The ice hockey world championships are off to a good start for Norway’s national team. After winning Saturday’s opening match in Minsk in Belarus, the Norwegians won again on Sunday afternoon, even though they’re lacking some of their top players.
“We have to be desperate to manage this,” Norway’s coach, Roy Johansen, told newspaper Aftenposten just before the world championships began. Desperate or not, his team beat Italy in their debut on Saturday by a score of 3-0, an important opening result.
On Sunday, the Norwegians came behind and ended up beating Denmark by a score of 4-2. Scoring by Jonas Holøs, Ken-Andre Olimb and Mats Trygg gave the Norwegians their edge, as Mathis Olimb had the day before. If the winning streak continues, Norway can be part of the battle for a spot in the quarter-finals.
It’s a relief given the absence of star players including Mats Zuccarello, who’s been busy with NHL finals in the US, where he plays for the New York Rangers. “This is a whole new team that’s here in Minsk,” Johansen said, noting that added to the uncertainty heading into the championships.
They were doing well as of Sunday. Norway’s next match was scheduled for Tuesday, against Sweden, the reigning world champions.
newsinenglish.no staff
