Tag: IIHF (Page 1 of 2)

European Cup of Nations: Germany and Slovakia Dominate Opening Round

August 24, 2026 / / 0 Comments

The inaugural IIHF Women’s European Cup of Nations kicked off its opening round from August 20–22, 2026, serving as a structured international competition designed to maximize meaningful games during international breaks.

The tournament featured two main groups: Group A held in Füssen, Germany, and Group B in Bardejov, Slovakia. Both host nations successfully defended their home ice to capture first place in their respective groups.

Germany stands tall after opening weekend of Women’s European Cup of Nations

Group A (Füssen, Germany)

  • Host: Germany

  • Participating Nations: Germany, France, Hungary, Norway

  • Champion: Germany (Undefeated, 3–0)

Tournament Summary:

  • Germany claimed top spot with a narrow 1–0 victory over Hungary in their final game, courtesy of a late Lilli Welcke goal with just two minutes remaining. Head coach Jeff MacLeod utilized the tournament to test various line combinations and rotate three different goaltenders (with Lisa Hemmerle earning the shutout in the finale and Chiara Schultes winning the opener).

  • France finished second (2–1), securing a crucial 2–1 win over Hungary on Day 2 behind goals from Manon le Scodan and Clara Rozier, followed by a 5–1 victory against Norway.

  • Hungary took third place (1–2), highlighted by a dominant 8–0 rout of Norway to open the tournament, anchored by an Aniko Nemeth shutout and a four-point performance (1G, 3A) from returning forward Taylor Baker.

  • Norway finished fourth (0–3), though they put up a fight in a tightly contested 4–2 loss to Germany where Mathea Fischer and Emilie Kruse found the back of the net.

Group A Results:

  • Hungary 8, Norway 0

  • Germany 3, France 2

  • France 2, Hungary 1

  • Germany 4, Norway 2

  • France 5, Norway 1

  • Germany 1, Hungary 0

Group B (Bardejov, Slovakia)

  • Host: Slovakia

  • Participating Nations: Slovakia, Austria, Italy, Netherlands

  • Champion: Slovakia (3–0, cumulative score of 18–3)

Tournament Summary:

  • Slovakia dominated their group on home ice, outscoring opponents 18–3 behind a balanced attack where a dozen different players scored over the weekend. Elle Hartje led the charge offensively with 2 goals and 4 assists, while Barbora Sibertova netted 3 goals overall.

  • Austria secured second place despite bringing a relatively young/secondary roster. They bounced back from an opening loss to Slovakia by blanking the Netherlands 2–0 (shutout by Anja Adamitsch) and defeating Italy 3–1 (two goals from Lena Daubock).

  • Italy finished third, showcasing an inexperienced squad that managed a strong 3–1 opening-day win over the Netherlands, led by Aurora Abatangel (2 goals, 1 assist).

  • The Netherlands rounded out the group in fourth, gaining valuable developmental minutes at the international level.

Group B Results:

  • Italy 3, Netherlands 1

  • Slovakia 5, Austria 2

  • Austria 2, Netherlands 0

  • Slovakia 5, Italy 1

  • Austria 3, Italy 1

  • Slovakia 8, Netherlands 0

Restructuring the IIHF World Championship: The 2027-2028 Format

June 2, 2026 /

Following the system changes announced at the IIHF Annual Congress in Zurich for the 2026-2027 season, the International Ice Hockey Federation is implementing a major structural overhaul for the 2027-2028 season in the lower divisions.

The most significant change is the merger of Division I/A and Division I/B. Division I will now function as a single, unified tier. The tournament will be organized into four groups (A, B, C, and D), hosted across two cities.

IIHF restructures world Championship lower divisions

Competition Structure

  • Unique Cross-Group Play: Teams will not face opponents from their own group. Instead, teams in Group A will play the three teams in Group B, while teams in Group C will play the three teams in Group D.

  • Standings: Despite playing opponents from a different group, rankings will be calculated based on the results within each specific group (A, B, C, and D).

  • Playoffs: The top two teams from each group will advance to semifinals (A1 vs. A2, B1 vs. B2, C1 vs. C2, and D1 vs. D2).

