Team China's underdogs earn huge respect in gutsy display against US

Despite opening its Olympic debut with an 8-0 defeat to the United States, the Chinese men's ice hockey team took pride in their gutsy performance against one of the sport's heavyweights.

Entering the Olympic tournament with doubts hanging over their level of play, the host team proved it could mix it with the US, even if the scoreline looked a little unflattering in the end.

With a roster made up of native Chinese and North American-born players with Chinese heritage, Team China put on a brave show to not only earn the respect of the home crowd but also the hockey community in general.

The way the Chinese players stood up to their American opponents physically was particularly impressive, while also doing a good job at protecting the puck, at least during the first period.

"The first period was anyone's game. We came out hard, and that's something we should've worked on to continue throughout the game," captain Ye Jinguang said of China's performance during the first 20 minutes when it conceded only one goal to the US.

"We took care of the puck, but unfortunately we kind of got away from that in the second period. They capitalized on their chances. But like I said, we can take a lot of positives from it."

After a slow start in the first period with a sole goal fired by Brendan Brisson in the 11th minute, the US team, which is made up of college players and overseas veterans due to the NHL's decision not to send players to Beijing, picked up the tempo to explode for seven goals in the remaining 40 minutes and secure its opening win in the four-team Group A.

The host team's efforts, however, earned kudos from the Americans.

"I was very impressed and by no means it was an easy game at all," said Justin Abdelkader, a veteran forward who has suited up for the US team at three world championships from 2012-21.

"I thought they deserved to be here honestly," said the 34-year-old, who played 700 games with the NHL's Detroit Red Wings from 2007-20.

"They played extremely hard and played exactly how they need to play going forward in this tournament. I think the fans have something to be proud of.

"It could be a stepping stone for Chinese hockey and I think little kids watching this could be really excited and inspired to play hockey."

China's head coach, Ivano Zanatta, is now looking ahead with renewed optimism to games against 2018 Games' silver medalists Germany on Saturday and world No 1 Canada on Sunday.

"We're there. I'm very proud of the boys. They never quit, even through the last seconds, they were trying to score a goal. That's the right spirit for China," said Zanatta.

As the 32nd-ranked team in the world rankings, the Chinese men's squad wouldn't have made it to the 12-strong Olympic tournament if not granted a direct berth as the host by the International Ice Hockey Federation, a decision driven by the prospect of promoting the sport in the world's most populous nation.

About half of China's 25-man roster was born, or developed as hockey players, in North America, including captain Ye, who is known as Brandon Yip in Canada, where he was born.

Homegrown Team China player Ying Rudi said to compete on home ice at Beijing 2022 was a dream come true.

"It doesn't matter what our backgrounds are. We all come here wearing one country's name on our back. We are so proud that we can be here," said the Beijinger.

"Every one of us is cherishing this opportunity very much. We've shown we can compete at this level, but the result could've been better if we had played more aggressively."