Rihards Bukarts | Photo: Guntis Lazdāns/LHF
Latvian ice hockey team forwards Rihards Bukarts and Mārtiņš Dzierkals shared their impressions of the game against Norway in a conversation with LMT.
It has already been announced that the Latvian national team defeated the Norwegian national team 8-0 yesterday in the last test match before the world championship. Bukarts contributed to the success with three goals, while Dzierkals excelled with 1+1. Latvia was able to win, despite the fact that the match was defeated the day before with the result 0:1.
“We analyzed the mistakes, looked at the video. I think that it also became a little easier for us physically [nekā iepriekšējā spēlē]. The whole process was generally better – we were faster, stronger, more agile, which was also reflected in the result. We today we flew,” said Buckart.
“It's always nice to score even one goal, and even more three goals. I had never done it in the ranks of the national team, but it is special to do it on Latvian holidays, in a full arena, a match also, most likely, with several thousand people watching on TV screens. Thank you all for your support, happy holidays to all! It was a cool day. It's nice to score a goal, but if the team also wins, it's a double joy,” Bukarts was happy about the “hat-trick” and the national team's success.
“It is very pleasant to return to the national team, as if in front of special fans, family and friends. In the previous championship [kas bija pēdējā spēlē “Arēnā Rīga”] we beat Sweden, as the pleasant emotions from that game have been coming with us for some time. Winning 8-0 is a great joy for the spectators, players and coaches – we really enjoyed this game. You have to take all the good things with you!” said Dzierkals, the author of the second goal.