Lauris Dārziņš Photo: LHF
The head coach of the Latvian 3×3 U16 hockey team, Lauris Dārziņš, commented on the team’s first joint ice training in a conversation with the press service of the Latvian Hockey Federation (LHF).
“Thanks to the guys for the first training, they were very responsive. All new information was absorbed like sponges. You can feel that they are prepared, the season has also started. We had a very productive first meeting together. 3 on 3 hockey is a very interesting thing,” said Dārziņš.
“It’s something dynamic. Any sport in the world is, of course, dynamic. However, three against three is the epicenter of dynamics. In 45 seconds, you learn to be on the attack, on the defense, then back on the attack again. You cannot afford to “switch off” at any moment. It is, of course, a big load for the guys,” comments the former forward of the national team in reduced hockey squads.
“Game situations change very quickly. Hockey is an interesting sport in general. If one link is removed from the chain, your opponent will punish you for it. Of course, skating is very important. Without a head on our shoulders, we won’t do anything either. There will be skating, there will be head – there will be moments. How can we take advantage of the opportunities? Hands have to work. Therefore, equipment is also needed,” Dārziņš is confident.
In January next year, a three-on-three hockey tournament will be held for the first time at the Youth Olympics. The competition will be held in Gangwon, South Korea in the second half of January from 18 to 25. 11 outfield players and two goalkeepers will be allowed to apply for the 3 vs. 3 Youth Olympics.
Before the responsible tournament in January, the Latvian 3 vs. 3 national team will hold five joint ice trainings until the beginning of December – on October 9, 24 and 26, as well as on November 14 and 28. Later, two training camps are planned for the team led by Laura Dārziņa – from December 10 to 15, as well as from January 11 to 14. On the other hand, on January 15, the team will go to South Korea.
Dārziņas will be assisted by former Latvian national team forward Jānis Sprukts in his work with the Latvian 3-on-3 national hockey team. The opponents of the team led by Laura Dārziņa in the Youth Winter Olympics will be the national teams of Denmark, Austria, Poland, Kazakhstan, Great Britain, Spain and Taiwan.
Dārziņš will be assisted by Sprukts in his work in the 3×3 youth hockey team
