Christopher Refalk lost his goalkeeper mask and had to throw himself into a panic for the shot.
According to the rulebook, referees must not whistle the goalkeeper if the goalkeeper has lost his helmet and there is a clear chance of scoring.
– If the referees have time to realize that, I think there are more important things in the world than goal chance and rules, says the Rögle goalkeeper.
Patrick Noreen made it 1-0 to Lexand in the middle of the first half with a shot.
Christopher Rivalk Teammate Michael Capla took off his helmet and ducked it to protect himself instead of saving the disc.
– I looked up and then the shot was halfway, I had absolutely no control and then it just became a reaction to trying to get something as protection. I couldn’t defend myself. Only then do you get scared, it was bad but this time it went just fine. It makes you humble about what you do when it’s so close to getting really bad. It’s all going well now, so you should try not to think too much about it, says Christopher Rivalk.
Lexand defender Patrick Noren was remorseful and sought the Rögle goalkeeper afterwards.
– He apologized and said he did not see that the helmet had been taken off, and was relieved that he explained his perception of the situation. That was wonderful of him. I obviously don’t think he’d go and fire a bullet if he saw me lying there without a helmet, says Christopher Rivalk.
‘They deserve to be done wrong’
According to the SHL and NHL rulebook and internationally, referees must not blow the whistle until goal placement is over.
Something that Christopher Rivalk criticizes and invites a discussion about.
At a time like this, I find it useful for referees to make mistakes, if they have the opportunity to realize what is happening. It’s one thing if I had been in control of the situation and stood when a bullet came in, because then I wouldn’t have been in such a weak position. I don’t know if you have to follow the rules if there is a risk of serious injury. You should review the rules or at least create a discussion about them. Because it’s unnecessary for something really serious to happen before you do something about it, that way it’s probably a good idea to create a discussion now to prevent something from happening, says Christopher Rivalk.
On the way over the table
Rögle, who had a rough start in the SHL, finally won 7-3 at home in Angelholm, and Leksand came with the best points in the league and five straight wins.
It was a tough match and an event full of events between two attacking teams and where Rogel scored seven different goals.
– It’s very important for us as a team to feel that once we start playing we are really skilled, rather than getting nervous and throwing pucks away. Christopher Rivalk says that scoring seven goals is also positive for self-confidence.
Meet again in a quarter of an hour
Now he awaits a double meeting with Oskarshamn, away on Thursday evening and at home on Saturday evening.
Another player playing opposition is starting to turn into a rival meeting in southern Sweden after the SC quarter-finals last season.
Rögle won 4-3 matches after leading Rögle 3-2 in matches and the sixth match at home.
– Both teams want revenge. They’re not happy that we kicked them out and we’re not happy with the way we played in that series. It will be interesting to meet them again. There will be tough matches, there are two teams with many skilled and smart players who play hockey well. It’s more about us than daring and working harder than them, says Christopher Rivalk.
The 26-year-old from Calix became a major qualifying champion for Oskarshamn in promotion to SHL 2019.
