New Zealand U20 Team Wins Gold
The New Zealand Under-20 Men’s ice hockey team has achieved a remarkable victory by securing the gold medal at the 2025 IIHF Under-20 World Championship IIIA, held in Istanbul, Türkiye.
This triumph marks a significant milestone for the team. The gold medal earns the team a promotion to Division IIB for 2026.
The final game of the tournament, which pitted them against Chinese Taipei, was crucial in determining the gold medal winner, as both teams were tied for first place. This decisive matchup showcased the strength of both squads, who had maintained an undefeated record throughout the competition.
New Zealand demonstrated a robust performance from the outset, with Jacob Carey netting an early goal at 6:21 in the first period. Shortly thereafter, Chinese Taipei equalized the score by successfully converting a penalty shot. New Zealand continued to assert their dominance with additional goals from Axel Ruski-Jones at 14:04 in the first period, Ivan Dalmatau at 35:57 in the second period during a power play, and once again from Jacob Carey at 45:51 in the third period.
Ultimately, New Zealand secured a convincing victory with a final score of 4-1, solidifying their undefeated status in the tournament after five games. This performance not only showcased their skill and teamwork but also highlighted their potential as strong contenders in the competition. The Kiwis’ ability to respond to challenges and capitalize on scoring opportunities was instrumental in their success.
The gold medal is a testament to the team’s remarkable performance at the 2024 IIHF Under-20 World Championship, where they secured a silver medal. This achievement highlights the team’s consistent excellence in international competition.
Joel Gerard has received the accolade of Best Goaltender, while Jacob Carey has been recognized as the Best Forward of the tournament. Additionally, Ian Audas has been honored as the team’s Best Player by the coaching staff.
