Austria’s U18 women defeat France 2:1 in over­time

It was a win for morale, as Head Coach Mario Bellina stressed after the game. Not only had they lost their first three matches, but a gastrointestinal virus is also circulating within the team. Before the game, the coaching staff did not even know which line-up they would be able to field. The players quite literally gritted their teeth and also performed confidently on the ice.

The tactical instructions were implemented well, and they also earned a little of the luck that comes with hard work, with the puck repeatedly bouncing Austria’s way. Nevertheless, after killing off a penalty midway through the second period, they fell 0:1 behind, but kept their composure and patience before finally rewarding themselves.

Florentina Rumpl converted a power play in the final period for a deserved equaliser. Once again, a player advantage led to a goal, this time in overtime, when Emma Lintner scored the winner. Austria are now one point ahead of bottom side Norway in the standings. The Scandinavians face France in their final game. If France win, Austria’s place in the division is secured. If they lose, Austria must pick up points against Hungary, who have the maximum points after four wins from four games and have already secured promotion to the Top Division.

Head Coach Mario Bellina: "First win of the tournament, despite unfavourable circumstances. We have several players struggling because of a gastrointestinal virus, so we did not even know who would be able to play today. They showed commitment, persevered and played with discipline. It was a real team effort; everyone battled until the end. After what we have been through over the past few days, this win is good for morale. We continued to play with discipline after falling behind, remained patient and scored the equaliser. Thanks to a power-play goal in overtime, we were able to take the win. We want to leave the tournament with a good performance against Hungary."

2025 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 Women's World Championship Divison IA

05 January 2025 - 11 January 2025, Budapest (HUN)
Participants: Germany, Italy, Hungary, Austria, France, Norway)

Austria vs. France 2:1 OT (0:0,0:1,1:0,1:0)
Fri, 10 January 2025, 16:00, Tüskecsarnok
Austria goalscorers: Florentina Rumpl (51), Emma Lintner (64)
France goalscorer: Jade Bernoussi (34)

Remaining game:
 
Hungary vs. Austria
Sat, 11 January 2025, 19:30, Tüskecsarnok

Already played:

Norway vs. Austria 4:3 OT (1:3,1:0,1:0,1:0)
Wed, 08 January 2025, 12:30, Tüskecsarnok
Norway goalscorers: Tiril Arntzen (17), Hedda Fredriksen (40/PP1), Miriam Toet-Uddveg (60), Kajsa Bråten (62)
Austria goalscorers: Vanessa Picka (10th minute), Emma Lintner (13th minute), Hana Ostadal (15th minute)

Germany vs. Austria 4:1 (0:1,3:0,1:0)
Mon., 06 January 2025, 12:30, Tüskecsarnok
Germany goalscorers: Charleen Poindl (23th minute/PP1), Alexandra Boico (28rd minute, 33rd minute, 58th minute)
Austria goalscorer: Vanessa Picka (12th minute

Austria vs. Italy 3:4 (0:1,1:1,2:2)
Sun., 05 January 2025, 12:30, Tüskecsarnok
Austria goalscorers: Emma Lintner (36th minute, 54th minute/PP1), Vanessa Picka (50th minute)
Italy goalscorers: Maddalena Bedont (20th minute/PP1), Manuela Heidenberger (32nd minute, 42nd minute), Eleonora Pinti (49th minute)

All information on the official IIHF website