[패럴림픽] ´Para Ice Hockey Sign´ Seunghwan Jung, “Crying” at the support of his only son

“Han-seo, what is your father doing?” “Dad, I went to ice hockey. Fighting!”

Jeong Seung-hwan, the locker room of the Para Ice Hockey team of the Republic of Korea ahead of the match against Canada on the 8th, received an unexpected surprise. Today is the second birthday of Han Seo-gun, the only son of Jeong Seung-hwan.

After hearing the news from captain Jang Jong-ho, Para ice hockey coach Han Min-soo received a video of Hanseo’s support from ‘Jung Seung-hwan’s wife’ Song Hyeon-jeong. In the locker room of the Republic of Korea just before the match against Canada, Seo-gun Han said, “Fighting Para Ice Hockey!” A cute cheer rang out. Jeong Seung-hwan, who received the support of his only son, and his colleagues ran and ran with all their might against Canada.

Korea Para ice hockey team, led by coach Han Min-su, lost 0-6 in the second match of Group A against Canada held at the National Indoor Stadium in Beijing, China on the 8th. The national team made a save by conceding only three goals up to the second period against the 2006 Paralympic gold medal in Turin, the bronze medal in the 2014 Sochi Paralympic Games, the silver medal team in the 2018 Pyeongchang Paralympic Games, and the ‘historical 35 wins and 35 losses’ Canada.

Neither the face-off nor the body check was backed up. Whenever the opponent’s sprint started, two or three people ran at the same time and played a coordinated defense. As one coach had said, “There will not be a single match to give up on.” Goal Lee Jae-woong’s fighting spirit was also dazzling. He made a save by blocking 36 out of 42 Canadian shots. Manager Han started his rotation in preparation for the last 3 periods, playoffs and semifinals, and lost 3 runs and 0-6, but in terms of content, it was a game enough to build confidence.

A coach I met in the mix zone after the match said, “It was really good. It’s a pity that they did so well,” he said, praising the players for their fighting spirit. “Second period, we brought more face-offs than Canada. The most important thing is not to give up. He did not fall behind in bodychecking against powerful players such as the United States and Canada. Lee Jae-woong showed ‘crazy save’. He had a difficult time due to an injury before departure, but he gained certain confidence through the match against Canada.”

Captain Jang Jong-ho said, “Canada is a very strong team, but it’s really disappointing. If we had scored one goal in a power play situation in the first period, we would have been up and down, but not being able to score the first goal was a loss.” “Tomorrow’s playoffs are the most important game. After winning the 3rd place match in Group B unconditionally, I will advance to the semi-finals and finals.”

Jeong Seung-hwan (left) and Han Seo-gun. [사진 대한장애인체육회, 파라 아이스하키 대표팀]

Jeong Seung-hwan said, “It’s always difficult to play against strong teams, but we tried what we wanted to achieve. The first period went well. The 2nd period also had a good face-off probability, but it was shaky as we conceded a goal. The third period was saved for tomorrow’s game,” he said, looking back at the game. “It starts again tomorrow. No matter who the third-place team comes up with, I will unconditionally win and advance to the semi-finals.” “You don’t have to worry about your fitness. There is still a lot of power left. The goal is to reunite with the United States and Canada.”

Jung Seung-hwan, who said, “I was moved” after watching the video of his son Han-seo’s cheering in the locker room, did not forget his resolve. “Han-seo, it’s my birthday today, so I really wanted to win, but it’s a pity. But I will make sure to win the rest of the match and return home with a smile. love!”

Paralympic Joint Investigation Foundation
Beijing = Reporter Kim Young-seo kim.youngseo@joongang.co.kr