Mario Hernandez-Mellin Reflects on Gold Medal Win
The recent gold medal victory for Mexico’s hockey team marked a historic achievement and a major step forward for the sport in the country. Mario Hernandez-Mellin, a pivotal part of the team’s defense, shares his thoughts on the tournament, the challenges faced, and what this victory means for the future of Mexican hockey.
When asked about the team’s performance throughout the tournament, Mario emphasizes the importance of structure and teamwork. "We played a very well-structured game," he says. "Our special teams were key to our success, along with our great offensive threats and prioritizing our defensive zone." This strategic approach allowed Mexico to consistently dominate their opponents, combining offensive firepower with defensive reliability.
One of the standout moments for Mario was the nerve-wracking matchup against Hong Kong. "I believe our most challenging game was against Hong Kong. Going in, we were both undefeated, and like us, they had some great offensive threats," he recalls. "We all knew that if we beat them, the gold medal was ours, so it was pretty nerve-wracking." The game was intense, with Hong Kong’s speed, transition game, and forechecking creating constant pressure. But Mexico managed to pull off a gutsy 4-3 win, putting them in prime position for the gold medal.The key to Mexico's success was the team's ability to understand and embrace their roles. "Like any successful team, everyone knew their role," he explains. "For some guys, it's going to be scoring goals and being an offensive threat, and for others, it's being shut down defensively. Everyone had a role and purpose, and everyone had key moments that helped us win games." This cohesion and selflessness were crucial in their championship run.
While the tournament was filled with memorable experiences, the favourite moment occurred after their final game against Israel. "I've made so many fun memories, from playing sewer ball to going out to eat, but my favourite moment was our locker room after our final game against Israel," he shares. It was a moment of pure joy and camaraderie, as the team celebrated their hard-earned victory together.
Winning the gold medal and securing promotion to Division II Group B was a dream come true for Mario. "To win a gold medal in any tournament is an amazing honour, but to be able to represent my country and win a gold medal at home was something I'll never forget," he says. "It felt like all the hard work and dedication from not just me, but my coaches and parents, had paid off."
The Hong Kong game once again stands out as a defining moment. "I would say our Hong Kong game. It was one of the fastest-paced games I've played in, and to come out on top against a great team was something special." This high-energy encounter demonstrated Mexico's resilience and ability to perform under pressure. Looking back on his own performance, he expresses pride in his contribution to the team’s success. "I think I played a really good defensive game," he says. "My defensive partner and I had more of a support and shutdown role for our top pair guys, so I'm really proud that I was able to deliver for the team and be a key role in our success."
Despite their success, Mario believes there’s always room for improvement. "Even though we played great, we can always improve everything," he says. This commitment to continual improvement will be key as Mexico prepares to compete in Division II Group B next year. A standout leader on the team was Captain Nicolas Potts, who not only led the tournament in scoring but also provided a great example both on and off the ice. "Nicolas Potts, our captain and tournament scoring leader, was a great leader," he shares. "He leads by example on the ice, and what really surprised me about Team Mexico was how great the leaders are, from my first time with the U20s to now with the U18s. Potts played a huge role in our success and in building our team’s culture."
Looking ahead, Mario has clear goals for the next season. "I obviously want to play for Mexico's U20s again," he states. "What happened in Turkey was not who we were, and we have a chip on our shoulder. My goal is to help our team back into Division 3A."
This victory is not just about personal achievement—it’s a game-changer for Mexican hockey. "It’s huge for the growth of the game," he says. "Our victory was all over social media, getting recognition from the IIHF, NHL news, and many Mexican sports outlets. It’s a huge step for Mexican hockey toward becoming a much more respectable name in our sport." As Mexico celebrates this historic victory, it’s clear that the future of hockey in the country is bright, and Mario's passion and commitment to his team and sport are paving the way for even greater success.
