A perfect World Cham­pi­onship in Raden­thein! Title, promo­tion and revenge

Having secured promotion, Austria's U18 women were also dominant from the outset in their final World Championship game against Denmark at the Nockhalle, but played a little too loosely to seal the result quickly.

Backed by strong goaltender Caroline Bjergstad, the Danes held firm defensively. It was not until the second period that Lisa Schröfl broke the deadlock and put Austria ahead (in the 29th minute). Denmark responded on the power play, with Frida Kielstrup equalising (in the 37th minute) while Leonie Kutzer was in the penalty box for high-sticking.

Then, with just under three minutes remaining in the final period, Leonie Kutzer made it 2:1 for Austria and truly brought the Nockhalle to the boil (in the 58th minute). After the final buzzer, all restraint gave way as Austria celebrated a 2:1 victory over Denmark to conclude the tournament and earned promotion to Division I – Group A with a total of ten points from four games.

There was also unfinished business with the Scandinavians from the past: in 2019, also in Radenthein, Austria lost 1:4 to Denmark, their direct rivals in the battle to stay in Division IA, and were ultimately relegated. Austria's player of the evening was Emma Hofbauer.

At the atmospheric medal ceremony, Austria's leading scorer Zoey Hobitsch, who recorded four goals and two assists in four games, was named the tournament's best player (MVP). The best defenceman award went to Karolina Hengelmüller. The best goalkeeper was Inhye Jang of South Korea was named best goaltender.

ÖEHV President Dr. Klaus Hartmann presented the gold medals and the winners' trophy to the jubilant victorious U18 women and the fans in the Nockhalle. The Austrian national anthem was played once more at the end. Austria will play Germany, Italy, Hungary and France in Division IA in 2023.

Head Coach Mario Bellina reflects on the World Championship

Head Coach Mario Bellina was not entirely satisfied with the game against Denmark despite the victory: "Of course, we wanted to enjoy the final match after promotion had already been decided. We did not quite manage that; the players were relaxed during the warm-up and played exactly that way. There was also a lot of toil and battling involved!"

The Head Coach was very pleased with the course of the entire World Championship, promotion and the team's development: "It was more difficult than expected. We were nervous at the start, that is clear. Every team had difficulties getting going. People had always said that the game against Denmark on Sunday would be the decisive game, but that was completely wrong. If you look at how the tournament unfolded, you could see that every team can beat any other. It always depends on the form of the day as well. There was great uncertainty after the defeat against South Korea, and we knew it would not be easy. After the first game, we said that we simply had to bring what we practise onto the ice, then things would work out. The individual abilities of these young women are very high; they have learned, and will continue to learn, how to deliver their performances, as they are still young. They now have very good opportunities to develop further at their clubs, and they will bring that back to the national team in the future. This is a great generation, the 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 age groups, with a very strong foundation. There is a lot more to come!"

MVP Zoey Hobitsch praises the team spirit

Zoey Hobitsch, the tournament's best player, summed up the World Championship moments: "It was a little difficult at the beginning because we were a bit down after the defeat against South Korea. The coaches then lifted us up and gave us a lot of positive feedback, and we gradually grew into the tournament before ultimately securing promotion. They have been incredibly beautiful moments at this World Championship. After Poland's victory over South Korea, the pressure was of course eased a little, and we almost overdid it in the game against Denmark. We were too relaxed in the first two periods. Then the coach told us to step it up a little, so we gave everything once more and won."

Hobitsch was delighted with her award and praised the entire team: "Over the past camps, we have not only become teammates, we have all become friends. We have grown together as friends and as a team!"

Results 2022 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship – Division IB

6. – 11 September, Radenthein

Denmark vs. Austria 1:2 (0:0,1:1,0:1)
Sun, 11 September 2022, 18:00, Nockhalle Radenthein
Denmark goalscorer: Frida Kielstrup (37th minute/PP1)
Austria goalscorers: Lisa Schröfl (29th minute), Leonie Kutzer (58th minute)

Austria vs. Chinese Taipei 10:1 (3:1,1:0,6:0)
Fri, 9 September 2022, 19:00, Nockhalle Radenthein
Austria goalscorers: Emma Hofbauer (11th minute), Christina Bayer (12th minute), Zoey Hobitsch (20th, 45th minute), Hanna Obermayr (33th minute/PP1), Lena Artner (51st minute), Marja Linzbichler (51st minute), Emma Hofbauer (52nd minute), Tamina Schall (54th minute), Leonie Kutzer (56th minute)
Chinese Taipei goalscorer: Yi-Ni Lin (15th minute/PP2)

Poland vs. Austria 0:4 (0:2,0:0,0:2)
Wed, 7 September 2022, 19:00, Nockhalle Radenthein
Austria goalscorers: Zoey Hobitsch (5th, 44th minute), Hanna Schwarzer (10th minute), Marja Linzbichler (49th minute)

Austria vs. South Korea 2:3 after overtime (1:1,0:0,1:1,0:1)
Tue, 6 September 2022, 19:00, Nockhalle Radenthein
Austria goalscorers: Karolina Hengelmüller (12th minute/PP1), Hanna Obermayer (58th minute)
South Korea goalscorers: Eunji Lee (18/PP1), Nayeon Kim (57, 61)

You can find the full schedule HERE!

Final World Championship standings