WC: Division 1B 2025., Tallin 26.04 - 2.05.
- Thread starter bv29
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There was only one China - Spain match - it finished 8-4 (the same one that was likely 7-4).
Estonia's first line today was Burkov-Rooba-Timofejev. Super fun to watch, but no points today from them other than 1 Rooba penalty shot goal.
SoundAndFury
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Croatia the only team that chose not to come to Estonia early and get some local ice time - it's tough to call between Spain and Croatia at the moment for the relegation place. As for promotion, the warm up matches have shown that Estonia, Lithuania and South Korea seem pretty evenly matched, but I think the Koreans might have a little bit more to offer once the tournament starts.
Declined, since he needs to heal his shoulder that bugs him. Too bad, he is our best transitional defender
SoundAndFury
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Korea couldn't beat us thrice we played each other in 1A in 2019, 2022 and 2023. They got one win in theory because we pulled the goalie with the game tied 1-1 needing a regulation win and they scored an ENG. So our "real" recent record against them is 2 wins and a draw. And that was with Dalton still in goal so I actually think they are the weakest team of the three. Their forwards are great but defense and especially goaltending are flat out poor for this level.
Of course, all 3 teams are still very close. Like our record against Estonia is perfect altogether but it doesn't count for much.
No Katić for Croatia is a big blow.
I'm not that optimistic for staying up this year.
I'm not that optimistic for staying up this year.
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Vukadin missing is also a big blow, especially since Katic is not here. He is a good PMD and very good skater. Alongside B.Idžan we are missing three players who would excelled in counter-attacks since it is to expect that we will be on defensive side in most of the games.
I see this year as (semi)transitional one. We must hope Sisak is going to professionalize next wave of croatian players and by this time next year we will have mostly pro NT.
I see this year as (semi)transitional one. We must hope Sisak is going to professionalize next wave of croatian players and by this time next year we will have mostly pro NT.
SoundAndFury
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Our top 2 goalies - Armalis and Faustas Nauseda - are out and needless to say an enormous blow to our chances to achieve anything of note. Easily makes this the worst Lithuanian NT since I don't even remember when. The last 10 years easily.
ozo
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I remember seeing Hrvoje Zovko few years ago and was expecting him to be WCH player in few years. Tin Alic was on that same team, but was far less impressed about him. Few years can make difference.No Katić for Croatia is a big blow.
I'm not that optimistic for staying up this year.
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I´m asking because I don´t know, but are the local players in Sisak full time pros. Because I´m doubtful, but not that familiar with the league.
Just recently read interview of Teppo Kivelä (Head) and Jorma Valtonen (Goaltending) of Gherdina told that Italians of the team either work or study along with hockey.
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Some of them are studying part-time/online (don't know proper word in English), but all of Alps regulars are full-time pro. Defender Patrik Dobrić confirmed that in interview for croatian TV.
SoundAndFury
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SoundAndFury
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I think it's just inevitable in this kind of league. If you have enough money to ice a fully professional team you can play in the ICEHL. The league like Alps, guys will inevitably want to make more than the minimum salary as they get older. Because you are locked in for a certain salary and getting a raise is just not an option like in a usual company. For the import spots you can find guys who just travel around playing hockey for the love of the game but with local guys they will either find jobs or retire. And obviously Sisak would so much rather see them do anything else but retire.
If I had to guess, I think that's what Dobric had in mind - that players don't need to struggle for survival because they receive a salary to be fully professional if they choose to. And it makes perfect sense coming from a 23-year-old who probably didn't even think he would have an option to turn pro in his life. But when you turn 27-28, you want to start a family, buy a living property, etc., sitting around and doing nothing between the games/practices just because you can because you get paid 1000 euros a month, becomes not such an attractive proposition.
HungryFrank
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ah yes, eternal discussion about who's pro and who's not
if you ever want to make friends on stands of Italian Alps teams, just say how Austrians are full pros!Gardena is special so I wouldn't rely on them much. In general, there are many full pros and players of other teams are primarily hockey players, even if they work on the side it is "minor income". Stronger the team, higher the pro percentage. For example, there is massive difference between Zell am See and Bregenzerwald.
SoundAndFury
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Also the cheaper the country, the bigger advantage it has, objectively. So a team like Sisak, based in a pretty unremarkable, modestly sized Croatian town (with all due respect), has many advantages over a team in a ski resort like Zell am See if they operate on the same budget.
It obviously makes it so it's easier for Zell am See to have a bigger budget but still, you get my point.
Yeah I was just wondering where in the spectrum AlpsHL is because I had no full picture. I have know people who have played in "exotic" leagues as pro. Group housing, few cars for the group, somekind of dinner deal and minimum salary to survive. Great experience and yes professional, but at the same time illusion of professionalism. And I agree with you and HungryFrank many things factor in here.
HungryFrank
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after roster releases, let's have some fun:
1. Korea
2. Estonia
3. Lithuania
4. China
5. Spain
6. Croatia
1. Korea
2. Estonia
3. Lithuania
4. China
5. Spain
6. Croatia
SoundAndFury
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I would agree with this but favor Estonia over Korea. I just really believe this is their year. And I really don't believe in Korea much at any point but pre-tournament friendlies did them no favors either in that regard.
SoundAndFury
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This reffing is f***ing ridiculous. I wouldn't care if the game wasn't this close (which is our fault) but the refs are wearing China jerseys under the stripes, it feels.
SoundAndFury
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Well, Lubys redemption arc is picking up steam. Otherwise, 1 goal on 36 shots and terrible penalties, sad game.