  • Promotion: The winners of the two gold-medal finals will earn promotion to the elite tier.

  • Relegation: The third-placed teams will face off in a double-leg format (A3 vs. B3 and C3 vs. D3). The results will be combined into a four-team general ranking, with the bottom-ranked team relegated to Division II/A.

How the New Format Works: An Example

To visualize this, imagine Group A (Team 1, Team 2, Team 3) and Group B (Team 4, Team 5, Team 6).

  1. The Matches:

    • Team 1 plays Team 4, Team 5, and Team 6.

    • Team 2 plays Team 4, Team 5, and Team 6.

    • Team 3 plays Team 4, Team 5, and Team 6.

    • Note: Team 1 never plays Team 2 or Team 3 during the group stage.

  2. The Standings:

    • Group A standings are calculated solely based on how Teams 1, 2, and 3 performed in their matches against Teams 4, 5, and 6.

    • If Team 1 earns 7 points and Team 2 earns 6 points, Team 1 takes the top spot in Group A, and Team 2 takes second.

  3. Advancing:

    • Team 1 (A1) would then face the second-place team from Group A (A2/Team 2) in the semifinal.

    • The winners of these semifinals move to the gold-medal games to fight for promotion to the elite tier.

  4. Relegation Battle:

    • If Team 3 (A3) finishes last in Group A, they will play a two-game series against the third-place team from Group B (B3). This series helps determine who ends up in the “bottom four” ranking that decides which nation is relegated to Division II/A.

Thrilling Overtime Drama and Dominant Victories at the 2026 IIHF World Championship

May 21, 2026 /

The 2026 IIHF World Ice Hockey Championship continued on Thursday, May 21, with four thrilling matchups across Group A and Group B. Here is your game report for today’s action.

Scheifele saves the day for canada

Group A: Zurich (Swiss Life Arena)

🇫🇮 Finland 7, 🇱🇻 Latvia 1

Finland asserted their dominance in Group A with a commanding 7-1 victory over Latvia. Despite an early scare when Latvian captain Rūdolfs Balcers scored just 10 seconds into the opening period, Finland responded with overwhelming offensive pressure. They controlled the pace of the game for the remainder of the match, moving to 12 points and joining host Switzerland at the top of the group standings.

🇨🇭 Switzerland 4, 🇬🇧 Great Britain 1

Host nation Switzerland maintained their perfect tournament record with a 4-1 win over Great Britain. Winnipeg Jets forward Nino Niederreiter led the charge with two goals, including the icebreaker just five minutes into the game. Although Great Britain’s Joshua Waller managed to narrow the gap in the second period, the Swiss remained in control. A late “slapstick” goal allowed by Swiss goaltender Reto Berra provided a minor moment of amusement, but the host nation never looked in danger of losing their lead.

Group B: Fribourg (BCF Arena)

🇨🇦 Canada 6, 🇳🇴 Norway 5 (OT)

In the day’s most dramatic contest, Mark Scheifele rescued Canada from a potential upset with a hat-trick, scoring the overtime winner just 29 seconds into the extra frame. Norway stunned the crowd early, building a 2-0 lead on goals by Eskild Bakke Olsen and Johannes Johannesen. Canada clawed their way back, but Norway regained the lead late in the third period (5-4) on goals from Noah Steen and Tinus Luc Koblar. With goaltender Cam Talbot pulled for an extra attacker, Ryan O’Reilly tied the game with 1:39 remaining in regulation to force overtime, setting the stage for Scheifele’s heroics.

🇸🇰 Slovakia 5, 🇩🇰 Denmark 1

Slovakia continued their strong campaign in Group B with a disciplined 5-1 victory over Denmark. Martin Chromiak opened the scoring on the power play in the first period, and Slovakia never looked back. Further goals from Adam Liska, Oliver Okuliar, Martin Pospíšil, and Sebastian Cederle secured the three points. While Mikkel Aagaard managed to put Denmark on the board in the third period, Slovakia’s balanced attack kept them firmly in the quarter-final conversation.

