Game 1 versus Italy

We always knew we would be up against it facing Italy in game 1 who are one of the favourites for the title. Having seen France and USA have big wins this morning the team were determined not to be apart of the same conversation. Ireland got off to a solid start holding Italy off until mid-way through the first period, however Italy then found their groove to shoot to a 8-0 lead at half-time. In typical Irish spirit the boys came out focused in the second period however failed to capitalise as Italy skated away with a 12-0 win. Aside from the scoreline there are plenty of positives to take into game 2; the team got better as the game went on & got a decent number of shots on net (24).

We caught up with Zac and Alec yesterday to discuss the teams preparation over the last 2 years and some inside details into life in the camp in Barcelona. 

NAMIBIA

Placement at 2018 World Championships: 9th

A number of players from both Ireland and Namibia faced each other at Sparta Cup 2018 in what was a tight affair, we are looking forward to more of the same tomorrow.

Roster: 

BARTSCH STEFAN (NM)

REVIGLIO NICOLA (NM)

COETZEE JOHANNES CHRISTIAAN

ROTTCHER AMANDUS

LIECHTI SEAN

LAPORTE PABLO

FINKELDEY MAX

WIRTZ ALEX

BACHER RUBEN

DIEKMANN HENRIK JENS

EPLER NICO

GILCHRIST LIAM

LUCKS ANKO DIETER

SKOLNIC MICAH

HOW TO FOLLOW

Where: CEM Horta

Face-off time: 9 AM local (8 AM Irish)

Unfortunately there looks to be no stream of the early rounds in the Junior Men competition, if this change we will of course share.

Live Stats: http://www.inlinehockey.wrg2019.com/league/18

Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/inlinehockeyireland/