Lithuanian U18 Hockey Team coach Mario Durocher: Our goal is to win
Members of the Lithuanian national team came to Kaunas from Sweden, Switzerland, USA and other countries – almost all young hockey players defending our country are currently playing in foreign clubs. « For the first time on Monday, we all gathered, so the pace was a little slower – we paid a lot of attention to learning. Before and after workout, we watched the video, we explained the game system. Tuesday’s workout was really better – everyone was awakened, more energy. After the first two workouts with the team.
« In the coming days, playing, teamwork, overall understanding of the game. We have ten new players. They have already played in the Hungary International Four Team Tournament this February, so I know a little, but we need to understand our system – especially Forecheck and the game in the defense zone. athletes who will appear at Kaunas Ice Palace later this week.
The coach also hinted that a control match was scheduled for Wednesday to work with special situations: « We plan a friendly match against Japan and South Korea – we will focus on Power Play and Penalty Kill, but most importantly for me in defense. »
When asked about the leaders on the team, Durocher did not hesitate: « The team leaders will be the ones who have worked with me for the last two years. They know well what I want from them. And for new players, we try to get as soon as possible – we have provided them in a game scheme, we work with video analysis to be a hundred percent on Sunday. »
The impression is good – all the players gathered with a great desire to work, to show what the best can.
The coach also openly identified his goal: « I’m here to win. That’s why I was invited. We won silver with the U18 team two years ago, and now the tournament is going at home, although it will not be easy – France and Poland are strong hockey countries. We look forward to a high -level hockey – it will be interesting.
The team. Photo by organizers
Sim Baltrun: We all know his role
« The impression is good – all the players gathered with a great desire to work, show what we can best.
Speaking about the head coach M. Durocher and his system, S. Baltrūnas highlighted two cornerstone principles: « Basic accents – discipline and tactics. If we follow the discipline and play according to the tactical plan, I think we will really have a good result in the championship. »
According to the Lithuanian, every member of the coaching staff has a clear role: “Mario cuts the overall training planning and the vision of the game. Dovydas Kulevičius with Arthur Katulis helps him to implement it. The pitch values the situation and then adjusts the game plan, for example, after the first half, if I do, we show specific moments for players if necessary.
S. Baltrūnas also commented on the plan for the control team match against Japan. “First of all, we want to see what our composition looks like, what’s as much as possible in the attackers and defenders. We want to evaluate the athletic form of the goalkeepers. Of course, to see what the Japanese pay. These matches will help you check how the tactical tasks have been absorbed within two days, how the players fulfill them and what more adjusted, ”the team leader noted.
2025 The IIHF U18 World Hockey Championship Division I Group B Tournament will be held at Kaunas Ice Palace from April 13-19.
