07.06.2014 | Lucie Muzikova

Latvian inline celebrates staying in Division I. We play it only since 2008, reveals its father

People in his native country should be very grateful to certain Mr. Andris Antonevics, 42-year old general manager of Team Latvia and one of founders of inline hockey in Latvia. Many people might be surprised that it has happened quite recently. Inline hockey works in this country only since 2008.

What is your opinion on the progress of Team Latvia in this year´s championship?
We did not think we can get this far, so we are happy.

Do you like Pardubice? Where were you in the city?
I am here for the first time and on behalf of the whole team I must say we like it very much here. Pardubice is a beautiful city, it´s amazing.

What did you have on the agenda during Wednesday free day?
During the free day we had a two-hour workout, after which the players were resting.

What do you think about the organization of the tournament? Everything happens right?
The tournament organization is excellent. Everything is perfect, every one of the people in the stadium are trying to help you at any time. Everything is really cool. In addition, the whole area of the ČEZ Arena is really nice.

What objectives did you give yourselves before the tournament?
Our goal was to stay in the division to be able to play next year in Tampere. So as I said, we are very satisfied.

Inline hockey in Latvia is played for only a few years, is that true?
You are not mistaken. Inline hockey is played in our country only since 2008.

And how was inline hockey ever founded in Latvia?
I have to boast that the idea of inline hockey was brought to Latvia by me. First we played with the puck and complete equipment for ice hockey. After some time me and my colleagues gained new information and gradually also a special equipment for inline hockey.

Does Latvia have any inline hockey league?
Yes, we have one inline hockey league.

How many people play inline hockey in your country?
It is approximately two hundred players. Maybe a little more, but the number of active hockey players is around the two hundred.

Do you play in hockey rinks, or do you have special inline area?
We have two arenas, which are used during the summer specifically for inline hockey and ice covered in winter. And we also play there the league I have mentioned before.

How did you put your team together? How many players are really inline hockey players and how many classic hockey players?
All players in our team are primarily ice hockey players.

There is no scheduled game.