, Levits walked into the Latvian locker room, escorted by security guards.
Freibergsin said Latvia has never won a medal in a major sport.
– We may be celebrating a year. I wouldn’t say this is a big day because we won this medal, but this is a big year, Freibergs beamed.
– Tomorrow we have a parade. We haven’t been in this situation before, so we’ll see how the party goes.