In the test match in Lausanne, the national hockey team of Latvia experienced an unconditional (1:5) defeat against Switzerland. Tomorrow the teams will compete in Kloten.
The game started in a completely equal battle, the hockey players did not create many dangerous attacks. In the first third, the Latvians had several opportunities to play in the majority, but the play did not really work out in them. Klotene “Flyers” striker Mark Marchon received a 5+20 minute disciplinary penalty for pushing Kristofer Bindulis into the sideline from the back, while the Swiss not only endured a long deficit, but Tanner Richards scored a goal in it.
The short-term effects of the intensive strength training this week were clearly visible in the second third, when the Swiss hockey players managed to beat the Latvians run away and beat Ivar Punnenova four times. Already in the 62nd second, Christofs Berchi broke through alone against the goalkeeper, then in the majority of the fight in front of the goal, Marko Lehmans poked the puck over the line (Harijs Vītoliņš requested a coach’s challenge at that moment), Sven Zenteler finished the attack in two against one defender with an accurate shot and made it 5-0 Loeffel.
In addition to the flurry of goals, Latvia had to deal with another injury, not only Bindul, but also Filip Bunci left the ice with the help of another.
In the final part of the game, the puck was thrown by Renars Krastenberg, who used a pass from Dan Lochmelis.
In the last act, Latvia’s goal was guarded by Āriks Vītols, who saved all six opponents’ shots.
Switzerland – Latvia 5:1 (1:0; 4:0; 0:1)
Goals: 17:01 Tanner (Fora, little.) 1:0, 21:02 K. Berchi (Egli, big.) 2:0, 28:05 Lehmann (big) 3:0, 31:47 Zenteler (Simions , Baragano) 4:0, 36:25 Löfel (K. Berchi) 5:0, 55:43 Krastenberg (Lochmelis, Ri. Bukarts) 5:1.
Shots on goal: 31-21 (9-4, 16-7, 6-10)
Penalty minutes: 35-12 (31-6, 0-4, 4-2)
Goalkeepers: Leonardo Genoni – Ivars Punnenovs (from 40:00 – Eriks Vitols).
