In the last edition of the traditional tournament in 2019, Davos lost three times. This time they started a dream. 31 seconds later, Rappersville-Zona Lakers’ booster American Andrew Rowe made it 1-0. Leon Bristed made it 2:0 after 82 seconds. Both goals were hair-raising Canadian errors. In general, the defending champion initially reported major problems with the pace of the Grisons.
HCD also relied on goalkeeper Sandro Eschlimann. A day after his 28th birthday, he made several big saves and was named the best player in his team. In the 38th minute, Esgliman was fouled after Lugano striker Brett Connolly hit a shot from the blue line. The goal was in sight as the Canadians clearly dominated by the end of the middle period.
The second half was a good one for the Davosers. Despite having good chances, they couldn’t beat Canadian keeper Connor Hughes, who normally plays for Friborg-Kotteron. The final third ended 0:0 as the Canadians couldn’t get the puck past Eskiliman with the sixth fielder.
Davos celebrated their first win against Canada since 2014 when they won 2-1. The result was six consecutive defeats. Now, on Wednesday evening, the locals will face Sparta Prague, who defeated the Canadians 3-2 on Monday, in the “final match” for victory in the Doriani group. This equates to direct semi-final qualification.
Meanwhile, Canadians experienced the first negative category. The field of participants was increased to six teams, meaning that in 2010, they always won at least one of the two group games. Still, writing off North Americans is wrong. It is not for nothing that you have won a record 16 titles. They have always reached the final in the last five tournaments, winning the trophy four times.
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