– This means everything. The boys were completely confused in the booth. They probably don’t quite understand everything that has happened. This probably means the same as for Finland in 1995.
That’s what the Latvian assistant coach thinks Petteri Nummelin after the sensational WC bronze. The medal was Latvia’s first in the country’s history. Finland’s 1995 championship was the first.
– The group was persistent and believed in what we were doing. This one was very willing to work together. That’s why this result came. There were not only skilled individuals, but we really played as a team.
The competitions have attracted a lot of interest in Latvia. It was also visible in Tampere, as several thousand supporters arrived. The president of Latvia also arrived at the arena Egils Levit.
The president also visited the locker room to congratulate the team.
– We talked a little bit in English. It’s a great thing that such a big gentleman can get there.
– He said that we have brought the people what they want. It was great for him to see that we are in Tampere and in Finland, but looking into the stands after the game, I got the feeling that what country are we in.
The story continues after the video and pictures.
Nummelin could not yet say whether he will continue with the team.
– I told the team that this is a unique opportunity. You have to understand that the team will probably be together for the first and last time. Now we just have to enjoy, Nummelin chatted.
“I almost cried”
A striker known from the SM-liigaeura Jukurei Oskars Batna couldn’t find the words after the bronze medal.
– I have no words. I don’t know how to describe this feeling of being a part of this moment. Unbelievable.
Batna was touched by the medal. He also lavishly praised the Latvian supporters.
– This whole tournament they have been unreal. Big respect to them. We are a small and united nation, this is an incredible feeling.
– I almost cried, which I basically never do, Batna revealed.
Finally a medal
Latvian captain For Kaspars Daugavins the races were already the eleventh of his career.
– This is something special. This is just… the crowd and the whole thing: finally winning a medal. This is the history of Latvian ice hockey and we are a part of it. Amazing, he told Urheilu.
Daugavins emphasized that the team was united and believed in itself. He also highlighted the tough camp held by the coach. The players were physically fit in the most important moments.
– There were many games where the opponents were faster and more skilled, but we jumped in front of the pucks and struggled. And we got an award for it.
A medal for the fans
According to the captain, the infernal atmosphere created by Latvian fans in Tampere is only a small part of the truth.
– Probably the whole country was in front of the televisions today. This is special.
– In many years they have come and supported us, but we have not been able to give them anything other than the quarter-finals. Now we got this medal for our fans.
The defensive legend Petteri Nummelin, who coached Latvia, also played 15 times in the World Cup. Are you going to catch up with his reading?
– It’s a tough goal, especially at this age, but I’ll definitely try, the 35-year-old forward threw.
– Thanks to all the coaches. Petteri was a big part of the team with his experience, Daugavins praised.
Huge importance
Center forward Batna can’t say yet how the bronze medal is going to be celebrated.
– I have no ideas. This is the first time I’ve been in this kind of situation, so I’m probably going to freak out.
According to Batna, the importance of the bronze is huge for Latvia.
– Everyone came here because we have never been in this situation. This is a huge win. Not just for us, but for the whole country. We are one and united small country, but we are big at heart.