SEA Games: Philippines absorbs 1st loss in ice hockey

The Philippines’ Rigel Lancero II battle Thailand’s Patrick Forstner for the puck during the Ice Hockey preliminary round of the 30th South East Asian Games 2019. INQUIRER PHOTO/ Sherwin Vardeleon

MANILA, Philippines–The Philippines fell to Thailand, 10-1, for its first loss in the ice hockey tournament of 30th Southeast Asian Games Friday night at SM Mall of Asia ice skating rink.

The Eagles found themselves trailing early, 0-3, after an early barrage led by Papan Thanakroekkiat six minutes into the contest.

Already assured of a semifinal slot after their hot 3-0 start, the Nationals settled for the second spot in the preliminaries.

The Thais, who the Filipinos beat for in the 2017 gold medal match, went on to convert four more in the middle period.

Philippines’ lone goal make came from Carlo Martin Tenedero, who scored in the sixth minute of the second frame.

The Eagles crank their title-retention bid up when they play Singapore, a team they beat 5-3 in the group phase, when the knockout stage gets going this Saturday.

Thailand faces Malaysia in the other semifinal pairing which comes off wraps at 3 p.m.