Frolunda Gothenburg finished with a perfect 12 points in the group stage after a win Sunday night in Sheffield. After the game, one of the team's offensive stars, Ryan Lasch, spoke about how it's going with the new team.
by Jon Rowson
SHEFFIELD – Frolunda Gothenburg were one of only four teams to finish the CHL group stage with a 100 percent record, recording the maximum 12 points through four games. The Swedish side and last season’s CHL runners-up achieved this feat on Saturday in Sheffield, where they defeated the hometown Steelers 4–1. In the group stage, American Ryan Lasch was Frolunda’s most productive forward, tallying seven points, including a goal and an assist in Sheffield. Speaking after Sunday’s game, the California native was full of praise for his teammates, as well as the Steelers.
First things first, four games, four wins. I think it’s fair to say that’s a pretty good start, right?
I think we came into this tournament pretty confident that we could perform well and perform at a high level so we would end up in the playoffs. Our goal was to get into the playoffs, and eventually win the CHL, so we’re feeling really confident. We feel like we have a group of guys that are all on the same page to make that happen.
Speaking briefly about tonight’s game; despite there being no qualification permutations both teams gave it 100 percent. The Steelers made it tough for you didn’t they?
We knew that after we played them on our home ice that they would come out hard in front of their home crowd and want to prove a point. That’s exactly what they did, so hats off to them. They worked hard, their goaltending was awesome and they played solid defence in front of their net.
Tonight’s game was a similar story to game in Gothenburg wasn’t it? The Steelers kept it tight for two periods but you ran away with it in the third. Was that something you talked about during the second intermission?
Yeah definitely. I think we’re the hardest training team in Sweden. We’re absolute animals on the ice and in the gym. It kind of shows as we wear teams down during the game and pounce on them in the third period and take advantage of that.
Speaking personally, after tonight’s game you have seven points in four CHL games. You must be happy to get those points on the board.
I think its lots to do with your line-mates and who you’re playing with. Our power play is clicking and our line’s been playing well. When the guys are going and the team’s winning, individual success will come.
You mentioned your power play. Four goals with the man advantage on Thursday against JYP, and another two power-play goals tonight. Is that something you have been really focusing on in practice?
It’s something we talk about and discuss quite a bit. We don’t practice our PP so much, but we talk about it so we know that this guy will be here, that guy will be there, and where everybody is going to be on the ice. Right now it’s working for us so hopefully we can continue the good work.
After reaching the Round of 16 with TPS last season, you’re a veritable CHL veteran. How would you sum up your experiences in the competition? I bet you never thought you’d be playing hockey in Great Britain
I love the CHL. It’s awesome. Just being able to travel is great. Last year I was in Bolzano with TPS and we got to go to the Czech Republic, and this year I’m in England. I think it is awesome being able to travel and go to places I’ve never been before, while also doing something you love at the same time. It’s great for me and great for hockey.
Read here Lasch's interview with championshockeyleague.net last season as a member of TPS Turku.
You joined Frolunda midway through last season. With your domestic campaign set to get underway, has it been an easy adjustment process having the full summer and off-season with Frolunda?
I don’t think much has changed. It was easy to come into the team during the summer because I knew the guys after being with them in the playoffs last year. I’ve fit right in with the boys, and I feel right at home.
With their qualification secure from Group N, Frolunda Gothenburg’s attention now turns to the CHL Round of 32 Draw, due to take place in Helsinki on Tuesday, 8 September. As Group N winners, Frolunda will be one of 16 teams in Basket 1.