Top-division status secured: Women’s National Team remains in the top division

The ÖEHV Women’s National Team remains in the top division: at the IIHF Women’s World Championship 2026 in Denmark, Austria prevailed 2:1 after overtime against Japan in the relegation game at Hockey Arena Herning. Captain Anna Meixner scored both goals, each on the power play. It was the team’s first win at the highest World Championship level.

Japan started forcefully and were the technically stronger team in the first period. However, Selma Luggin held firm for the 0:0, including during Japan’s first power play, and was fortunate when a shot hit the post in the 15th minute.

Shortly before the first break, Japan took a penalty. Austria capitalised on the power play at the start of the second period: after 36 seconds, Meixner scored for 1:0, assisted by Annika Fazokas and Emma Lintner. Above all, the first line of Theresa Schafzahl, Lena Dauböck and Meixner repeatedly created danger thereafter. At the other end, Luggin made several saves, including against Umeka Odaira.

Japan equalise

Japan increased the pressure in the final period and registered 14 shots on goal. The equaliser came in the 51st minute: following a brief scramble in front of the Austrian goal, PWHL player Akane Shiga scored from distance for 1:1, with Luggin screened. Shortly afterwards, Austria killed off a penalty. In the final minute, Japan took a penalty following a check on Meixner, but the decision did not come until overtime.

Austria continued on the power play in overtime and, following a penalty against Shiga, briefly even played 5-on-3. In the 62nd minute, Meixner scored for 2:1 after assists from Fazokas and Schafzahl. Japan requested a video review for goaltender interference, but the goal stood. Fazokas, who was involved in both goals, spent the most time on the ice of any Austrian player, with 27:42 minutes.

In total, Selma Luggin saved 30 of 31 shots. Together with Anna Meixner and Annika Fazokas, she was named one of Austria’s three best players of the tournament.

Austria will therefore also compete at the top-division World Championship in November 2027, which will take place in Quebec City, Canada. Japan, who have been in the top division continuously since 2019, are relegated to Division IA and will then compete in Milan.

Alexander Bröms, ÖEHV head coach: "The first feeling is relief. I am very happy that we are staying in the top division. The game was very close, and as time ran down, you could feel the tension on the bench. After the equaliser, we kept working and tried to finish the game strongly. Today, we found a way to win it. Nobody wanted to be in this relegation game, but the way we embraced and completed this task is fantastic."

Anna Meixner, ÖEHV captain: "I think I need a shot of courage. I am incredibly proud that we were able to win this today. It is such an important step for women’s ice hockey in Austria that we will remain at the highest level for another year. It was an absolute team effort, including from the entire staff; we felt superbly looked after. It was certainly one of the greatest weeks of my life. And without Selma, we would not be where we are now."

Selma Luggin, ÖEHV goaltender: "It feels very good. We had hoped to reach the quarter-finals, but staying in the top division was always our minimum objective. We achieved that. Japan played very differently to what we are used to, but we stood up well to them and took our chances. Our unity has always been our greatest strength, and we were able to draw on that in the most important moments."

Match report

IIHF Women’s World Championship 2026
Japan – Austria 1:2 after overtime (0:0, 0:1, 1:0, 0:1)
Hockey Arena Herning, Denmark, attendance: 1.118
Goals:

• MEIXNER (Fazokas, Lintner) (20:36/PP)
• SHIGA (Seki, Shiga) (50:22)
• MEIXNER (Fazokas, Schafzahl) (61:10/PP)

Penalty minutes: 8 and 6

Austria: Selma Luggin (Magdalena Luggin); Fazokas – Matzka, Billa – Schröfl, Mörtl – Tekin, Wittich; Schafzahl – Dauböck – Meixner, Lintner – Hofbauer – Trummer, Grascher – Obermayr – Pfeffer, Linzbichler – Beiter – Kutzer, Suppan