The Bob Hartley effect is making itself felt in Latvia today

It’s only bronze, and they didn’t win gold, some might say… But it goes much, much further than that. But why?

Simply because this is the first time they’ve even played for an IIHF medal. That’s no mean feat, and yourealize it when you see the images of the celebrations that took place in the country in the last few hours.

They committed a more or less “respectful” gesture by going to lay flowers in front of the American embassy in Riga… But hey. Once again, this is an important victory for the country, because it’s the first time it’s been able to taste a medal.

No, the scenario wouldn’t have been the same in Canada if our representatives had won the bronze medal. Nor is it after the Canadians’ victory over the Germans in the World Championship final.

But it’s not the same, for obvious reasons.

Obviously, when we think of Latvia, Bob Hartley’s name comes to mind. Let’s not forget that Hartley was Latvia’s head coach from 2016-17 to 2020-21… And since then, the Latvians have become competitive on the international scene.

Bob Hartley, in a way that only he knows the secret to, has been able to change the mentality of the players there. We know what a gift the former NHLer has for bringing an exemplary attitude to any field hockey organization, and it’s today that his work is bearing fruit.

Without shouting it out loud, I have a strong feeling that he played a big role in Latvia’s bronze-medal “conquest”.

And that’s something he can be damn proud of. Without him, maybe Latvia wouldn’t be where it is today…

And that’s something to be proud of.

In bursts

– I’d do the same.

– Interesting list.

– Golden Knights or Stars tonight?

Tune in at 19:00 for our pre-game preview! ⚔️⭐️ What’s your prediction? pic.twitter.com/rS0n9S0Apu

– TVA Sports (@TVASports) May 29, 2023

– Jonathan Sirois (Montreal CF) is on the MLS Team of the Week.

The squad balled out 🔥

📝: https://t.co/DqVDqEjFsT pic.twitter.com/DbcHjwba8y

– Major League Soccer (@MLS) May 29, 2023

– Well said.

Hernan Losada has always said that he prefers to look for a 2nd goal when his team leads 1-0 because a win gives 3 points while a draw is just 1 point.

For now, the strategy is paying off enough to get past Nancy and their Columbus 😅#CFMTL pic.twitter.com/kik9tYwunL

– Nilton Jorge (@NiltonJorge) May 29, 2023