Inner Mongolia team triumphs in youth ice hockey tournament

Players from Inner Mongolia and Jilin compete in the men's ice hockey youth group round-robin tournament of the 14th National Winter Games on Feb 18. [Photo/Grassland Media]

In the men's ice hockey youth group round-robin tournament of the 14th National Winter Games, which was held on Feb 18, the Inner Mongolia team secured victory in its debut match, defeating the Jilin team with a score of 5:2.

Playing on their home turf, the Inner Mongolia team displayed high morale, with player number 25, Zeng Zhuoyan, scoring the opening goal just five minutes into the game. Not to be outdone, the Jilin team swiftly responded with a goal of their own, leveling the score. Subsequently, both sides engaged in a back-and-forth battle, entering the third period with a 2-2 tie.

At the beginning of the third period, the Jilin team made several threatening shots that were all skillfully defused by the Inner Mongolia's goalkeeper, Li Yazhou.

With seamless coordination among teammates, the Inner Mongolia team netted two consecutive goals, gradually widening their advantage.

Players compete in the men's ice hockey youth group round-robin tournament on Feb 18. [Photo/Grassland Media]

In the final minute, forward Yin Zihan sealed the team's victory with a powerful shot, solidifying the final score at 5:2.

Zeng Zhuoyan, the young Inner Mongolia player who scored two goals in his National Winter Games debut, expressed satisfaction with his performance. He stated, "This was the first match for our Inner Mongolia team. We all wanted to perform well. I believe we played to our potential and quickly found our rhythm."

Coach Wang Dahai of the Inner Mongolia team expressed in a post-match interview that winning the debut match was a positive start for the team.

He hopes that the players will maintain their form and strive for even better results in the upcoming matches.

An Inner Mongolia player cheers for his team's victory in the men's ice hockey youth group round-robin tournament on Feb 18. [Photo/Grassland Media]