Tappara made Rouen supporters dream this Tuesday evening at Île Lacroix. That of seeing the Dragons take off on new adventures in the Champions Hockey League. That of seeing the Dragons create again the exploit at home. But the Finns decided otherwise. The Rouennais lost 4-0 (Kyle Platzer 20’55, Samuel Salonen 23’29, Mikael Seppälä 56’37, Charles Bertrand 58’29) for this second leg of the quarter-final of the CHL. They are eliminated from the competition.
Ovationed despite the defeat
“Quarter-final, the first time we go, we are proud of our team. After a little disappointed because we lost but we are especially proud of our Dragons“Reacts Raphael. The Dragons were faced with stronger than them. On paper. And on the ice. Unlike the first leg (3-3 in Finland) where they had been opportunistic and had created chances, Fabrice Lhenry’s players struggled to exist this Tuesday evening.
For 40 minutes, the Dragons really have the level of play of this Tappara team. “We’re not gonna lie to each other, what sinned is that they were just superior to us“, analyzes Loïc Lampérier, one of the Rouen attackers, CHL’s best scorer for the Dragons this season (2 goals and 7 assists).”But if we manage to score first and make them doubt a little more, that could perhaps change the game a bit. There on the first two thirds, they were in comfort“, he adds.
“Already nostalgic for this course”
Despite the 4-0 defeat (Kyle Platzer 20’55, Samuel Salonen 23’29, Mikael Seppälä 56’37, Charles Bertrand 58’29), the Rouen should not be ashamed of their historic career in CHL this season. Never has a French team come so far. “We are already a little nostalgic for this course because it was great emotions to experience. And we hope to relive others this year“, adds Loïc Lampérier, one of the Rouen attackers.
– Charlotte coutard
To relive such a journey, Fabrice Lhenry’s players know what they have to do. Raise their level in the championship to titillate the first Grenoble. “We had a great adventure in CHL. We know what remains to be done. This CHL gave us high level experience, experience, detail that must be respected to be successful“, comments Fabrice Lhenry, the coach. The Rouennais are for the moment, fifth in the championship.