SEA Games: Philippines bows out of gold medal race in ice hockey

The Philippines failed to defend its title in ice hockey, exiting in the semifinals. Hockey Philippines photo

MANILA, Philippines–Philippines bowed down to Singapore, 4-3, putting an end to its bid to keep the Southeast Asian Games ice hockey crown Saturday night at Mall of Asia ice skating rink in Pasay.

EJ Sibug came through late for the Filipinos, scoring a goal in the final minute to tie the game at 3-3.

But James Kodrowski answered back in the final 19 seconds to frustrate the hosts and relegate them to the bronze medal match against Malaysia set Sunday.

“We need to be more efficient with our scoring chances,” said skipper Steven Füglister, who visibly rued the squad’s meltdown in the dugout after the match.

The Eagles gave up an early 2-0 edge in the middle frame allowing the visitors to dictate the pace going into the third and final period.

The Nationals will try to salvage at least a bronze this Sunday, 3 p.m., when it goes up against Malaysia, a team it drubbed 15-1 in the opener.

“No one was expecting us to win. We’ve got nothing to lose,” said Singapore’s Ang Yu Jin, whose crew face unbeaten Thailand in the gold medal round.

“I guarantee you we’d get that medal,” said the Nationals’ coach Daniel Brodan.