SOFIA - Today, 25 April, the Belgian men's team played its third match at the IIHF Worlds Division 2, Group B in Bulgaria's capital Sofia against opponent Chinese Taipei.
The Belgians had no trouble with their third opponent either. In the match against Chinese Taipei, Steyaert (#22/BEL) scored the first Belgian goal through Verelst (#17/BEL) in the 48th second of the match, surely a record time! In the third minute, Verelst (#17/BEL), assisted by De Croock (#8/BEL) and Piccart (#2/BEL), put the Belgians further ahead. When Gyesbreghs (#6/BEL) had to go to the sin bin for tripping, the opponent took full advantage of the powerplay, and Taipei managed to score a first counter-goal through Shen Yl (#10/TPE). However, Coolen (#3/BEL) ends the period with a third Belgian goal via Gentry (#9/BEL) and Gyesbreghs (#6/BEL).
The Belgians also started the second period with gusto. In the first minute, De Croock (#8/BEL) nets the puck through Verelst (#17/BEL) and Steyaert (#22/BEL). The Belgians are on a roll and widen the gap further this period through Henry (#15/BEL) and then De Smet (#19/BEL).
In the final period, the Belgians cash in on another powerplay. Yang Ch (#16/TPE) disappears to the penalty bench for hooking, Steyaert (#22/BEL) scores his second goal of the game on assists from De Croock (#18/BEL) and Henry (#15/BEL). With less than five minutes left in the game, Steyaert (#22/BEL) scores his third goal, managing a hattrick and cementing the score of the game.
Final score: BEL vs. TPE: 8-1 (3-0; 3-1; 2-0)
MVP Team BEL: Sam Verelst (#17/forward)
Match 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: 8-1
27/04 – 12:00 – NZL vs. BEL
28/04 – 19:00 – GEO vs. BEL