ISTANBUL - The national men's team played its third match at the IIHF Worlds in division 2B in Turkish Istanbul today, Thursday 20 April. The third opponent of the Belgians was Mexico.
In the first period it quickly becomes clear that the Belgians are the strongest team on the ice. Team Belgium constantly puts pressure on the Mexican goal and that yields results because in the ninth minute Vadim Gyesbreghs scores the first goal for Belgium, assisted by Sam Verelst, but shorthanded because Brent Bogaerts is serving a penalty for holding. Lowie Cuyaerts gets an opportunity to score the second goal but is stopped by goalie Toma Payro. Dries Blockx also has a chance to score, but Payro keeps his net safe again. Sam Verelst is successful in the twelfth minute. Ben Bogaert and Ben Coolen assist. Two minutes later, Rik Cuylen took advantage of a mistake in the Mexican defense and scored the third goal. Five minutes before the end of the period, Ben Coolen puts the four on the scoreboard.
With two Mexicans on the penalty bench, Team Belgium outclassed its opponent with the powerplay at the start of the second period. Barely after 35 seconds the fifth goal is scored. Again, Gyesbreghs who nets the puck. Alec James and Dries Blockx assist. In the second minute, the Mexicans can score for the first time through Tyler Chavez. Barely two minutes later, the Belgians retaliate. Alec James scores the sixth goal on a breakaway. The Mexicans try the same but are stopped by Jelle Lievens. In the second half of this period, the Belgians scored twice via Ben Van den Bogaert and Sandro Bosmans. Just before the end of the period, Mexico scores a second time.
In the third period, the Belgians continue widen the gap and eventually win with double digits against a much weaker Mexico. Dries Blockx, Ben Van den Bogaert and Sam Verelst terrorize the Mexican nets with results during this period.
Final score BEL vs. MEX: 11-2 (4-0; 4-2; 3-0) with goals from Vadim Gyesbreghs (2), Sam Verelst (2), Rik Cuylen, Ben Coolen, Alec James, Ben Van den Bogaert (2), Sandro Bosmans, Dries Blockx.
MVP Match Team Belgium: #17 Sam Verelst
Game Schedule
MON 17/04 – 12:00
NZL vs. BEL: 1-4
TUE 18/04 – 15:30
BEL vs. UAE: 3-4
THU 20/04 – 15:30
BEL vs. MEX: 11-2
FRI 21/04 – 19:00
TUR vs. BEL
SUN 23/04 – 15:30
BEL vs. BUL