Kazakhstan and Ukraine Surge: 2026 IIHF World Championship Division I, Group A Recap

May 8, 2026 /

The 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship Division I, Group A concluded today in Sosnowiec, Poland, with a finale defined by missed opportunities and a massive upset. While Kazakhstan maintained their perfection, the story of the day was the collapse of Poland’s promotion dreams at the hands of a desperate Lithuanian squad.

Promotion to the top

The Champions: Kazakhstan’s Immediate Return

Kazakhstan proved they were simply a cut above the rest of the field. After being relegated just a year ago, they secured their return to the Elite Division by finishing the tournament with 13 points. They closed their campaign today with a disciplined 2-1 shootout victory over France, ensuring they finished the week without a single regulation loss.

The Stunner in Sosnowiec: Poland’s Promotion Hopes Vanish

The script was supposed to favor the hosts. Poland entered the final game knowing that a regulation win against Lithuania—the bottom-ranked team in the group—would punch their ticket to the 2027 Top Division.

However, the “safe” victory turned into a nightmare early on. Lithuania struck first, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to take a 1-0 lead and completely sucking the air out of the Sosnowiec Arena. Poland spent the rest of the afternoon in a frantic chase. While they eventually managed to find an equalizer to force the game into overtime, the damage was done.

  • The Result: Lithuania capped off their “spoiler” performance with a 2-1 overtime victory.

  • The Heartbreak: By failing to win in regulation, Poland earned only 1 point for the OTL, leaving them at 8 points total—two points shy of the promotion spot. The sight of the Polish players collapsed on the ice after the final buzzer captured the “let down” felt across the country.

The Beneficiary: Ukraine’s Historic Climb

Poland’s inability to handle the pressure was a gift for Ukraine. Having defeated Japan 3-1 earlier in the day to reach 10 points, the Ukrainian squad had to sit in the stands and watch the Poland-Lithuania game unfold. As the clock hit zero in regulation with the score tied, the Ukrainian celebrations began—they had officially secured 2nd place and their first promotion to the Top Division since 2007.

Final Standings

RankTeamGPWOTWOTLLPTSStatus
1Kazakhstan5320013Promoted
2Ukraine5301110Promoted
3France512118Remains in Div I, Gr. A
4Poland520218Remains in Div I, Gr. A
5Lithuania501224Remains in Div I, Gr. A
6Japan501042Relegated to Div I, Gr. B

Key Takeaways

  • Lithuania’s Great Escape: Lithuania entered the day facing relegation. By scoring first and holding Poland to a draw in regulation, they not only ruined Poland’s party but also moved up to 5th place, sending Japan down to Division I, Group B.

  • The Power of One Goal: Had Poland scored first or found a way to win in the final minutes of the third period, they would be preparing for the 2027 Elite Division. Instead, they finish 4th due to tiebreakers with France.

  • The New Elite: Kazakhstan and Ukraine will replace the bottom two teams from the 2026 Elite Championship (currently underway in Switzerland) for the 2027 cycle in Germany.

For Poland, this tournament will be remembered as a massive “what if,” a home-ice advantage that slipped away at the very last hurdle.

Estonia Clinches Gold in Shenzhen, China Secures Historic Silver

May 5, 2026 /

The 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship Division I, Group B concluded today, May 5, in Shenzhen, China, leaving an indelible mark on the host nation’s sporting history. In a tournament defined by high-stakes drama and tight defensive battles, Estonia emerged as the undisputed champion, while China celebrated its most successful performance in the current tournament format.

The Champions: Estonia’s Path to Promotion

Entering the final day, Estonia had already clinched the gold medal and promotion to Division I, Group A for 2027. Their dominance was established early, powered by a perfect 4-0 record leading into the final matchup.

Estonia’s balanced attack and disciplined defense proved too much for the field. Forward David Timofejev emerged as a breakout star, leading the team in scoring and providing the offensive spark needed during critical stretches against Romania and South Korea. Their promotion marks a significant step forward for Estonian hockey, as they prepare to face higher-tier competition next year.

China’s GUO Jianing (17) battled through the Estonian defense in a thrilling 3-3 deadlock.

