That was close! Austria's U18 claim bronze after defeat to Ukraine

Austria U18 Head Coach Philipp Pinter put his trust in first-choice goaltender Mika Haim for the final World Championship game, against Ukraine at Iscenter Nord with the silver medal at stake. 

Austria had an early power-play opportunity but were unable to capitalise with a goal. Following three consecutive wins, Austria played with plenty of confidence, were bold in attack and solid defensively. The second power play also yielded no reward, before the penalty-killing units were called into action for the first time towards the end of the opening period.

Austria were fortunate after the penalty expired at the start of the second period, when a Ukrainian shot rebounded off the crossbar. David Waschnig then had a chance to put the ÖEHV selection ahead on the next power play following a fine cross-ice pass from Luca Kogler, but Ukraine goaltender Alexander Levshin cut down the angle cleverly and made the save. The game became increasingly tense and fiercely contested with every shift. 

Following a face-off won by Johannes Neumann, the puck went via Felix Haiböck to the unmarked Leon Kolarik, who scored with a low shot to make it 1:0 (33). Ukraine quickly found the right response: Bohdan Trushchenko beat goaltender Mika Haim to level the score at 1:1 (35). The Ukrainians then pressed for the lead, but Haim made some excellent saves. 

After the brief spell of pressure, Austria struck again. Following a quick attack, David Waschnig fed Luca Kogler, who fired home to give Austria a 2:1 lead with just under two minutes remaining in the period (38).

The final period initially saw fast end-to-end action before Ukraine equalised at 2:2 on the power play through Danyil Shulha from close range (49). It was crunch time. With just under four minutes remaining in regulation, Austria had to negotiate a difficult spell while shorthanded. 

The closing stages were highly dramatic: Johannes Neumann had a chance to put Austria ahead from the slot. Austria then took another penalty. With the score at 2:2 and his team shorthanded, Head Coach Philipp Pinter went all in, pulling goaltender Mika Haim in pursuit of the win required after 60 minutes to secure silver.

Danyil Shulha scored into the empty net to make it 3:2 to Ukraine (60). Austria's team nevertheless claimed the bronze medal following promotion to Division I, Group A! Ukraine moved top of the standings with the win, while Germany defeated World Championship hosts Denmark 6:4 in the evening game to earn promotion back to the top division.

Head Coach Philipp Pinter gives his World Championship assessment

Head Coach Philipp Pinter analysed the dramatic match shortly after the final whistle: "Naturally, there is great disappointment at first. It was another great battle and an incredibly good team performance. It was a hard-fought game today. We were prepared, we were ready and we accepted the battle. We led 2:1 for a long time, which would have been enough for the silver medal. The situation was clear: we needed three points after 60 minutes for silver. That was accordingly our mindset, to do everything for the win. Unfortunately, we took penalties at the end, and at 2:2 we had to pull the goaltender while shorthanded in order to force a third goal. The boys did not give up, they battled and really gave it everything. We also had some very good chances at the end, but unfortunately it was not to be. Ukraine then scored into the empty net and won the game!"

The Head Coach gives his World Championship assessment: "When you look back on the World Championship, the way we played, how the team grew together and how it presented itself following promotion was truly outstanding and made us very proud. We first beat Germany in preparation, then narrowly lost to them in the opening game after leading 2:1 after 40 minutes. We then won our games. Today's match would probably have gone to overtime. It was really great to see how the boys represented Austrian ice hockey and the national team here. It is a great pleasure for the coaching staff and makes us want more in the years ahead!"

2024 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship Division IA

Ukraine vs. Austria 3:2 (0:0,1:2,2:0)
Sat., 20 April 2024, 13:00, Frederikshavn (DEN)
Ukraine scorers: Bohdan Trushchenko (35), Danyil Shulha (49/PP1, 60/PP1/EN)
Austria scorers: Leon Kolarik (33), Luca Kogler (38)

>> Official Austria line-up

>> Current IIHF standings

Already played:

Denmark vs. Austria 0:5 (0:1,0:2,0:2)
Thu, 18 April 2024, 20:00, Frederikshavn (DEN)
Austria goalscorers: Adrian Gesson (7/PP1), Johannes Neumann (22, 46), Felix Haiböck (30), Leon Kolarik (44/PP1)

Austria vs. Hungary 6:5 after penalties (0:1,2:2,3:2,0:0,1:0)
Wed, 17 April 2024, 13:00, Frederikshavn (DEN)
Austria goalscorers: Paul Sintschnig (28/PP1), Benedikt Krainer (33, 56), David Waschnig (41/SH1, 53) - David Waschnig and Johannes Neumann scored in the penalty shoot-out.
Hungary goalscorers: Ádám Balogh (4), Ágoston Schmidt (26 60), Gergő Schwartz (31), Vén Bendegúz (60) - Aleksandar Antonijevic scored in the penalty shoot-out

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

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

U18 World Championship squad: