The squad under the guidance of Ron Chyzowski concludes the U20 World Championship with a total of five wins, securing their advancement following a successful championship campaign.
Spain has won gold at the 2025 U20 Ice Hockey World Championship in Division II Group B, which means it will return to U20 Division II Group A in 2026 just one year later. The team led by new coach Ron Chyzowski and assistant Fernando Maqueda has shone in Belgrade (Serbia), securing first place first place with a Perfect record. (5-0)
On the concluding day of the competition, Israel’s Mike Levin secured victory by scoring the decisive goal in the third period, breaking a 2-2 deadlock in a spirited game against Iceland. This pivotal moment highlighted the intensity of the contest, showcasing the determination of both teams.
Australia entered the concluding round of games positioned at the lowest tier of the standings. In a decisive relegation clash, Ivan Kuleshov delivered an outstanding performance by scoring three goals, leading his team to a resounding 8-1 victory over Belgium.
Belgium will play in Division III for the first time since 2014.
At 37, Crosby is still one of the best players in the NHL with 51 points already in the season, which ranks him 20th in the league ČTK / AP / Jayne Kamin-Oncea
Canada’s Sidney Crosby (37) has become one of the legends of the NHL across his 20 years of playing at the top level, especially since he has spent his entire career at the Pittsburgh Penguins.However,Crosby‘s current contract expires after the ongoing season. The three-time Stanley Cup winner spoke exclusively with Flashscore about his future plans and much more.
You don’t seem to be slowing down even at almost 40. What’s your recipe for longevity?
“Good question… I don’t feel like I’m slowing down. I think it’s about always having some passion in you. I’ve been part of a good team and a great organization for a really long time.
“So the main thing is that you have to love what you do. And I do. I still love hockey as much as I did in my first season.”
Do you have any regular rituals?
Jesus! How much time do you have? (laughs) I have a lot! Over the years, you develop your routine, how you want to prepare. Something that gets you ready for games, for training and for the season in general.
“It takes a lot of work off the ice as well. And a lot of your confidence comes from all that work.”
You overcame a concussion, you’re back in great shape and health. What do you have to do to get to that level consistently?
“As I get older, I try to get to know my body as much as possible. It’s also important to schedule my rest. I’m always trying to work on getting better, stronger, faster…
“And that’s more of a challenge when you’re 37. You have to find a balance, that’s the most important thing.”
You’re in the top 10 of the NHL’s historical scoring chart.Joe Sakic is right behind you and you’re looking up at Mario Lemieux. What does that mean for you?
“To be a part of this company is special. I watched all the players you mentioned when I was a kid. My dream has always been to play in the NHL. I didn’t even envision myself in any rankings.
“The main thing was to get to the NHL and then win the Stanley Cup. I was able to do both, which is what keeps me motivated.”
Congrats Sid!!! Crosby passes Joe Sakic for 9th all-time in points in NHL history!! 🥹💛👏🐐 https://t.co/i0Tp0O3shQ
Pittsburghhave been a long way from the Stanley Cup in recent years. Your contract was expiring. Have you considered changing clubs?
“I try not to think about any of that. We have a great group here. It hasn’t been easy for us at certain times, but we all believe in each other here. We’re strong and in an atmosphere like this, it makes it easier to focus on our goal.
“There are a lot of teams pushing for the last one or two spots for the playoffs. With this great team, it’s a little easier to fight for it.”
But you’re not planning the retire yet, are you? Look at Jaromir Jagr. At 52 years old, he’s still on the ice…
“I don’t really know how he does it. He’s an exceptional person, an exceptional athlete. We talked about passion, and his passion is huge… It’s hard to explain.
“I can’t imagine playing as long as he did. (laughs) He’s definitely a personality to look up to. He’s a great example for longevity and for keeping yourself at a high level.”
Ukraine is set to rejoin Group A for the first time since 2017. In their final match of the 2024 IIHF World Championship Division I Group B held in Vilnius, Ukraine secured a decisive 4-1 victory over the host nation, Lithuania. This triumph concluded a flawless campaign for Ukraine, who finished with an impressive 5-0 record, thereby claiming the top position in the group.
As Ukraine prepares for its re-entry into Group A, the team will undoubtedly aim to build on this momentum and continue to enhance its competitive edge. The experience gained from their recent games will be invaluable as they face stronger opponents in the higher division. This return signifies a new chapter for Ukrainian ice hockey, filled with potential and aspirations for future success.
Stock photo: International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF)
The Ukrainians delivered an impressive display, significantly outperforming their rivals by a score of 31-2 across the five matches. In addition to Lithuania, the competing teams included Estonia, China, Spain, and the Netherlands, all of which faced formidable challenges against the Ukrainian squad.
Leading the scoring for the team was winger Alexander Peresunko, who accumulated a total of 11 points, while defenseman Igor Merezhko contributed with nine points. The roster comprises players who participate in Ukraine’s domestic league, which continues to function despite the ongoing challenges faced in the region.
Furthermore, several members of the team are affiliated with clubs in various countries, including Poland, Slovakia, Czechia, Finland, Hungary, and the Netherlands. This diverse representation highlights the resilience and adaptability of the players amidst the current circumstances.
At the opposite end of the spectrum, 18-year-old goaltender Alexander Levshin was the sole player in the net for Ukraine throughout the tournament, achieving the best goals against average (GAA) of 2.00 and a save percentage of 90.91, which included a notable shutout.
Japan, which secured second place, conceded the highest number of goals in the tournament, totaling 24. The team was spearheaded offensively by Taisetsu Ushio, who emerged as the leading scorer of the event, accumulating an impressive 11 points.
