EuroHockey Club Challenge III Men (Vilnius, Lithuania)
Sostines Žuvedra and HK Lipovci (pictured together above) swept to victory in the twin men’s EuroHockey Club Challenge III finals in Vilnius as they got the best of FHC Slavia 1921 and HT 85, respectively.
Hosts Sostines Žuvedra won the first of the two finals in some style as they defeated FHC Slavia 1921 7-2 to give Lithuanian the first promotion spot on offer,
They built a 5-0 first half lead with the goals shared between Danielus Petkević, Povilas Lakštauskas, Darius Lopato, Kyrylo Obykhod and Arnas Česnulis.
Slavia did pull back two goals in Q3 but they never got in range of a famous comeback and so the Lithuanian hosts were able to start the celebrations.
“We are extremely happy with the team’s achievement and the final victory,” said Povilas Lakštauskas who is also the club president in addition to his playing role.
“It was a very special experience not only for the players, but also for the entire organising team. Throughout the tournament there was a fantastic atmosphere, full of great emotions, and it was a real honour for us to host international teams and be part of the EuroHockey event.
“We believe this tournament created many unforgettable memories for all participants and spectators. We are also very grateful to the Vilnius City Municipality for their support and contribution to the event.
“In addition, we would like to thank the entire Sostinės Žuvėdra community in our capital city, who took initiative and worked incredibly hard to help organise every aspect of the tournament. Without their support, an event like this would not have been possible.”
Slovenia’s HK Lipovci were next to earn their medal and promotion for their country as they defeated Finland’s HT 85 2-0.
Both the goals came in the minutes either side of the third quarter break with Luka Vegič and player of the tournament Marcel Stanko scoring in quick succession to grab the unassailable lead.
They had missed a stroke in the first half but Vegič made no mistake from their second effort from the spot to break the deadlock.
“We are proud that we’ve won Eurohockey Challenge III,” said captain Blaž Berden. “Last year we lost in the final, and we have been building and working hard throughout the whole season for this moment. This victory means a lot to our team, club and the supporters, and it is proof that hard work really pays off.”
Earlier in the morning, MASK won their ranking battle with Warriors 6-3 with a strong second half showing, transforming a 2-2 half-time scoreline with Zarq Shamshir Rathore netting twice.
Player of the tournament: Marcel Stanko (HK Lipovci)
Top goalscorer: Paramprit Gill (Warriors HC)
Best goalkeeper: Georgi Todorov (The Wolves)
Final rankings:
1= Sostines Žuvedra (LTU)
1= HK Lipovci (SLO)
3= FHC Slavia 1921 (BUL)
3= HT 85 (FIN)
5. Mortensrud-Aker SK (NOR)
6. HC The Wolves (BUL)
7. Warriors HC (FIN)
