2026 IIHF Ice Hockey Women’s World Championship Division II, Group B Preview

The 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey Women’s World Championship Division II, Group B is set to take place from March 30 to April 5, 2026, in Hong Kong.

The tournament features six nations competing in a round-robin format at the DB Ice Rink. The winner of the group will earn promotion to Division II, Group A for 2027, while the bottom-placed team will be relegated to Division III, Group A.

Tournament Overview

• Host: Hong Kong, China

• Venue: DB Ice Rink

• Dates: March 30 – April 5, 2026

• Format: Single Round Robin (15 games total)

Opening Face-off: Mexico and Ukraine prepare to battle at the DB Ice Rink

Participating Teams

Key Matchups & Storylines

• The Relegation Bounce-Back: Mexico enters as the top-seeded team after dropping down from Division IIA. They will be the favorites to secure immediate promotion, but they face a tough opening game against a rising Ukraine squad.

• The Home Advantage: Hong Kong narrowly avoided relegation last year. Playing on home ice at the DB Ice Rink provides a significant boost as they look to climb the standings and move away from the bottom of the table.

• The Promotion Contenders: New Zealand finished as runners-up in 2025 and will be the primary threat to Mexico’s promotion hopes. Their final-day clash against Mexico on April 5 could effectively serve as a “Gold Medal” game.

• New Arrivals: Lithuania joins the group after a dominant run in Division III last year. Their goal will be to prove they belong at this level and avoid the immediate drop back down.

With the puck dropping tomorrow in Hong Kong, here is a “Player Spotlight” for each of the six nations competing in Division II, Group B. These players are expected to be the statistical engines and leaders for their respective squads.

1. Mexico: Joanna Rojas (Forward)

With Chávez and Téllez not on the roster, Joanna Rojas steps into the spotlight as Mexico’s primary offensive weapon. Rojas has consistently been one of the team’s most productive skaters over the last several IIHF cycles. Known for her tenacity and ability to find the back of the net in high-pressure situations, she currently leads Mexico’s active roster in all-time international scoring. In a tournament where Mexico is fighting for immediate promotion, her veteran presence and scoring touch will be the engine that drives their top line.

2. New Zealand: Anjali Mulari (Forward)

Mulari is arguably the most accomplished player in the history of the “Ice Fernz.” She holds the national records for most games played, most goals, and most points. Coming off a second-place finish in 2025 where she led the team in scoring, Mulari remains the most dangerous offensive threat in this tournament. If New Zealand is to upset Mexico for the gold, it will likely be on the back of a multi-point performance from their captain.

3. Ukraine: Darya Tsymirenko (Forward)

Ukraine enters this tournament as a “dark horse” following their record-breaking 10–2 win over Hong Kong last April. Tsymirenko is their elite finisher; she currently holds the national record for most points (27) and goals (13) in international play. Her chemistry with captain Valeria Manchak makes Ukraine’s top line one of the most feared units in the division.

4. Belgium: Femke Bosmans (Forward)

Fresh off leading Lady Sharks Mechelen to the 2026 Belgian Women’s Cup title in February, Bosmans is in peak form. She serves as the captain of the national team and is their all-time leading point scorer. Bosmans is a “clutch” performer who excels on the power play, and her ability to distribute the puck will be key for teammates like Lotte De Guchtenaere.

5. Hong Kong: Renee Ng (Forward)

The local fans at the DB Ice Rink will have their eyes on Renee Ng. Currently playing NCAA Division III hockey for Wilkes University, Ng brings a level of speed and North American tactical experience that sets her apart. She had a standout 2025-26 collegiate season (19 goals in 28 games) and will be the primary catalyst for a Hong Kong team looking to improve on last year’s 5th-place finish.

6. Lithuania: Klara Miuller (Forward)

The most prolific scorer in the tournament, Miuller is a goal-scoring machine. She has averaged nearly two goals per game over her international career, tallying 36 goals in just 19 games. After leading Lithuania to a dominant promotion from Division III, she is now tasked with proving her scoring touch translates to this higher level. She is the definitive “must-watch” player for talent scouts in this group.

Opening Day Schedule (March 30)

• 12:30: Ukraine vs. Mexico

• 16:00: Lithuania vs. Belgium

• 19:30: New Zealand vs. Hong Kong