The oldest player in the Olympics got under the skin of the Canadian coach: “Oh, that annoys me!”
MILANO.
The oldest male ice hockey player’s national team career at the Milano-Cortina Olympics has come to an end.
France’s Pierre-Édouard Bellemare, 40, played his first and last Olympics. His final match was a playoff game, which Germany won 5-1.
– This was my last game. If I had wanted to keep this jersey, we would have had to advance to the quarter-finals. Mentally, the situation is quite tough, Bellemare said after the game according to NHL.
Bellemare scored both his first and last Olympic goal in the match. The shot was saved by Germany’s goalkeeper Philipp Grubauer. He was Bellemare’s teammate both in Colorado Avalanche and Seattle Kraken.
– Emotions surfaced when I squeezed Pierre-Édouard’s hand. I wanted to hug him. He is such a good player. He has had a fantastic career, but he is also an incredibly great person, Grubauer said.
– It was a pleasure to play against him. I played with him for a long time at the NHL level, and it was an honor to be his teammate. He is a true leader.
In his previous match, Bellemare’s France was crushed by Canada with a score of 2-10. Canada’s head coach Jon Cooper praised Bellemare without reservation at that time.
– This is his dream. What is he, 41 years old (note: 40), and still wins every damn faceoff. Oh, that annoys me! Cooper said, laughing.
– He is still in incredible shape, with heart in this business. [Macklin] Celebrini is 19 years old. It’s unbelievable that they are in the same game. Bellemare is a very stylish player.
Bellemare will play until the end of the season in the Swiss league Ajoiessa and then retire completely.
Jaakko Perttilä
X: @JaakkoPerttila
Read more
- Rasmus Ristolainen’s torment continues in the NHL – yet another terrible setback
- TPS star received a massive ban for biting – TS: Denies the accusations
- A terrible setback for SHL’s Finnish star in Sweden – a long sick leave is looming
- The league’s star defender received a suspension – the disciplinary committee dismissed the explanation
- IL: Jukka Jalonen’s new job was revealed
- IS: HIFK has signed the head coach of a competitor – negotiations are already advanced!
- Urheilucast: Jori Lehterä opened the door for the league’s championship favorite – this will decide everything!
- Lehtitieto: The Liiga club loses its point machine – a new club is already known!
- The Young Lions team announced – now the final performances are given before the World Championship selections
- Jussi Tapola steps aside from the Lions – an experienced name as a replacement