A Historic Silver for Team China

For the host nation, the tournament was nothing short of a revelation. China secured the silver medal—their best finish since the IIHF introduced the current divisional structure in 2001.

The journey to silver culminated in a thrilling final-day showdown against Estonia. With the home crowd at the Shenzhen Universiade Center roaring, China staged a gritty performance:

  • The Lead: Forward Hou Yuyang opened the scoring early, eventually netting a brace to put China ahead.

  • The Comeback: Estonia showcased their championship pedigree by erasing a 3-0 deficit in the third period to force overtime.

  • The Finish: After a scoreless overtime, China prevailed in a tense penalty shootout to win the game 3-2 and leapfrog Romania in the standings.

Hou Yuyang finished as the tournament’s top scorer with 12 points (7 goals, 5 assists), earning the title of China’s Best Player. Meanwhile, Wang Haoxi was honored as the tournament’s Best Defenseman, highlighting the growth of the Chinese blue line.

Final Standings and Results

The tournament featured several shifts in the standings, particularly on the final day as teams battled for podium positions.

RankTeamRecord (W-OTW-OTL-L)PointsStatus
1Estonia4-0-1-013Promoted to Div I, Group A
2China2-2-0-110Silver Medal
3Romania3-0-1-110Bronze Medal
4South Korea3-0-0-29
5Spain1-0-0-43
6Netherlands0-0-0-50Relegated to Div II, Group A

Notable Performances

  • Romania’s Bronze: Romania secured the bronze after a convincing 4-1 win over South Korea on the final day. Their veteran presence kept them in the hunt for gold until Estonia’s late-tournament surge.

  • Spain Stays Up: In a crucial “relegation bowl,” Spain routed the Netherlands 4-0 to earn their first win and ensure they remain in Division I for another year.

  • Goaltending Excellence: China’s 17-year-old netminder Tu Yueran was a standout story, posting a 21-save shutout against Spain and proving the future of Chinese goaltending is in steady hands.

Looking Ahead

The success of the event in Shenzhen underscores the growing popularity of ice hockey in Southern China. As Estonia moves up to face the likes of Poland and Ukraine in Group A, China will look to build on this historic silver with eyes set on their own promotion in 2027. For the Netherlands, the road back begins in Division II, following a difficult winless campaign.

Battle for the Elite: 2026 IIHF World Championship Division I Group A Preview

May 1, 2026 /

The 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship Division I, Group A is set to take place in Sosnowiec, Poland, from May 2 to May 8, 2026. This tournament remains one of the most high-stakes events on the international calendar, with the top two finishers earning promotion to the 2027 Top Division, while the bottom-placed team faces relegation to Division I, Group B.

A classic rivalry renewed as Poland and Ukraine battle for dominance

Tournament Overview

  • Host City: Sosnowiec, Poland

  • Venue: Sosnowiec Arena

  • Dates: May 2 – May 8, 2026

  • Participating Teams: France, Kazakhstan, Poland, Japan, Ukraine, and Lithuania.

The Contenders

Kazakhstan (Relegated from Top Division)

After five consecutive years in the elite flight, Kazakhstan returns to Division I for the first time since 2019. They enter as the heavy favorites, led by veteran captain Roman Starchenko, who is remarkably making his 18th World Championship appearance. With a roster heavily featuring KHL talent and goaltender Andrei Shutov back in the fold, the Kazakhs are expected to secure one of the two promotion spots.

France (Relegated from Top Division)

France finds themselves back in Group A after a disappointing 2025 campaign in Sweden/Denmark. Though they will miss NHL star Alexandre Texier (currently in the Stanley Cup playoffs), the French squad is bolstered by Olympic experience, having finished 11th in the 2026 Winter Games. Keep an eye on goaltenders Antoine Keller and the experienced Quentin Papillon  as they look to backstop “Les Bleus” back to the elite level.

Poland (Host Nation)

Following a tough 2025 tournament where they finished 5th, the Poles will rely on home-ice advantage to push for a top-two finish. Under Finnish coach Pekka Tirkkonen, Poland features a roster largely from the PHL, but impact players like Pawel Zygmunt and Krzysztof Macias (Czech Extraliga) provide necessary depth. With John Murray retired, Tomas Fucik takes over the crease.

