SERBIA
Serbian ice hockey national team game worn jersey used by forward Nenad Rakovic in 2011 Division 2 World Championships in Melbourne, Australia. Rakovic played all 4 games in the tournament and Serbia used red jerseys in three of them, against New Zealand (W 6-4), Mexico (W 7-0), and Australia (L 2-4). All teams played exceptionally only 4 games because North Korea didn't arrive to Australia appealing to lack of funds. Serbia was relegated from Division 1 in 2010 after promoting there 2009 and were hoping to return there again.
Serbia lost their first game to Belgium 2-3 despite outshooting Belgium 38-22. After winning next two games, the promotion was at Serbians own hands. They had to win unbeated Australia on regulation to win the tournament. Rakovic scored the game's first goal on a power play but Australia tied the game only 9 seconds later. Serbia once again outshot their opponent clearly, 44-21, but Australian netminder Matthew Ezzy was in great shape and helped his team to Division 1 B for 2012. Meanwhile Serbian goalie Milan Lukovic was having one of the worst games of his career. He was pulled before the middle of 2nd period when Australia took 3-1 lead. By that he had only 4 saves on 7 shots while Ezzy had probably over 20 saves.
Since 2007 Rakovic have represented Serbia in all except two World Championship tournaments (2009, 2010). He have also played for Serbia-Montenegro and Yugoslavia national teams.
The jersey has some puck marks on the shoulders and sleeves. The nameplate is sewn with individual letters heat pressed onto it. All other graphics and numbers are sublimated. The jersey was obtained from a private collector in Canada.
Serbia lost their first game to Belgium 2-3 despite outshooting Belgium 38-22. After winning next two games, the promotion was at Serbians own hands. They had to win unbeated Australia on regulation to win the tournament. Rakovic scored the game's first goal on a power play but Australia tied the game only 9 seconds later. Serbia once again outshot their opponent clearly, 44-21, but Australian netminder Matthew Ezzy was in great shape and helped his team to Division 1 B for 2012. Meanwhile Serbian goalie Milan Lukovic was having one of the worst games of his career. He was pulled before the middle of 2nd period when Australia took 3-1 lead. By that he had only 4 saves on 7 shots while Ezzy had probably over 20 saves.
Since 2007 Rakovic have represented Serbia in all except two World Championship tournaments (2009, 2010). He have also played for Serbia-Montenegro and Yugoslavia national teams.
The jersey has some puck marks on the shoulders and sleeves. The nameplate is sewn with individual letters heat pressed onto it. All other graphics and numbers are sublimated. The jersey was obtained from a private collector in Canada.