Stepping it up in Sweden

With yesterday’s bitter loss still fresh in the boys’ minds we needed to regroup and refocus for a big test against group leaders TSV Lubeck Siems (GER). With an earlier kick-off than yesterday and a move to a gravel field the boys needed to be at their best from the opening whistle … and they were.

The intensity of the pre-game speech from both Alex and Chris had the boys fired and ready to go, and the Germans had few answers for what we threw at them. The first half was full of energy and hard tackles with neither team giving an inch. Both teams created scoring chances; with man of the match Hide Ozawa making some huge saves for the Hurricanes. At the other end, we came close with a couple of very near misses. However, as the half went on it became clear that this would be our day.

At half time the boys were so pumped that all the German side could do was look on in silence. They should have called it a Canadian win at that point. TSV Lubeck-Siems never troubled again. A well-worked play by Pelle Campbell and Shane Keepence drew a penalty, which was neatly converted by co-captain Jason Burr. Not more than 5 minutes later it was our other captain Derek De Groot’s turn to add his name to the score sheet with a nice turn and a precise finish to the side netting.

The final score stayed at 2-0, a big win that opens the group right up, and gives the Hurricanes an excellent chance of progressing to the knockout round.

Congratulations guys – keep it up!