Ukraine

Ukraine was the heartbreak story of 2025, missing out on promotion on the final day after a loss to Japan. They return with a potent offense led by Andrei Denyskin and Viktor Zakharov. Defensively, Igor Merezhko remains one of the best blueliners in the division. If Bogdan Dyachenko can repeat his “Top Goalkeeper” performance from last year, Ukraine could finally break back into the Top Division.

Japan

Japan proved to be the ultimate “spoiler” last year and will look to do more than just survive in 2026. While they will miss the firepower of Yushiro Hirano due to injury, the squad features young talent like Yu Sato and Jordan Keller. Coached by Jarrod Skalde, Japan is a disciplined unit that thrives on high-pressure transition play.

Lithuania (Promoted from Group B)

The newcomers to Group A, Lithuania earned their spot by winning last year’s Group B tournament in Estonia. While they are the lowest-ranked team in the field, they are known for their physical play and resilience. Their primary goal will be to avoid the 6th-place spot and cement their position in Group A.

Opening Day Schedule (May 2, 2026)

The tournament kicks off with a triple-header:

  • 12:30: Japan vs. France

  • 16:00: Lithuania vs. Kazakhstan

  • 19:30: Poland vs. Ukraine

Key Storylines to Watch

  1. The Battle for the Top Spot: Can France or Kazakhstan exert their dominance as former elite-level teams, or will the rising programs like Ukraine and Poland pull off the upset?

  2. The Olympic Hangover: France is the only team coming off a high-intensity Olympic tournament. Will that experience be an asset or a source of fatigue?

  3. Host Pressure: Poland has struggled in recent high-stakes matches; playing in front of a passionate Sosnowiec crowd will be a major test of their mental toughness.

Battle in the Pearl River Delta: 2026 IIHF Division I Group B Preview

April 28, 2026 /

The 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship Division I, Group B is set to take place in Shenzhen, China, from April 29 to May 5, 2026. This tournament serves as the third tier of the World Championships, with six nations battling for a single promotion spot to Division I, Group A.

The games will be hosted at the Shenzhen Universiade Center, an 18,000-capacity arena that previously served as the centerpiece for the 2011 World University Games.

The puck is about to drop in Shenzhen! Six nations, one promotion spot,

Tournament Overview

    • Host: Shenzhen, China

    • Venue: Shenzhen Universiade Center

    • Format: Single round-robin (15 games total)

    • Stakes: The winner is promoted to Division I, Group A for 2027. Note that there is no relegation this year due to the cancellation of the Division II, Group A tournament.

The Contenders

Nation2025 FinishKey Outlook
Romania6th (DI A – Relegated)The favorite to return to Group A, relying on physical play and tactical discipline.
South Korea2nd (DI B)A high-pace, athletic squad that pushed for promotion last year and remains a top threat.
Estonia3rd (DI B)A young, transition-heavy team known for speed and disciplined defensive structures.
China4th (DI B)The hosts; bolstered by home-ice momentum and strong goaltending from Shifeng (Steven) Chen.
Spain5th (DI B)Rising steadily with a core built around technical finesse and creative passing.
Netherlands1st (DII A – Promoted)The newcomers, entering with momentum and a reputation for consistent, cohesive team play.

Key Players to Watch

  • Shifeng (Steven) Chen (G, China): After a standout 2025 performance ($92.75\%$ SV%), he remains the backbone of the Chinese defense.

  • Jaime Capillas (F, Spain): A creative force from CH Jaca who led Spain’s transition-heavy attack in recent international play.

  • Oriol Rubio (F, Spain): Known for his pace and ability to break games open, Rubio is essential to Spain’s hope for an upset.

