U16: Austria finish sixth after 1:4 defeat to France

Image information: Austria's U16 women's national ice hockey team ultimately finished sixth - Photo: 𝙼𝚊𝚐𝚢𝚊𝚛 𝙹é𝚐𝚔𝚘𝚛𝚘𝚗𝚐/hockeyhungary

After just 176 seconds, Austria took a 1:0 lead through a superb long-range shot from Gloria Henek and went on to dominate the puck and their opponents throughout the opening period. The return: a shot ratio of 14:2! Germany came out for the second period looking like a different team, applying pressure and enjoying clearly more possession. 

However, all the pressure from their neighbours came to nothing. The U16 team confidently saw out their narrow lead in the third period, allowing just two shots on goal. 

Day two brought the clash with Finland, who had surprisingly lost 1:2 to hosts Hungary in a penalty shootout in their opening game. In 2019, the then U16 team had prevailed in a shootout, but this time the Finns came out on top, winning 2:1. After Finland had taken a 1:0 lead, Zoey Hobitsch levelled at 1:1 in the third period following a powerful move down the right wing (in the 38 minute). Finland scored the 2:1 winner on the power play in minute 42. Austria head coach Mario Bellina pulled goalkeeper Rosina Fichtinger, but they were unable to find an equaliser. 

Austria faced Hungary on Friday evening to conclude the group stage. The hosts took a 1:0 lead through Anna Kornyilov in minute 12. Austria battled hard for a long time in search of an equaliser. In goal, Karla Kronberger kept the red-white-red team in the game with some fine saves. Following a misplaced pass by the Hungarians in their own defensive zone straight onto Zoey Hobitsch's blade, the Villach native scored the much-celebrated 1:1 equaliser (in the 36 minute).

Austria pushed for the winning goal and had several good chances, but Hungary goaltender Helga Milibák proved unbeatable. The Hungarians were then literally pinned back in their own zone for spells. However, as Austria needed a win in regulation time to reach the “small final” (the game for 3rd place), coach Mario Bellina went “all in” for the final 64 seconds and also pulled goaltender Kronberger.

Despite further chances, they were unable to find a winner. Then, with one second remaining, the Hungarians sealed top spot in the group with an empty-net goal. "We tried everything to get the three points – changed the lines, pulled the goalie and so on – but unfortunately we were unable to do it in the end," said the head coach. "Of course, the fact that we then lost in regulation time is bitter. But we knew that a point or a win in overtime would not help us, which is why we risked everything!"

The placement games were on the programme on Saturday. Austria faced France for fifth place and had to accept a 1:4 defeat. France took a 4:0 lead before Hannah Leitner scored the consolation goal from a long-range shot to make it 1:4 (in the 48 minute). Austria therefore ended the tournament in sixth place. Anna Marlene Billa was named Austria's Player of the Day.

Austria v France 1:4 (0:2,0:1,1:1)
Sat, 14 May 2022, 13:20, Budapest
Austria goalscorer: Hannah Leitner (in the 48 minute)

Previously played:

Austria v Hungary 1:2 (0:1,0:0,1:1)
Fri, 13 May 2022, 19:00
Austria goalscorer: Zoey Hobitsch (in the 36 minute)

Finland v Austria 2:1 (1:0,0:0,1:1)
Thu, 12 May 2022, 14:00, Budapest
Austria goalscorer: Zoey Hobitsch (in the 38 minute)

Germany v Austria 0:1 (0:1,0:0,0:0)
Wed, 11 May 2022, 11:30, Budapest
Austria goalscorer:Gloria Henek (3)