Lithuania achieved an impressive feat by securing five consecutive victories, culminating in a dominant 13-1 triumph against the host nation, Croatia, during the 2025 IIHF Ice Hockey U20 World Championship Division II Group A held in Zagreb. This remarkable performance not only showcased their skill but also solidified their perfect record throughout the tournament.
With this victory, Lithuania has successfully earned a promotion to compete in Division I Group B, marking their return to this level of competition for the first time since 2018. The team’s consistent excellence and determination have been key factors in their success, allowing them to rise through the ranks of international ice hockey.
The achievement reflects the growth and development of Lithuanian ice hockey on the global stage, as they continue to build on their past successes. As they prepare for the challenges ahead in Division I Group B, the team will undoubtedly aim to maintain their momentum and further establish their presence in the sport.
Lithuania is golden with a perfect record.
Romania secured the second position, while Croatia took third, with both teams accumulating nine points. Great Britain and China followed closely behind, finishing in fourth and fifth places, each with a total of six points.
The Netherlands, finishing in sixth place, will face relegation to Division II Group B for the 2026 season. This outcome marks a significant shift for the team, as they will need to regroup and strategize for their upcoming challenges in the lower division.
The competition showcased the strengths and weaknesses of each team, highlighting the intense rivalry and the high stakes involved. As the teams prepare for future tournaments, the lessons learned from this event will be crucial for their development and performance.
Lithuania showcased its superiority throughout the tournament, achieving a remarkable goal differential of 39-5 across five matches, with each victory secured by a margin of at least four goals. The team’s offensive prowess was evident, as they led the scoring charts with Simas Ignatavicius earning the title of Top Forward, amassing an impressive 14 points. Following closely were Skadauskas with 12 points and Pijus Pranskevicius contributing 10 points, highlighting the team’s depth in scoring.
In addition to their offensive achievements, Lithuania’s defensive lineup also made a significant impact, with three defenders—Dominykas Boravski, Daniil Kovalenko, and Kajus Zeynalov—each recording six points. This balanced contribution from both forwards and defenders underscored the team’s overall strength and cohesion on the ice. Their ability to maintain a robust defense while excelling in scoring was a key factor in their dominant performance throughout the tournament.
On the other end of the spectrum, Julius Andrekus emerged as the standout goalkeeper, earning the title of Top Goalkeeper with an impressive goals-against average of 1.00 and a save percentage of 93.62 over three games. His exceptional performance in net was crucial in supporting the team’s success, as he consistently thwarted opposing offenses and contributed to Lithuania’s commanding victories. Overall, the combination of offensive firepower and solid goaltending solidified Lithuania’s status as the tournament’s dominant force.
US Wins Back to Back world Junior Gold for the 1st time.
Team USA secures consecutive world junior ice hockey championships by defeating Finland 4-3 in the final match of 2025.
This victory marks a significant achievement for the team, showcasing their skill and determination on the international stage. The match was fiercely contested, highlighting the competitive spirit of both teams involved.
Teddy Stiga secured the seventh overall title for the United States at the men’s world U20 ice hockey championships by scoring a decisive goal in overtime. This thrilling moment occurred in Ottawa, Canada, on Sunday, January 5th.
The victory not only highlights Stiga’s exceptional talent but also underscores the United States’ continued dominance in the U20 ice hockey arena. His performance in this critical game will be remembered as a pivotal moment in the tournament.
This triumph further cements the legacy of the U.S. team in international ice hockey, showcasing their resilience and skill on the world stage. The championship win is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players and coaching staff involved.
Ryan Leonard from the United States received the tournament’s Most Valuable Player award, concluding his participation with an impressive tally of five goals and five assists. His performance throughout the event was instrumental in his team’s success.
In recognition of exceptional skill and performance, Finland’s Rimpinen was honored as the best goalie of the tournament. His contributions in goal were pivotal, showcasing remarkable talent and resilience under pressure.
Czechia national junior team will return from the Ottawa with a notable addition to their accolades.
In a thrilling conclusion to the world junior hockey championship, Eduard Sale netted the decisive goal in the 14th round of the shootout, propelling his team to a 3-2 victory over Sweden and securing the bronze medal on Sunday.
The captain of the Czech team successfully outmaneuvered goaltender Marcus Gidlof on his fifth attempt, marking the 28th shot taken by both teams in the shootout, with a skillful backhand move.
The recent match witnessed Sale equaling the record for the longest shootout in the history of the International Ice Hockey Federation, reaching the 13th round after Otto Stenberg gave Sweden the lead.
Czech goaltender Michael Hrabal expressed his admiration for Sale, stating, “He is the player you want on your side, rather than facing him.” He further emphasized Sale’s natural talent for scoring, noting that the player consistently demonstrated his exceptional skills throughout the tournament.
During regulation time, both Sale and Jakub Stancl found the back of the net for Czechia. Hrabal showcased his prowess by making 32 saves over the course of 65 minutes, contributing significantly to his team’s performance.
David Edstrom scored Sweden, where Gidlof achieved an impressive total of 30 saves during the match.
“It is challenging,” Edstrom remarked. “The margins are quite narrow. They advanced the furthest, which is disappointing for us as we were aiming for that medal.”
Czechia, having secured a silver medal at the 2023 tournament held in Halifax, witnessed Canada claim its 20th gold medal. Following their bronze medal win last year in Sweden, Czechia has now reached the podium in three consecutive tournaments, marking a significant achievement since the dissolution of Czechoslovakia in 1992.
