Olympic Hockey Captain Demonstrates Sportsmanship with Classy Reaction to Major Head Hit
Aneta Tejralova, a Czech hockey player, displayed remarkable sportsmanship during the Olympic Games by apologizing to Sarah Fillier, a star athlete from Team Canada. This interaction stemmed from a tense moment on the ice during a previous game that resulted in Tejralova receiving a two-game suspension for a hit to Fillier’s head.
Background of the Incident
The incident occurred in late December during a match between the Seattle Torrent and the New York Sirens. In that game, Fillier, who stands at 5-foot-5 and weighs 137 pounds, delivered a clean open-ice hit on Tejralova. This hit provoked Tejralova, who is slightly lighter at the same height, leading to a retaliatory blow that left Fillier on the ice for an extended period. Tejralova’s actions resulted in a five-minute major penalty and her ejection from the game.
Return to Play
Thankfully, Fillier was able to return to the ice shortly after the incident. However, Tejralova did not finish the game and later faced a two-game suspension. Following this encounter, both players had not faced each other again until their paths crossed at the Winter Olympics in Italy.
An Apology on the Olympic Stage
During the Olympics, Team Canada faced off against Team Czechia, where Canada emerged victorious with a score of 5-1. After the game, Tejralova took the opportunity to approach Fillier. She expressed her remorse for her actions in December, stating, “I didn’t mean it… Are you okay?” Fillier responded positively and wished her fellow athlete good luck for the remainder of the tournament.
Significance of the Moment
This interaction showcased the essence of sportsmanship in competitive sports. Despite the harsh realities of hockey, the exchange between Tejralova and Fillier served as a reminder that athletes are also human beings who can demonstrate respect and care for one another. Such moments of camaraderie highlight the true spirit of sportsmanship in the face of competition.
