Peter Stastny delighted with the performance of his son Yan
02 May 2011 | Martin Zilincik
The first game of team USA was viewed by more than 5000 visitors. The favourite took the game without any problems and won 5:1 . One of the goals was scored by Yan Stastny, son of living legend Peter Stastny who was also at the match.
"I really fancied the way USA played. Mainly because it was the first game and as it goes these matches are always difficult for the favourite teams. The game begins at 0:0 so both teams have motivation."
USA gained a lead 2:0 quite swiftly, but first the goal by Austria had enormously boosting effect. That was the time for Yan to tally and bury opponent’s hopes for a good result. "Exactly. His goal brought Austrians to their knees and gave the energy to leading team. What I liked more was the uncompromising way he scored the goal. If the puck doesn’t go into the net you should try it twice or thrice. It is essential. And that’s what Yan did today."
The only fact that made the legend blue is that his second son Paul is not playing in this championship. "I was always looking forward to seeing my sons playing together on great tournament and it would be even more pleasing they would play in Slovakia. Injury made him stay at home in US. I called him. They are watching the games on TV. Live games are available on lone channel and the American public welcomed the chance to watch the games," said the proud father. He also said he can imagine meeting his son’s team with his national team in the final game. "It is not impossible even though you have to admit there are seven other teams that can grab the title."
Yan: "Those goals count as well."
His goal was achieved with great combativeness. The son a of famous father pushed the puck to the net like a tank. "The goalie had his pads down, but the puck was still in the game. I tried the force to get it behind the line and it eventually went through on the fourth or fifth attempt. But those goals count as well," explained Yan Stastny who was satisfied with effort of whole team.
"The rink is large so you have to skate more and think even more. During every action. I think we will play even better in next games and we will become stronger," says Yan. What does he say about the other results? "The greatest surprise was Russia’s loss to Germany. Slovakia played nice hockey but had some troubles with scoring. Despite that I think they are one of the hottest favourites. Canada won the game expressly and Swiss were having hard times with France," Stastny summed up the first day.