This match was straightforward; win and you’re playing in the A Pool in 2019. Both teams came from different directions; Haiti was the most productive team in the B Pool and Italy finished at the bottom of the A Pool bracket but also have an experienced team in which some players have played in at least five World Championships.
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This one was simple; win and you’re assured a spot in the A Pool in 2019!
Fans that appreciate the virtues of two defensive teams doing battle were treated to excellent hockey in the first period. Both teams traded penalties and focused themselves on the defensive side of the ball. Incredibly, neither team was able to force a shot in the first period!
Italy came out with adjustments in the 2nd and started pressing Haiti in their zone. Haiti was forced to take a penalty and Tanner Pengendam found a back of the net for the power play ice breaker. Morne came within inches of tying it minutes later for Haiti when he ripped a shot off the post, but that’s as close as they would come in the 2nd.
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Fans of defensive hockey were treated a high quality defensive battle!
Both teams traded chances early in the 3rd. Haiti took another penalty and Italy took advantage again, notching it’s second on the power play with Alberto Fiore managing to get himself free from behind the goal line to put Italy up 2-0. Haiti continued to show why conditioning plays a critical factor at the elite level, as they were relentless with the forecheck but Italy’s defence was up to the task. They would go on to the win 2-0 and face Finland tomorrow for the right to 9th place!