Latvia's 3x3 hockey team starts 8 Nations Cup with two wins
Latvia's 3x3 hockey team won its first two games at the 8 Nations Cup in Riga on Saturday, defeating Estonia 5-2 and Finland 10-6.
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The Latvian 3x3 hockey team began the 8 Nations Cup ("8 Nations Cup") tournament in Riga on Saturday, July 18, with two convincing victories.
In the opening match, after a ceremonial puck drop by basketball player Kristaps Porziņģis, Latvia beat Estonia 5-2. Later, they defeated Finland 10-6.
On Sunday, Latvia will face the Czech Republic, followed by the elimination stage. The squad includes Uvis Balinskis, Sandis Vilmanis, Eduards Tralmaks, Kristaps Zīle, Renārs Krastenbergs, Deniss Smirnovs, Roberts Mamčics, Patriks Zabusovs, and Frenks Razgals, along with goaltender Mareks Mitens. The head coach is Lauris Dārziņš.
Sunday's games at the Xiaomi Arena will run from 9:30 AM to 8:00 PM. The tournament is streamed live on the "24sport.app" platform.
Eight national teams are participating: Latvia, Finland, Sweden, Germany, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Hungary, and Estonia.
A 3x3 hockey game consists of three 7-minute periods. Each team has three skaters and a goaltender on the ice. Body checking is not allowed; penalties result in a penalty shot where the player goes one-on-one with the goaltender, while other opponents try to interfere.
Additionally, "Glove Off" ice fights are held during intermissions, featuring athletes from various countries. The fights consist of three one-minute rounds and follow tournament regulations.
