The one and only. Hardy´s first ever WC game ends in a French fairytale

It was supposed to be a one-sided game with predictable outcome. Everything was in place for Team Russia to continue their good start to the tournament with another victory, but it was not to be as Team France shocked the whole hockey world and celebrated a 2-1 victory.

“It is very difficult to put my feelings into words right now,” said 28-year old Hardy right after the game. “I knew we were up there against the best team in the world. Then I looked up at the scoreboard five minutes before the end and realized we can beat them! It is a great feeling.”

Both teams lined up their third goalkeepers for the game as Team Russia opted for Vasili Koshechkin. However, while France played with a lot of enthusiasm and energy, Russia lacked almost everything, including the cutting edge in front of the net.

“When you are Team Russia and you are not leading against France, you become frustrated and try to solve things individually. That’s not how team sport works, though,” claimed Yohann Auvitu, leading French defenseman wearing the jersey of Finnish side JYP Jyvaskyla.

“France never beat Russia at the World Championship so it is a great feeling. Let’s be realistic. We had no idea we would be able to beat World Champions and a huge hockey nation. But we came here without pressure and that might have been a key to success,” explained Auvitu.

Head coach of Team France Dave Henderson claimed that this was the game when David eventually beat the Goliath, but Auvitu and his teammates look determined not to get carried away by what may be the proudest moment of French hockey history.

“We will enjoy the victory, but it would be stupid to screw everything now just because we beat Team Russia. You come here with a wish of reaching quarterfinals. We have to get back to work and prepare for our remaining two games on Monday and Tuesday. We will all be on holiday in one or two weeks, so why screw it now?”

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