Austria’s U18 women lose friendly against Hungary

The final countdown has begun for Austria’s U18 Women’s National Ice Hockey Team ahead of the 2024 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 Women's World Championship Divison IA, which starts on 06 January 2024 in Neumarkt/Egna (ITA).

The ÖEHV selection, which had gathered in St. Pölten for a team camp, faced Hungary in a friendly at Budapest’s Tüskecsarnok. The hosts, who will be Austria’s World Championship opponents on Wednesday, 10 January, took a late first-period lead through Nikolett Fehér, making it 1:0 in the 19th minute.

Réka Hiezl extended the lead to 2:0 early in the second period (23nd minute). Hiezl also sealed the 3:0 final score just under five minutes from time (55th minute). After New Year, the U18 team will have another team camp in Telfs and a friendly against World Championship co-favourites Japan.

Head Coach Mario Bellina: "We actually started the game well, were on a level with Hungary in the first period, kept up with them in skating terms, and battled and fought well. All three goals conceded came from individual mistakes, where we made it far too easy for our opponents to score against us, while we have to work hard for every scoring opportunity. We dropped off a little in the second period and were somewhat too hesitant in our one-on-one play. As a result, the Hungarians forced us onto the back foot. With a view to the World Championship, we need to make sure we score on the power play and consolidate our defensive game. We are not talking about major blunders, but small details. We also need to be careful with penalties. It was an instructive game; we saw how strong Hungary are. At the World Championship, I rate all the nations as being of roughly equal strength."

U18 friendly:

Hungary vs. Austria 3:0 (1:0,1:0,1:0)
Fri, 29 December 2023, 17:00, Budapest
Hungary goalscorers: Nikolett Fehér (19th minute), Réka Hiezl (23rd, 55th minute)

World Championship schedule:

2024 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 Women's World Championship Divison IA
06 January 2024 - 12 January 2024, Neumarkt/Egna (ITA)

Participants: Japan, Italy, France, Hungary, Austria, Denmark

Austria vs. France
Sat, 06 January 2024, 12:30

Italy vs. Austria
Sun, 07 January 2024, 16:00

Japan vs. Austria
Tue, 09 January 2024, 16:00

Hungary vs. Austria
Wed, 10 January 2024, 12:30

Austria vs. Denmark
Fri, 12 January 2024, 12:30

All information and the full schedule on the official IIHF website