    Full Schedule

    DateTime (Local)Matchup
    April 2912:30Spain vs. Estonia
    16:00Netherlands vs. Romania
    19:30China vs. South Korea
    April 3012:30Estonia vs. Netherlands
    16:00South Korea vs. Spain
    19:30Romania vs. China
    May 212:30Romania vs. Spain
    16:00South Korea vs. Estonia
    19:30Netherlands vs. China
    May 312:30Estonia vs. Romania
    16:00South Korea vs. Netherlands
    19:30China vs. Spain
    May 512:30Romania vs. South Korea
    16:00Spain vs. Netherlands
    19:30Estonia vs. China

    Tournament Narrative

    The race for promotion appears to be a three-way collision course between Romania, South Korea, and the host China. Romania’s experience at the higher level makes them the team to beat, but China has shown significant progress through recent professional league involvement and will have the Shenzhen crowd behind them. Spain and Estonia remain “spoilers” capable of taking points off the leaders, ensuring that the “Golden Ticket” to Group A likely won’t be decided until the final day of play on May 5.

The Road to Promotion: Türkiye and Uzbekistan Claim Gold in Cape Town and Hong Kong

April 20, 2026 /

The 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championships for Division III concluded this past weekend, featuring a return to dominance for Türkiye and a historic, record-shattering performance by Uzbekistan.

Türkiye and Uzbekistan as they secure promotion and dominate the 2026 IIHF Division III stage.

Division III, Group A (Cape Town, South Africa)

Türkiye secured an immediate return to Division II by sweeping the tournament in Cape Town. Their promotion was built on a foundation of elite goaltending and a highly efficient power play that converted at over 30%.

Standings & Results

RankTeamRecord (W-OTW-OTL-L)PointsStatus
1Türkiye5–0–0–015Promoted to Div II B
2Mexico2–1–1–19Silver
3Bosnia and Herzegovina2–1–0–28Bronze
4South Africa (H)2–0–1–27
5Thailand1–1–0–35
6Turkmenistan0–0–1–41Relegated to Div III B

Tournament Highlights

  • The Decisive Path: Türkiye’s toughest test came against Bosnia and Herzegovina, a narrow 2–1 victory. They sealed the gold on the final day by doubling up Mexico 6–3.

  • Offensive Leaders: Mexico’s Hector Majul led the tournament in scoring with 13 points (6G, 7A), earning the Directorate Award for Best Forward.

  • Stifling Defense: Turkish goaltender Sava Voronov was named Best Goalkeeper, posting a .928 SV% and a 2.00 GAA across five starts.

Division III, Group B (Hong Kong)

Uzbekistan delivered one of the most statistically dominant performances in IIHF history, scoring a staggering 97 goals in just five games to earn promotion to Group A.

Standings & Results

RankTeamRecordPointsStatus
1Uzbekistan5–0–0–015Promoted to Div III A
2DPR Korea4–0–0–112Silver
3Hong Kong (H)3–0–0–29Bronze
4Luxembourg2–0–0–36
5Mongolia1–0–0–43
6Philippines0–0–0–50

The Kravchenko Show

The headline of the tournament was the play of Uzbekistan’s Vadim Kravchenko. He set a blistering pace with 19 goals and 35 points in five games, including:

  • A record-setting opening against Mongolia (26–1) and the Philippines (28–3).

  • A hat trick in the first period of the gold-medal-deciding game against Hong Kong (final score 9–4).

Individual Awards

  • Best Forward: Vadim Kravchenko (Uzbekistan)

  • Best Defender: Batu Batorovich (Mongolia)

  • Best Goalkeeper: Long Kiu Rexton Chui (Hong Kong)

Looking Ahead to 2027

  • Türkiye will compete in Division II, Group B.

  • Uzbekistan moves up to Division III, Group A.

  • Turkmenistan drops down to Division III, Group B.

European Dominance: France and Netherlands Secure Historic Promotions in 2026 IIHF Women’s World Championship Division I

April 19, 2026 /

The 2026 IIHF Women’s World Championship Division I tournaments concluded on April 18, 2026, with major shifts in the international rankings as France and the Netherlands secured key promotions.

France celebrates a return to the Top Division while the Netherlands secures their spot in Division I-A

Division I, Group A (Budapest, Hungary)

France emerged victorious in a highly competitive field to return to the Top Division for 2027.

