GB promoted to elite division
The final day kicked off with four teams still in contention, with the top two teams – Great Britain and Ukraine – having the power to shape their own fate. Both teams only required a single point to move forward, but only one managed to secure it. On the other hand, Italy and Poland were in a position where they needed to win and rely on some external help, and fortunately, one of them succeeded.
Ultimately, Great Britain and Italy secured their spots in the 2026 IIHF World Championship set to take place in Switzerland. Meanwhile, Ukraine finished in third place and will remain in Division I Group A. This outcome was determined by the results from Day 5 of the tournament
Throughout the game, it appeared that the Ukrainians were constantly under pressure. In the first period, Japan outperformed Ukraine with a shot count of 15 to 9. Ukraine managed to take the lead with a surprising goal, thanks to a blind pass from Yuto Osawa that Viktor Zahkarov capitalized on, but overall, Japan demonstrated greater strength during the first two periods. Teruto Nakajima equalized by scoring on his own rebound after Alexander Levshin blocked his first attempt, but neither the goalie nor his teammates could locate the loose puck.
During the latter part of the first period and the beginning of the second, Ukraine was given two opportunities to play with a 5-on-3 advantage due to four consecutive penalties from Japan. However, they couldn’t capitalize on these chances to take the lead. Shortly after, Japan struck back with two quick goals from Taiga Irikura and Fuji Suzuki, which put them ahead 3-1 in the middle of the game.
With 10:20 left on the clock, Olexi Vorona managed to score after receiving a pass from Zakharov, narrowing the gap to just one goal for Ukraine. This sparked a determined effort from the Ukrainian team as they sought to level the score. In the final two minutes, they had several promising opportunities, especially with Levshin pulled for an extra attacker, but unfortunately, they couldn’t find the back of the net.
Despite their relentless pursuit for an equalizer, Ukraine faced a tough challenge against Japan’s defense. The missed chances in those crucial moments proved costly, as they were unable to convert their efforts into goals. The game remained tense as both teams fought hard, but Japan held onto their lead, leaving Ukraine to reflect on what could have been. Japan 3 – Ukraine 2
The Italian squad had a clear objective. With Ukraine’s defeat in their first match, the Italians saw a chance to secure their spot in the next round with a straightforward victory, and they seized that chance wholeheartedly. They dominated the game, netting three goals in each of the opening two periods, ultimately finishing with a resounding 7-1 triumph.
As the final game approached, it was clear that Italy had secured one of the advancement spots, while the British team was in a favorable position for the second spot. Their situation remained unchanged since the morning; they still required at least one point to move forward. Italy’s victory had knocked Poland out of the running, but the Polish team had the opportunity to assist their Ukrainian friends by defeating Great Britain or at the very least, pushing the match into overtime.
However, the outcome was quite different from what some might have expected. Great Britain emerged victorious with a decisive score of 3-0. Captain Robert Dowd was instrumental in this win, contributing significantly to the team’s success by scoring one goal and providing two assists throughout the match. His leadership on the ice was evident, and it played a crucial role in securing the victory for his team.
This game not only showcased the skill and determination of the British team but also highlighted the competitive spirit of the tournament. With Italy advancing and Great Britain securing their spot, the stage was set for an exciting continuation of the competition, leaving fans eager to see what would
