Disappointment, but no regrets. This is what emerged from the second leg of the Ice Hockey League quarter-finals, which Rowen Dragons lost sharply, Tuesday, December 14, against the wonderful Finnish team Tampere (4-0).
After the heroic first leg in Finland, where they managed to equalize (3-3), Al-Ruwaini could not complete this feat at the ice rink in Ile Lacroix, which is currently crowded. History: No French team has gone so far in the main competition of European hockey.
However, Fabrice Lineri’s players attacked the match as they finished the first leg a week earlier: uncomplicated. Admittedly, Tappara of Tampere dominated discussions, but the Dragon could count on the loyal Matija Pintaric in cages. The Slovenian goalkeeper fired 15 shots on goal after the Finns dominated the first third, during which the Dragons’ team had a chance, having found themselves in a marked numerical advantage.
Another killer period
The following period was less lenient, with Rowan firing a Kyle Platzer goal very quickly, but this time outnumbered. The relentless Finnish machine could then be played and gave Samuel Salonen a more consistent advantage for Tampere, ten-time national champion.
In the first leg, the Normans made up for the delay with two goals, but this time Tabara, tempted by the smell of the last square, resisted the few opposing attempts without pressing their eyelids.
At the end of the third quarter, the Finnish club will add two new goals, one by Frenchman Charles Bertrand – in a cage left empty by Bentaric to allow in an additional field player. The Dragon Gate finished the match with 48 passes, as opposed to his opponent’s 19, which is proof that the run was too high for Rowan.
The French champion will now be able to focus 100% on the Magnus League to try to win a new title, especially against the ambitious clubs of Grenoble and Angers. The seventeenth coronation will allow the Dragon to return to the Champions League next season, and try to push their limits even further.
The end of the match they would have given it all, driven by an exceptional crowd, but tonight Tappara was very strong. … https://t.co/2epq7vVpWQ
“Hipster-friendly tv trailblazer. Problem solver. Infuriatingly humble introvert. Reader. Student. Subtly charming bacon maven.”
More Stories
Tour de France | Kevin Vauquelin wins stage 2, Hugo Holley finishes ninth
Daniel Briere breaks down in front of reporters
“In the sixth round, we were looking for a Quebecer, but he was selected.”