ST. GENDER | A player who takes two penalties in a row is extremely rare in a match without a future. Michael Hage was at the center of a very strange episode during the semi-final between Canada and the Czech Republic on Sunday night at the Grand Casino Arena.
When the second period ended with the score 2:2, Hage created a gap by taking the baton from the Czech player. Because Max Pshenicka interfered with his work, the referees gave him a penalty.
Hage rushed in front of Michal Orsulak and performed a magnificent feint on him. The Canadian prospect raised his left skate and pretended to hit a backhand before returning to his strong side. Orsulak seemed completely upset, but Hage tripped over Cerberus's stick and was unable to fire.
So the referees awarded Hage a second penalty… a penalty awarded after the penalty. Movie worthy Origin.
Hage then chose the same maneuver, a decision that sparked debate and led to an inconclusive result.
“I had an open network and I fell,” he explained. He bit so hard the first time that I thought it would be a good idea to do the same thing again.”
Unfortunately, this time Orsulak saw the attack coming.
“He read my intentions this time,” said Canada's No. 29, who continued to have a strong match.
We can always wonder if the game might have gone differently if Hage had taken one of the two penalties, but with And, we are going to Paris.
“I should have scored, but I didn't. It's difficult.”
