– This is a great victory for us. You will remember it for a long time, says striker Sondre Olden.

It was then that the Norwegian national ice hockey team sensationally and dramatically defeated Canada.

– He’s absolutely sick. An ice hockey sensation. There’s nothing else to say, I’m speechless, says Viaplay expert Alexander Bonsaksen.

– I really have to congratulate Norway for their efforts. What an effort. It’s very strong, says SVT Sports expert Håkan Loob.

The drama happened eleven seconds before full time in the third period with the score 2-1 for Norway. Then Lawson Crouse equalized at 2-2 and ensured “sudden death” in Riga.

Norway created several great chances in extra time, but in the end it all had to be decided on penalties. There, the Norwegian players kept a cool head and convincingly secured victory.

Norway scored on four of five possible attempts, while Canada missed twice. A real feat from the Norwegian team

It’s Norway’s first victory over Canada in 23 years. Canada is ranked second best national team in the world, just behind Finland. Norway is number 12 on the same list.

To the judge

Just before Canada’s 2-2 score, a controversial situation arose. Johannes Johannesen was tripped, but without the referees intervening. After the match, Norway national team coach Tobias Johansson was still angry about the situation.

– I’m still very angry with the judges. They are trying to steal the win from us today, but we are so strong mentally and are executing the game plan one hundred percent. We showed in these six matches that we could measure our strength with anyone, Johansson told Viaplay.

– They are completely crazy on the bench. I understand that they are very upset there, says expert SVT Loob.

Andreas Martinsen and Sondre Olden scored Norway’s goals in regulation time. Milan Lucic cut it to 2-1 for Canada before the game came to a dramatic end.

Not for the playoffs

Norway can’t reach the World Cup qualifiers this year, but victory over Canada opens the door to a strong final spot. With a victory over Slovakia in the last game, Norway’s ice warriors can move past 13th place in the previous two world championships.

Canada has already qualified for the playoffs.

Norway have been relatively good defensively with twelve losses in six games, but going forward things got worse. Seven goals were scored and three of them came in the first match. The game in extra time since the game against Kazakhstan (two goals out of two possible) was done without clear knowledge. More than 50 minutes have been played in games with an extra man on the ice.

Next year’s CM will take place in the Czech Republic with venues in Prague and Ostrava.