REYKJAVIK - Another great thriller today, January 17, the second matchday for Team Belgium U20 at the DIV2B World Championships in the Icelandic capital Reykjavik. After the overtime defeat against China, the Belgians came onto the ice with determination to take on hosts Iceland. Not an easy task against the team with home advantage and the obvious supporters in the stands.
In the thirteenth minute, the host country takes the lead through Viggo HLYNSSON. Only halfway through the second period can the Belgians retaliate. Team Captain Rik CUYLEN sets up, Tijs VREYS finishes. And then an opportunity follows. Barely a minute later, Belgium is awarded a penalty shot. It's up to Tijs VREYS and he finishes efficiently. The Belgians are leading! However, Hakon MAGNUSSON puts the equalizer on the scoreboard in the 34th minute.
At the start of the last period, Lowie VREYS ends up in the penalty box for tripping. Iceland uses the power play to mark a third goal through Kristjan JOHANNESSON. Then, Lowie VREYS takes revenge and gives the impetus to brother Tijs for the equalizer. With five minutes left on the clock, Captain CUYLEN scores the fourth goal via Tijs VREYS. Looking for the equalizer, the Icelandic coach pulls his goalie for an extra player in the ultimate attempt to drag the game into overtime. However, the Icelanders lose the puck in the Belgian defense zone, with Tijs VREYS passing the puck to Rik CUYLEN who drills the puck into the empty Icelandic net with an effective long shot from behind the blue line. Final score: 5-3 (0-1-; 2-1; 3-1) with goals from Tijs Vreys (3) & Rik Cuylen (2).
“The players were driven. This match was therefore an incredible boost after yesterday's bitter loss,” said coach Gil Paelinck after the match.
Game Schedule Team Belgium U20
16.01 – 17h30: BEL vs. CHN: 3-4 OT
17.01 – 21h00: BEL vs. ISL: 5-3
19.01 – BEL vs. MEX
20.01 – TPE vs. BEL
22.01 – SRB vs. BEL