Belarus stays in the Top Division after an easy win against Slovenia

08 May 2011 | Henrik Lundqvist

Andrei Mikhalev scored three goals when Belarus beat Slovenia 7-1 in the last game of the Relation Round. Slovenia is sent back to Division 1.

The team who won the game would stay in the Elite pool and the loser would face relegation but it was never any question who would win.

"We didn't play really well all tournament, but we got a new chance tonight, and we won the game," said the Belarus captain Grabovski

Belarus outshot Slovenia 14-7 in the first period and had a 2-0 lead after 7:23. The final score was 7-1.

"Today, the team was playing really well. That's the way it should play to win. We did not allow the opponents to take control of the game", says the Belarusian coach Eduard Zankovets.

Andrei Mikhalov scored three goals tonight. Andrei Kostitsyn got two while Sergei Demagin and Andrei Stepanov scored a goal each.

Andrei Mezin in the Belarus net made 23 saves.

"What can I say? I congratulate the opponent to the victory", says Slovenia's coach Matjaz Kopitar. "They played better than us today - no doubt. They were faster, stronger and better in virtually all elements of the game. But, as I have said many times, I am proud of my guys, they did everything they could. We must look forward and try to come back to the strongest division as soon as possible, we need to develop the hockey in our country".