Defeat processed – women focus on the weekend

“Initially, it was certainly a disappointment for us that we did not convert so many power-play opportunities,” Annika Fazokas again analysed yesterday’s defeat. The special teams and power play were worked on in Friday’s training session, while the focus was also immediately turned to what lies ahead.

“At a certain point, you have to put it behind you and look forward. Everything is still possible, and that is how we are approaching the upcoming games. We will stick to our game, have made a few more adjustments and are going at it with full intensity,” said the defender.

Hungary, newly promoted to the Top Division, await on Saturday, before Austria face Slovakia on Sunday. Slovakia returned from Division IB to Division IA in 2024, where Austria also play. Annika Fazokas: “They both play very physically, but so do we. That is our DNA. If we play our game and our system, it is not so important what they do.”

A first goal of the tournament could provide some momentum. Preventing goals will be down to Selma Luggin, who delivered a strong performance against Germany: “I will continue to give my best and make sure I give my team the chance to win. On Saturday, we need to get going, beat Hungary and then Slovakia on Sunday as well. Then we will see where that takes us.”

From the goaltender’s perspective, it will primarily be a mental matter: “We have to play every shift at 100 per cent, as if it were our last, and must never let up. Then it will lead to a good result.”

2025 WOMEN'S FINAL OLYMPIC ICE HOCKEY QUALIFICATION, GROUP I

Hungary vs. Austria

Sat, 08 February 2025, 18:00, Eisarena Bremerhaven, live on Magenta Sport

Austria vs. Slovakia

Sun, 09 February 2025, 14:30, Eisarena Bremerhaven, live on Magenta Sport

Already played:

Germany vs. Austria 2:0 (0:0,2:0,0:0)

Thu, 06 February 2025, 19:30, Eisarena Bremerhaven
Germany goalscorers: Celina Haider (24th minute), Emily Nix (36th minute)

All information on the official IIHF website