Moncton. It ended with a miraculous conversion against Finland and now the semi-final awaits.
But Tegan Jr. responded to another weak start – then Magnus Havild had enough and began to coach the players:
– Very negative in the first period and we’ll talk about it in the group, because we can’t stand it like that, says the captain of the national team.
In the group final against Canada, the junior crowns were completely outplayed and finished with an early 0-3 lead.
The score against Finland didn’t pan out, Finland scored 1-0 after three minutes, but Magnus Havild was really disappointed with his team’s run to the quarter-finals.
– I think there is a difference in the matches, against Canada there was a different pressure and today I felt it was very negative. We’ll talk about it in the group because we just can’t stand it like this. We are slow at both the level of decision-making and activity.
Magnus Hävelid opted to bench defense Calle Odelius and striker Jonathan Lecrimäki early on. Jacob Noreen and William Stromgren came in instead.
– We felt it right away at the beginning, we really started to get down to about three strings. We had to start with the whole gang, and both Stromgren and Noreen who come in do a great job, says Haflid.
Please avoid Canada
The Junior Crowns rallied in the game, but found themselves down 1–2 in the third period, a score that carried into the final minutes. Then Leo Carlsson equalized first and Victor Sternborg decided to play on the box when only 1.05 minutes remained.
– I wasn’t too worried in the third set, we had a good motivation in the set even though we ended up at a disadvantage. Then of course the Guardians are on our side with whatever happens in the end.
Now the semi-finals await and the opponent will be decided during the night:
– I don’t have a dream opponent. Now we just have to internalize this and build confidence.
But would you like to avoid Canada?
– yes. I can wait till the end. It’s okay, Haffield says.