The Japan women’s hockey team gave the Russians a scare — and hockey fans everywhere a good laugh — at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi on Tuesday.
With Russia leading 1-0 early in the third period, Japan’s Ayaka Toko channeled her inner Russ Tyler and lofted a fluttering knucklepuck toward the net. Bobbing and weaving over and around teammates and Russian opponents, the biscuit eventually found its way between goaltender Anna Prugova’s glove and pads.
The snipe was the first Olympic goal from a Japanese player in 16 years. To celebrate the monumental feat, the players engaged in hockey hugs before circling up and bowing in unison. The happiness was short-lived, however, as Russia went on to win 2-1.
The contest also featured a controversial moment when off-ice officials wanted a possible first-period Japan goal to be reviewed (the refs called it a save) but couldn’t get the on-ice officials’ attention.
Check out the knucklepuck goal and celebration photos below, and hit up Deadspin for video.
