First World Cham­pi­onship win for Austria's U18 National Team – 6:3 against Japan

Austria's U18 once again started their second World Championship game against Japan at the Iscenter Nord in Frederikshavn, Denmark, with Mika Haim in goal. Japan had lost their evening game against Ukraine 1:4 on Sunday. As against Germany, the Red-White-Reds got off to an excellent start: Johannes Neumann scored for 1:0 after an assist from Leon Kolarik (4th minute).

Japan then played undisciplined hockey, but the ÖEHV side were unable to make the most of two successive power-play opportunities to add another goal. The goal came shortly afterwards: Leon Kolarik, who had set up the opener, made it 2:0 (12th minute). Austria then capitalised on another power play, with Leon Kolarik again scoring his second goal to make it 3:0 (14th minute). In the final minutes of the first period, Austria survived two penalty kills, including a 3:5 situation for a few seconds.

Head Coach Philipp Pinter's team also held the upper hand in the second period and extended their lead on the next power play, as Paul Reiner scored for 4:0 (33th minute). Japan took another penalty and Austria's power play worked perfectly: Adrian Gesson beat netminder Yuichiro Takase to make it 5:0 (37th minute). Shortly before the end of the period, Reo Daikuhara scored a power-play goal for 1:5 to reduce the deficit (39th minute).

In the final period, Austria initially continued to pepper the opposing netminder with shots. Head Coach Kei Tonosaki's team converted one of their few chances to make it 2:5 through Ryota Seki (54th minute). With two minutes remaining, Japan pulled their goalie, had an additional power play and scored through Yota Takashima to make it 3:5 (59th minute). 31 seconds later, Johannes Neumann sealed the win with an empty-net goal for 6:3 (59th minute). Austria celebrated their first World Championship win since promotion to Division I, Group A and secured their first three points.

Head Coach Philipp Pinterwas highly satisfied with his team's performance after the game: “I have to say, for long spells it was a very good game from us. Today, the lads showed their true face; we were incredibly tenacious and strong in the battles. We also executed the game plan well. We wanted to keep the Japanese, who were somewhat physically inferior, busy and get plenty of pucks to the net. We did not do that so well yesterday. It worked well today. We took the lead relatively early again and then deservedly built up a 4:0 and 5:1 lead. Japan had a small resurgence at the end, but we then sealed it with an empty-net goal. The power play worked superbly today, exactly as it had been practised by the coaching staff – in this case Mathias Lange. We were very present today, very well structured, and we are very proud of the performance!”

Hungary await on Wednesday

Following a rest day, Austria will continue at the Iscenter Nord on Wednesday from 13:00. Their opponents will be Hungary, who beat hosts Denmark 4:1 in their opener on Sunday before suffering a 2:8 defeat against Germany on Monday.

The Head Coach is already looking ahead: “Tuesday is a rest day, when we need to recharge our batteries. We will have a short training session during the day before continuing against Hungary on Wednesday. We will prepare well for the game again and see what tactical adjustments we need to make. We are taking it game by game and are feeling positive!”

2024 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship Division IA

Japan vs. Austria 3:6 (0:3,1:2,2:1)
Mon., 15 April 2024, 16:30, Frederikshavn (DEN)
Japan goalscorers:Reo Daikuhara (39th minute/PP1), Ryota Seki (54th minute), Yota Takashima (59th minute/PP1)
Austria goalscorers:Johannes Neumann (4th minute, 59th minute/EN), Leon Kolarik (12th minute, 14th minute/PP1), Paul Reiner (33th minute/PP1), Adrian Gesson (37th minute/PP1)

>> Official Austria line-up

>> Current IIHF standings

Further games:

Austria vs. Hungary
Wed., 17 April 2024, 13:00, Frederikshavn (DEN) >> Livestream

Denmark vs. Austria
Thu, 18 April 2024, 20:00, Frederikshavn (DEN) >> Livestream

Ukraine vs. Austria
Sat, 20 April 2024, 13:00, Frederikshavn (DEN) >> Livestream

Already played:

Austria vs. Germany 2:3 (1:0,1:1,0:2)
Sun, 14 April 2024, 13:00, Frederikshavn
Austria scorers: Gregor Biber (1st minute), Paul Reiner (22nd minute)
Germany scorers: Tobias Schwarz (28th minute/PP1), David Lewandowski (42nd minute/PP1), Lenny Boos (43rd minute)

>> Official Austria line-up

All information on the official IIHF website

U18 World Championship squad: