Göteborg (from our reporter) – His dad, who during his career, including the playoffs, collected more than a magical thousand games in the NHL, will watch the key match of the tournament from the audience. After the end of his career, he lives in Ottawa, but he supported the Czech Republic. But now he makes an exception. “He has a Canadian jersey and cap. It might upset some people, but I think it’s understandable when his son is playing for Canada,” said Oliver Bonk.
Although he spent most of his life overseas, he is looking forward to the fight with the Czech team. “Especially on Adam Židlický, with whom I grew up. I’ll definitely say something to him in Czech just for fun, just like the other guys. Some may be shocked that I can do this,” chuckled the talented back, who was selected by Philadelphia in the first round at the 22nd place in the last draft.
The author of three assists in the tournament expects a very difficult duel. “The Czechs always play hard and fight well. Such an outsider’s mentality that tries to surprise,” he thought.
In the end, Canada will not miss the winger of the second formation Conor Geekie, who after eleven seconds of the final duel of the group sharply shot down Samuel Schindler, a student from Pilsen with German citizenship, for which he immediately went to the showers. “Obviously we thought it was clean because we play with him in the team. But we still had to accept the statement,” Bonk pointed out.
Geekie was also threatened with disciplinary action, which would have eliminated him for the quarterfinals, but the IIHF ultimately did not punish him. “The suspension in the match was justified but is considered sufficient,” the International Ice Hockey Federation said in a press release.
Former attacker and CT Sport expert Milan Antoš mentioned in his Břitva for Sport.cz that he expects an additional penalty. “He showed great foresight in youthful imprudence. He rebounded during a tackle on an opponent, it was dangerous. But Canada will push for him not to receive a penalty. He is stronger in negotiations than anyone else,” claimed Antoš.
Already during the game, his brother Morgan Geekie, who is six years older than him, who already plays for Boston in the NHL, complained about the exclusion of the Canadian forward. “I had no idea they were giving out penalties for hitting too hard,” X wrote on social media.
Czech defender Matěj Prčík, the toughest defensive player of the national team, also agreed with this opinion. “Well, it didn’t really occur to me that this was going to be a five-plus procedure until the end. The judges at the tournament are quite strict. But we won’t influence this,” the Vítkovice defender realized.
The Maple Leafs may still have to deal with one absence. A question mark hangs over the start of another key forward, Matthew Savoie, who missed the last duel due to an injury in the lower part of his body.
On Monday, he trained individually on the ice. “He looks fine, he was moving very well. We’ll see how it continues to develop,” Canadian coach Alan Letang said to the nine of last year’s draft. Whether the Buffalo striker, who just celebrated his 20th birthday on New Year’s Day, will play against the Czech Republic, will be decided on Tuesday morning.
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2024-01-02 06:19:00
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