Austria lose to China and miss out on promo­tion to the Top Divi­sion

Austria once again started with Selma Luggin in goal against World Championship hosts China at the Shenzhen Universiade Center in front of 7.920 fans.

The ÖEHV selection made a good start to the first period, and after barely a minute Anja Trummer had the chance to give them the lead following a quick attack. Austria were more aggressive and dominant early on, putting the Chinese under considerable pressure. It was only after six minutes that goalie Selma Luggin had to save the first shot, catching it with her glove.

China were particularly dangerous on quick counter-attacks, with the crossbar coming to the rescue on their best chance. At the other end, the Austrians found their match in goaltender Tiya Chen. In addition, Red-White-Red lacked composure and efficiency in front of goal. After 20 minutes, their dominance was also reflected in the shot statistics, which stood at 15:5.

Just seconds into the second period, Annika Fazokas drove powerfully towards the Chinese goal but failed to convert the great chance to take the lead. Little changed in the nature of the game. Austria remained on top, while China waited for Austrian lapses in concentration and quick counter-attacks.

Head Coach Alexander Bröms' team were able to establish themselves and rotate well in the offensive zone at times, with only the goal proving elusive. Shortly after the halfway mark, the first penalty of the game was called, with Laura Lüftenegger sent to the penalty box.

Power-play goal puts China on course for victory

The Chinese seized this opportunity ruthlessly: Qiqi Lin was perfectly placed following a save by Selma Luggin and made it 1:0 for the hosts (35th min.). With the lead behind them, the home side took control for the final minutes of the second period. Selma Luggin prevented Austria from falling further behind.

Head Coach Scott Spencer's team were also on top at the start of the final period. The Chinese played quickly and directly, putting Austria under enormous pressure. Selma Luggin kept the ÖEHV team in the game with some good saves. In the end, Head Coach Alexander Bröms pulled goalie Selma Luggin, and with twelve seconds left before the final buzzer, Yuting Wang sealed the result with a shot into the empty net (60th min.) as China won 2:0.

For Austria's women, the dream of promotion to the Top Division was over even before the final matchday, while Annika Fazokas was named Austria's player of the game.

Head Coach Alexander Bröms analysed after the game: "We delivered a solid performance for 60 minutes. We had many chances but unfortunately could not score. We are naturally very disappointed, but we do not see this as a failure; we need time to grow together and improve!"

Slovakia await in the final game on Saturday

Austria's women conclude their campaign against Slovakia early on Saturday at 07:00. The team coached by Finnish Head Coach Arto Sieppi have lost all four of their World Championship games so far – 0:1 against China, 0:3 against the Netherlands, 2:4 against Norway and 1:2 against Denmark – and have already been relegated.

2023 IIHF Ice Hockey Women's World Championship Division IA

20 August 2023 - 26 August 2023, Shenzhen (CHN)

Austria vs. China 0:2 (0:0,0:1,0:1)
Thu, 24 August 2023, 14:00 (20:00 local time)
China goalscorers: Qiqi Lin (35th min./PP1), Yuting Wang (60th min./EN)

Current standings

Remaining schedule:

Dates and times refer to our local time zone, with local time shown in brackets.

Slovakia vs. Austria
Sat, 26 August 2023, 07:00 (13:00)

Already played:

Netherlands vs. Austria 2:1 (0:0,1:1,1:0)
Wed, 23 August 2023, 10:30 (16:30 local time)
Netherlands scorers: Savine Wielenga (28'), Bieke van Nes (56'/PP1)
Austria scorer: Charlotte Wittich (36') 

Denmark vs. Austria 0:1 (0:0,0:1,0:0)
Mon, 21 August 2023, 07:00 (13:00 local time)
Austria scorer: Anna Meixner (22')

Austria vs. Norway 4:0 (2:0,2:0,0:0)
Sun, 20 August 2023, 10:30 (16:30 local time), Shenzhen
Austria scorers: Tamara Grascher (8'/PP1, 20'), Anna Meixner (32', 40'/PP1)