Hard-fought shootout win lifts Kalinga Lancers to top spot, Jed Snowden hopeful of HIL finals
Lancers stay unbeaten after 3-1 shootout victory over HIL Governing Council following 1-1 draw
Kalinga Lancers goalkeeper Jed Snowden expressed satisfaction and optimism after his team registered a hard-earned shootout victory over the Hockey India League Governing Council (HIL GC), moving to the top of the men’s Hockey India League table and strengthening their chances of reaching the final.
The Lancers secured a 3-1 win in the shootout after the match ended 1-1 in regulation time in their third outing of the tournament on Sunday. Snowden made a decisive impact after being brought on specifically for the shootout, displaying calmness under pressure to deny HIL GC and earn his team the crucial extra point.
HIL GC took the lead through Ajeet Yadav in the 19th minute, but the Lancers responded quickly as Alexander Hendrickx equalised in the 23rd minute. With both teams unable to find a winner in regulation time, the contest moved into a shootout. After both sides missed early chances, Snowden and HIL GC goalkeeper James Mazarelo rejected two attempts each. Arthur Van Doren converted for the Lancers, while Ajeet Yadav missed his effort, allowing Dilpreet Singh to seal the victory.
Reflecting on the match, Snowden acknowledged the challenging conditions and competitive nature of the game. He noted that the surface differed from Chennai, causing some initial difficulty, but praised his team for staying composed till the end. He added that training on the pitch beforehand helped him adapt quickly during the shootout.
Snowden emphasised that while the start has been encouraging, the team remains focused on the larger goal. He highlighted strong team bonding as a key factor behind their performances and praised the overall quality of the Hockey India League, stressing the importance of teamwork over individual brilliance.
The Lancers remain unbeaten and will next face Hyderabad Toofans on Wednesday, aiming to extend their winning momentum.