Sherbrooke Phoenix goalkeeper Linards Feldbergs is back in training with his teammates. In recent weeks, he stood out as part of the Latvia team, his country of origin, during the World Junior Hockey Championship, which took place in Ottawa.
The Latvian team particularly stood out with an unexpected victory against Canada on December 27. During this match, the 19-year-old goalkeeper made an impressive 55 saves on a total of 57 shots on goal. He didn’t allow a goal during a long series of shootouts.
I watch videos of the penalties and highlights of the rest of the match. I am still proud of what we accomplished as a team and my performance.
This match represents quite a comeback, whereas last year, in Sweden, the Latvian team lost 10-0 against the Canadian players while Linards Feldbergs was in goal.
This year, I changed my style of play a little thanks to my goalkeeper coach in Sherbrooke, Olivier [Gervais]. […] I think it helped me play better than last year
says the young player to explain his progress.
Waist supports
The victory of the Latvian team against Canada was all the more special as the goalkeeper’s loved ones had traveled to Ottawa for the occasion, and they will take advantage of their trip to visit Canada.
It was incredible [de jouer devant eux]. After the game we skated around the ice and they were cheering us on
Lynard Feldberg points out.
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Relatives of Linards Feldbergs came from Latvia to see him play.
Photo: Courtesy of Linards Feldbergs
The hockey player was also able to count on the support of many Latvian fans, and even famous players, including goalie Carey Price, who congratulated him on X for his performance.
I got a lot of messages and saw Carey Price’s tweet. I was really happy. I also received messages from well-known players. For example, Elvis Merzlikins sent me some kind words.
After its match against Canada, Latvia lost to the United States and Finland, but defeated Germany in the preliminary round. The team ultimately lost to Sweden in the quarterfinals.
Faced with these results, Linards Feldbergs, who said having loved every second of the tournament
is hopeful for the coming seasons of the Latvian team. We are a fairly young team. The guys will have experience for the next few years
he exclaims.
Now I have to focus on the next half of the season [du Phoenix]!