Final Standings

RankTeamPointsStatus
1France12Promoted to Top Division
2Slovakia9Stay
3Hungary (H)8Stay
4Italy7Stay
5Norway6Stay
6China3Relegated to Div I, Group B

Tournament Highlights

  • The Decisive Final: France clinched gold in a de facto final on the last day, defeating Slovakia 3–1. Despite being outshot 27–16, French goaltender Alice Philbert stood tall to secure the promotion.

  • A Balanced Attack: France relied on a deep roster, with Estelle Duvin (9 points) and Clara Rozier (8 points) leading the charge.

  • Tough Luck for China: After being relegated from the Top Division recently, China struggled in Budapest and finished last, resulting in a second consecutive relegation.

Directorate Awards

  • Best Goalkeeper: Aniko Nemeth (Hungary)

  • Best Defender: Nadia Mattivi (Italy)

  • Best Forward: Estelle Duvin (France)

Division I, Group B (Puigcerda, Spain)

The Netherlands dominated the group in Spain, showcasing their growth in the European circuit.

Final Standings

RankTeamPointsStatus
1Netherlands13Promoted to Div I, Group A
2Great Britain11Stay
3Kazakhstan7Stay
4South Korea7Stay
5Latvia4Stay
6Spain (H)3Relegated to Div II, Group A

Tournament Highlights

  • Dutch Dominance: The Netherlands finished with a nearly perfect record (4–0–1–0), allowing only 4 goals across 5 games. Maree Dijkema led the tournament in scoring with 10 points.

  • Great Britain’s Surge: The Brits put up a valiant effort, securing the silver medal with 11 points, including two overtime victories that kept them in the hunt until the final day.

  • Host Nation Struggle: In their Division I, Group B debut, Spain fought hard but managed only one win (3 points), leading to their relegation back to Division II.

Directorate Awards

  • Best Goalkeeper: Eline Gabriele (Netherlands)

  • Best Defender: Kayleigh Hamers (Netherlands)

  • Best Forward: Maree Dijkema (Netherlands)

Poland Triumphant in Bled: 2026 IIHF Women’s World Championship Division II Group A Recap

April 19, 2026 /

The 2026 IIHF Women’s World Championship Division II, Group A concluded on April 18 in Bled, Slovenia. Poland dominated the tournament to secure the gold medal and earn promotion to Division I, Group B for 2027.

Champions in Bled: Pure joy on the ice as Poland secures gold.

Final Standings

RankTeamRecord (W-OTW-OTL-L)PointsStatus
1Poland4-0-0-012Promoted
2Slovenia2-0-0-26Stay
3Chinese Taipei0-2-0-24Stay
4Australia1-0-1-24Stay
5Iceland1-0-1-24Relegated

Tournament Highlights

  • Poland’s Perfection: Poland finished the tournament with a perfect 4-0 record, outscoring their opponents 23–2. Their victory was capped off by a 2–0 win over the host nation, Slovenia, in the final game.

  • The Battle for Bronze: In a dramatic final-day matchup, Chinese Taipei defeated Iceland 4–3 in a shootout to secure the bronze medal. This result triggered a three-way tie at 4 points between Chinese Taipei, Australia, and Iceland, with Iceland ultimately finishing last due to head-to-head tiebreakers.

  • Slovenia’s Host Performance: Despite the loss to Poland, the Slovenians secured silver on home ice, highlighted by a high-scoring 6–3 victory over Chinese Taipei and a gritty 5–3 win against Australia.

Directorate Awards

  • Best Goalkeeper: Hsu Tzu-Ting (Chinese Taipei) – Posted a 95.74% save percentage and was instrumental in two shootout victories.

  • Best Defender: Lea Buljeta (Slovenia) – Recognized for her defensive leadership and contribution to the host team’s silver medal run.

  • Best Forward: Karolina Późniewska (Poland) – The tournament’s offensive engine, leading all players with 13 points (8 goals, 5 assists) in just 4 games.

Statistical Leaders

  • Top Scorer: Karolina Późniewska (Poland) – 13 points

  • Top Goal Scorer: Karolina Późniewska (Poland) – 8 goals

  • Top Assist Leader: Dominika Korkuz (Poland) – 8 assists

  • Best GAA: Nadia Ratajczyk (Poland) – 0.38 goals-against average with a 97.96% save percentage.

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