Nino Niederreiter logically had a grudge against the referees and Joe Veleno, after the Canadian gave him a nasty kick during this game. This regrettable fact of the game, which finally turned against Graubünden, who was fined 2 minutes, ultimately had no consequences for the Swiss team. Victory against Canada (3-2) and 5th success in a row in Riga.
NINO NIEDERREITER (striker from Switzerland): The referees should have awarded us a 5 against 3 in the 1st period, but they did not use their whistle several times. At this level, we expect better striped men than that… Their job, I know, is not easy. The game is fast. But they should have been a little more careful. We fought well in this game, it’s a deserved victory. Our state of mind shows what kind of team we form. Hischier’s failed action, followed by the Canadian 3-2? It should be a lesson to us. At this level, it does not forgive. There is still a long way to go, we know that. We keep in mind the elimination in the quarterfinals of 2022, after 7 wins in a row.
TANNER RICHARD (Switzerland striker and son of ex-Canadian striker Mike): Playing Canada is more special for my family than it is for me. I feel Swiss and I’m proud to be here. It was a game like any other. It was still cool to face a great nation. I came to prove to myself that I can race at this level. I am undefeated against Canada in 2 matches at the World Cup (red: after the 3-2 success in extra time in 2017 in Paris)? Yes, but today we took the 3 points, so it’s better than 6 years ago. But the important thing is the next match against the Czechs, which I’m looking forward to. We still have details to improve. The referees? They can’t always be perfect. You have to accept it.
The Swiss supporters made an incredible racket
DARIO SIMION (striker from Switzerland): The whole team worked well. In our line (red: the 3rd, with Haas and Marco Miranda) we feel good, playing simple games and shooting as much as possible. I made good use of a rebound to score the 2-1, I’m very happy. It was special to play in front of so many Swiss supporters. They made an incredible noise. We play hockey to experience these kinds of emotions. I would like to thank everyone who made the trip.
GAËTAN HAAS (Switzerland striker): They were often forced to swing the puck in the back. Our defenders went to get them. It was a solid performance. There were still 2-3 hot situations where Leo made the saves. We will also need that later in the tournament. Joe Veleno’s gesture? The referees didn’t see it, because it’s rather an unusual foul. Nino then couldn’t suppress his emotions and took 2 minutes. During the power-break that followed the Canadian goal of 1-0, however, we said to ourselves that we had to calm down. Because since we had control of the game, we knew that it would end up turning in our favor. Hischier’s failed action at the end? If he puts it, it ends up on Youtube!
From Riga, Michaël Taillard
Read also: full card for Switzerland, which dominates Canada
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