Ice Hockey: USA 5:6 RUSSIA

In Men’s ice hockey match Russia hands U.S. a loss that will be hard to get over- by only one second in the regulation

The Ice Arena in Khanty Mansiysk this evening on 1 April welcomed two strong ice hockey teams- Russia and USA. The arena was filled with loyal Russian supporters, a home advantage for Russia. In a very close, probably the best ice hockey match ever witnessed in the history of the Winter Deaflympics, Russia handed USA a loss by the score of 6-5.

Russia scored the last goal with only one second left in the regulation. USA scored first but Russia immediately came back to score even. Scoring was a see-saw until the very end. Both teams played offensively in the first period and USA eventually changed its strategy by playing more defensively in the second and third period, not wishing to grant Russia more goals. It simply did not work. Russia displayed sheer determination to score one more goal to avoid a tiebreaker which would force the match to continue beyond the regulation.

USA immediately asked the head referee to review the video to decide whether the final goal was valid. After waiting for the final decision for about 10 minutes, Russia was declared the winner of the match. USA will now play Finland in the bronze medal match. Russia’s last second goal guaranteed Russia for a gold medal match against Canada this Sunday the 5th of April.

Congratulations to all players on both teams for putting their hearts into the match. There can only be one winner! It is definitely the most exciting and close match ever in the Winter Deaflympics ice hockey competition.