Watch: France's Bellemare refuses player of game award, gives it to his goalie
Pierre-Édouard Bellemare rejects player of the game and makes them give it to the France goalie. Awesome. #IIHFWorlds pic.twitter.com/0PZcDXRim2
— Brady Trettenero (@BradyTrett) May 7, 2017
Talk about being a good teammate.
Following France's shocking 5-1 win over Finland, Philadelphia Flyers forward Pierre-Edouard Bellemare was named France's player of the game.
However, Bellemare refused the award, insisting goaltender Florian Hardy deserved it after turning away 42 of the 43 shots thrown his way. After some slight confusion, the award was indeed handed to Hardy.
Of course you could argue Hardy deserved the award based on this save alone.
It was almost a goal for Finland, but Florian Hardy's cartwheel-like save stopped them in their tracks. @Hockey_FRA #FINvsFRA #IIHFWorlds pic.twitter.com/hvZxTRLxGz
— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) May 7, 2017
Meanwhile, France's win was its first in World Championship history against Finland, having lost all eight previous contests.