Austria lose 0:6 to Sweden

Austria once again started with goaltender Sebastian Wraneschitz in their second World Championship game against Sweden at Rogers Place in Edmonton. Tre Kronor had narrowly won their opening game against Switzerland 3:2 after leading 3:0.

The ÖEHV selection coached by Head Coach Philipp Pinter featured two changes following the 2:4 loss to Germany: Maximilian Hengelmüller replaced Nico Kramer up front, while Matteo Mitrovic came in for Tobias Sablattnig on defence. Sweden started strongly and peppered goaltender Wraneschitz with shots in the first period, with the Vienna-born netminder and the defence standing up to Tre Kronor's attacks.

Austria had their best chance during their first power play through captain Leon Wallner. Wraneschitz had no chance against defenceman Simon Edvinsson's slap shot as the favourites took a 1:0 lead (13.). Shortly afterwards, Austria were fortunate as a shot from Oskar Olausson rebounded off the crossbar. After the first period, Sweden led the shots 21:3.

The second period began with Austria shorthanded. Maximilian Preiml had received a two-minute tripping penalty in the final seconds of the first period. Sweden capitalised on the power play, with Isak Rosen making it 2:0 after 59 seconds (21.).

Austria fought for every inch of ice

The Scandinavians remained dominant afterwards. Austria fought passionately for every inch of ice to defend their own "house". The red-white-red players did this very well for a long time, until Emil Andrae fired a powerful wrist shot to make it 3:0 for Sweden (35.).

Just under a minute later, Andrae struck again on the power play to make it 4:0 (36.). The shot count in the second period, 6:10, was already better from an Austrian perspective and showed that the defensive performance had been solid until the two goals conceded.

Little changed in the final period. Sweden spent more time in the offensive zone, while Austria's players held firm. Lucas Thaler had the best chance from a quick counter-attack, but was denied by Sweden goaltender Clang. Sweden then had a power play and were awarded a penalty shot after a foul by Lorenz Lindner. Fabian Lysell went in on goaltender Wraneschitz, who countered the Swede's strong move with an outstanding save (49.).

Shortly afterwards, Lysell again sent the puck under the crossbar from a tight angle on the power play to make it 5:0 (50.). With 26 seconds remaining, Theodor Niederbach made it 6:0 for Sweden (60.). Goaltender Sebastian Wraneschitz, who delivered a very strong performance, was named Austria's Player of the Game.

Head Coach Philipp Pinter was pleased with his team's performance after the game: "Today's performance was significantly better than against Germany. Accordingly, we analysed the mistakes from the previous game and pointed out that we would achieve little without tactical discipline and discipline when it comes to staying out of the penalty box. That was much better today. Of course, against Sweden you spend a great deal of time in your own zone, but we were really compact defensively, fought like lions and blocked shots. The atmosphere on the bench was excellent today, and goaltender Sebastian Wraneschitz had a good day. The trend is definitely moving in the right direction. We continue on Saturday, and it certainly will not get any easier. The USA are probably even a notch better than Sweden. The boys are fighting and are very proud of the performance. After the USA game, the big showdown against Switzerland follows on Monday."

Defending champions USA await on Saturday

Following a short recovery period, the Austrians resume their World Championship campaign against defending champions USA just 24 hours after the opening face-off of the game against Sweden. On Saturday, 13 August at 20:00 Central European time (Saturday, 13 August, 12:00 local time), the ÖEHV team take on the US boys, who have demonstrated their offensive power in their games to date against Germany (5:1) and Switzerland (7:1).

Result: U20 World Championship IIHF World Junior Championship

Austria vs. Sweden 0:6 (0:1,0:3,0:2)
Fri, 12 August 2022, 20:00 (Fri, 12 August 2022, 12:00 local time), Edmonton, Rogers Place
Sweden scorers: Simon Edvinsson (13), Isak Rosen (21 (PP1)), Emil Andrae (35, 36 PP1), Fabian Lysell (50/PP1), Theodor Niederbach (60)

Standings, Group B (IIHF)

2022 IIHF World Junior Championship – schedule

9. - 20 August 2022, Edmonton (CAN)

Group A: Slovakia, Canada, Finland, Czechia, Latvia
Group B: USA, Sweden, Switzerland, Germany, Austria

Remaining schedule
The date and time refer to our local time, with the local time given in brackets.

Austria vs. USA
Sat., 13 August 2022, 20:00 (Sat., 13 August 2022, 12:00)

Switzerland vs. Austria
Mon., 15 August 2022, 20:00 (Mon., 15 August 2022, 12:00)

Germany vs. Austria 4:2 (1:1,3:1,0:0)
Thu., 11 August 2022, 04:00 (local time Wed., 10 August 2022, 20:00), Edmonton, Rogers Place
Germany scorers: Josef Eham (9), Alexander Blank (24, 29/PP1, 32/PP1)
Austria scorers: Senna Peeters (3/PP1), Jonas Dobnig (22)