A 7am start for a 10am match saw the day begun with renewed optimism against Hungary. After reflecting on the previous days loss, new goals set the mood in the changeroom saw the energy return with squad excited to get underway and finish the tournament on a positive. The match kicked off and within the first 8 minutes Hungary asserted itself on the game with 4 quick goals. Despite the lead Great Britain fought hard to stem the onslaught and with limited opportunities to score ended the period 5-0
The mood in changeroom remained calm and positive and with determination Great Britain headed out. The second period was a very even match with Great Britain finding the form they had against Austria and after 10mins through an intercepted ball, Dexter Aldred scored to bring the score up to 5-1. A late penalty to Hungary saw a power play opportunity for Great Britain however a strong defence prevented any conversion. 5-1 at the final break.
The last period introduced the third line who valiantly defended against a surging Hungary. With fatigue setting in across the squad and the tournament end in sight the Great Britain took the opportunity to enjoy the final period competitively out performing Hungary with shots on goal 13-10 only prevented by their goal keeper with a 92% save percentage. At the final buzzer the scoreline read 8-2. Whilst finishing without the win they wanted Great Britain finished in high spirits having enjoyed the tournament and the experience of competing at the world cup level. Man of the match Finn Tibbert-Wykvliet.
Quote from head coach Jasper Sangen. It was a tough game, with a goal conceded right after the face-off. That made things difficult for us from the start. Still, we kept fighting until the final whistle, staying focused on the points we’d discussed as a team. All in all, while the result wasn’t what we’d hoped for, I’m proud of how the team kept battling for the win.
UKFF caught up with Coach Sangen at the end of the tournament.
UKFF: “How was your tournament and what was the highlight”
JS: “It was a tournament of ups and downs. We got off to a great start with a strong draw against Austria, backed by an outstanding performance from Sam Young in goal. The game against Estonia was another highlight, with the boys fighting hard throughout. For many players it was a special occasion, playing in front of a stand full of Estonian fans.
Not every game went the way we’d hoped. We had good periods in each match where we were genuinely competitive, but couldn’t quite convert that into results, nor maintain it throughout the game.”
UKFF: “What are your thoughts as we look forward to the next qualifiers?”
JS: “All in all, having seen the potential in this group of boys, there’s a clear path toward building a team capable of competing with the other sides in our qualification group. The players themselves are motivated after seeing the level of floorball across Europe, and I’m looking forward to starting the next cycle, with qualification already coming up next year.
Throughout the tournament, the support from fans in the stands lifted us, and we’re truly grateful for all of it!”
