The match looked like going to overtime when Leksand’s Peter Cehlarik sent a puck that bounced and wobbled at a leisurely pace on the ice. Rifalk had plenty of time and prepared himself with the club. However, the puck bounced over the stick and into the goal for 1-2 for Leksand.
– It’s a loose puck from the red line that I would basically just play away a little quickly. Careless in that situation and don’t have the body behind, the puck bounces right in front. We end up in a bad place and lose all the points there, so it’s clear that it’s sour, says Christoffer Rifalk.
The contract extension was announced shortly before the launch
Teammates and leaders were quick to come and support Rifalk, who has not experienced anything like this in his career.
– It is perhaps the biggest mistake I have made in my career, but mistakes happen all the time and that is the charm of hockey as well. But of course it was careless of me.
Just before the match, Rögle had announced that they had extended Rifalk’s contract through the 2025-26 season.
– It was an even match with a snowy end. It should have gone to extra time, says Leksand’s coach David Printz.