Jaromir Jagr
Jagr helps Russia win Euro Hockey Tour title
Published 17 April, 2009, 17:56
A brilliant performance by Czech Jaromir Jagr lifted his team past Sweden in the European Hockey Tour clash against Sweden and helped Russia win the title for the second consecutive year.
Jaromir Jagr scored a power-play goal with 5:06 minutes left before the final whistle, giving the Czech Republic a 2-1 victory over Sweden in the first round of the Ceska Pojistovna Cup on Thursday.
The Czech forward also set up Petr Cajanek's opening goal for the host nation in the middle of the second period.
In other action, Hannes Hyvonen scored twice as Finland beat Russia 4-2 in the other opening-round game in Finland. The Finns came back from a 2-1 deficit with three goals in the final period.
However, the Russians, who were playing without their leaders, had no regrets as the loss by Sweden to the Czechs secured their overall victory.
The Euro Hockey Tour is an annual ice hockey tournament open only to the national men's teams of the Czech Republic, Finland, Russia and Sweden. The tour consists of four stages, held one after the other in Finland, Russia, Sweden and the Czech Republic.
Most teams use the competition as preparation for the World Championships or Olympics, allowing less experienced players to collect valuable ice time in their national colors.
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