U18 Women's World Cham­pi­onship Divi­sion IA: Austria suffer first defeat against Japan

Austria began their third World Championship game against Japan at the Würtharena in Egna/Neumarkt with Karla Kronberger in goal. Japan had won their first two games, 4:1 against Denmark and 2:0 against Hungary.

The strong-skating Japanese converted their superiority in the first period into two goals. Nana Akimoto turned the puck over the line for 1:0 after a cross-ice pass, completely unmarked (9th minute). Japan added another, with Sophia Odermatt scoring 2:0 on the first power play of the game (13th minute). Austria could not get a real foothold in the game and did not register the first of just two shots on goal until three and a half minutes before the end of the period.

Little initially changed in the character of the game in the second period, with Japan continuing to dictate proceedings and also benefiting from another power play. Goaltender Karla Kronberger kept the ÖEHV selection in the game with some fine saves. Austria's best chance was missed by Vanessa Picka after a rebound.

Head Coach Mario Bellina's team worked their way into the game better shift by shift and were now able to make it much more even. Once again, Vanessa Picka had the chance to score the goal that would have brought them back into the game.

At the start of the final period, Austria were fortunate when Japan hit the post while they were shorthanded, but shortly afterwards had to concede a third goal. Following a quick attack down the right, Azumi Numabe tapped in for Japan to make it 3:0 (46th minute). The Austrians then took two penalties in quick succession. Valentina Prosen also failed to convert a penalty shot, and a comeback like the one against Italy was no longer possible against the strong Japanese side. 

Japan hit the post once more, ultimately won 3:0 and are now the clear favourites for promotion to the Top Division. Austria's U18 women are back in action against Hungary on Wednesday at 12:30.

2024 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 Women's World Championship Division IA

06 January 2024 - 12 January 2024, Neumarkt/Egna (ITA)
Participants: Japan, Italy, France, Hungary, Austria, Denmark

Japan vs. Austria 3:0 (2:0,0:0,1:0)
Tue, 09 January 2024, 16:00
Japan goalscorers: Nana Akimoto (9th minute), Sophia Odermatt (13th minute/PP1), Azumi Numabe (46th minute)

Further fixtures:

Hungary vs. Austria
Wed, 10 January 2024, 12:30

Austria vs. Denmark
Fri, 12 January 2024, 12:30 

Already played:

Italy vs. Austria 3:4 after penalties (0:0,3:1,0:2,0:0,0:1)
Sun, 07 January 2024, 16:00
Italy scorers: Manuela Heidenberger (21'), Matilde Fantin (27'/PP1, 34')
Austria scorers: Hanna Danninger (40'/PP1), Artemis Tekin (52'/PP1), Gloria Henek (59'/PP1) – Laura Nagy with the decisive penalty

Austria vs. France 2:1 (1:0, 0:0, 1:1)
Sat., 06 January 2024, 12:30
Austria scorers: Isabel Friess (19'), Anna Billa (47')
France scorer: Armelle Chabert (48')

Current IIHF standings