SOFIA - Today, April 23, the Belgian men's team played its second match at the IIHF World Championship Division 2, Group B in the Bulgarian capital Sofia. The opponent was hosting country Bulgaria.
The Belgians started their second match strongly. Barely a minute after the starting face-off, Blanchy (#23/BEL) scores Team Belgium's first goal. Espen (#4/BEL) delivers the assist. When Tchaliov (#18/BUL) lands on the penalty bench for tripping, our boys work the power play flawlessly. Blockx (#14/BEL) and James (#7/BEL) build it up, Gyesbreghs (#6/BEL) finishes. In the final minute of the first period, they again took full advantage of the powerplay. Dikov (#13/BUL) goes to the penalty bench for slashing, but the Bulgarian's penalty killing is ineffective as De Smet (#19/BEL) pops the puck past goalie Dimitrov (#1/BUL) on an assist from Neven (#21/BEL).
The Belgians start the second period with another powerplay, and it too is used effectively. Verelst (#17/BEL) scores on assists from James (#7/BEL) and Gyesbreghs (#6/BEL). Three minutes later, Verelst strikes again, this time on a pass from Ziarny (#24/BEL). For the Bulgarian coach the indication to make a goalie change. However, that does not prevent the Belgians from further widening the gap. Gyesbreghs (#6/BEL) and then Henry (#15/BEL) push the Belgians out to seven goals. Then, midway through the period, the Bulgarians' first rebuttal follows with a goal by Hodulov (#10/BUL). However, Boni (#5/BEL) quickly puts things in order and scores the eighth goal for the Belgians.
In the final period, Team Belgium continues its victory quest. Verelst (#17/BEL) scores again on the powerplay, while Gyesbreghs (#6/BEL) puts double digits on the scoreboard. Blockx (#14/BEL) scores the eleventh goal and sets the final score. A hard nut to crack for the home team, a step closer to the medal podium for the Belgians.
Final score: BEL vs. BUL: 11-1 (3-0; 5-1; 3-0)
MVP Team BEL: Vadim Gyesbreghs (#6/BEL/Team Captain)
Game Schedule
22/04 – 15:30 – BEL vs. TUR: 8-0
23/04 – 19:00 – BEL vs. BUL: 11-1
25/04 – 15:30 – BEL vs. TPE
27/04 – 12:00 – NZL vs. BEL
28/04 – 19:00 – GEO vs. BEL