Team Sweden captain Lias Andersson rocked the hockey world following his team’s 3-1 loss to the Canadians for all the wrong reasons. After receiving his silver medal in the postgame ceremony, Andersson proceeded to toss his new prize into the crowd.
Following the contest, Andersson explained his decision to the media and touched on his previous silver medal experience.
Fans have been critical of the 19-year-old, arguing that his action was a display of poor sportsmanship. Various hockey personalities came to his defence, however, by reminding the critics that the tournament is highly emotional and that Andersson is just a kid.
Montreal Canadiens captain Max Pacioretty even shared his two cents, stating that he loved it, and compared the situation to losing the Stanley Cup.
Andersson’s father, Niklas, was the next person to publicly touch on the incident. When asked about the toss, Niklas focused on Lias’ competitive edge.
The following is an excerpt from www.hockeysverige.se and was translated from Swedish to english.
Yes, what do you say about it? He was there to win. Then maybe he did not have to put it that way, but that was his feeling just then. I think he quite well explained how much he would win in his way. Then I cannot say I thought it was amazing to throw it up. He could have given it to someone besides maybe.
He then continued with:
I do not have a single medal up and I have no idea where my are. But I know how much he wanted this, like the captain and everything. There are many emotions you cannot really understand when you do not know the whole story. But that's him, a guy who wants to win everything he does, both on and off the ice.
Niklas participated in three World Junior Championships and understands the feeling of defeat. In 1989, he was a part of Sweden’s silver medal team. While he may have disagreed with his son’s exact actions, he at least acknowledged the frustration of failing to complete the ultimate goal.
Selected by the New Rangers with the seventh overall pick in the 2017 draft, it shouldn’t be long before Andersson is making an impact in the NHL. For his sake, hopefully disgruntled fans can forgive him in the coming years.
(H/T r/Hockey)
