U18 Women win final World Cham­pi­onship warm-up against Slovakia 6:4

On Friday evening in St. Pölten, Austria hosted Slovakia, a nation competing in the Top Division at this age group. Their neighbours demonstrated that in the opening 24 minutes, taking a 3:0 lead.

However, Amelie Suppan sparked a remarkable comeback, reducing the deficit to 1:3 just 36 seconds after the 0:3. Although Slovakia extended their lead to 4:1 in the middle period, the final 20 minutes belonged to Austria.

Emma Lintner in the 42nd minute and Artemis Tekin in the 45th brought Austria back to 3:4. Leandra Pirker equalised in the 53rd minute, leaving Slovakia reeling. Austria took advantage. Amelie Suppan and Johanna Sintschnig eventually sealed the 6:4 final score.

The coaching staff now face the difficult task of selecting the final World Championship squad. Austria will face Great Britain in their opening World Championship game on Monday.

World Championship preparation

Austria vs. Slovakia 6:4 (0:2,1:2,5:0)
Fri., 2 January 2026, St. Pölten
Austria goalscorers: Amelie Suppan (24th, 58th), Emma Lintner (42nd), Artemis Tekin (45th), Leandra Pirker (53rd), Johanna Sintschnig (60th)
Slovakia goalscorers: Alica Jurikova (15th), Lucia Lipcakova (18th), Nela Lopusanova (24th, 28th)

2026 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 Women's World Championship Division IB

05 January 2026 - 11 January 2026, Katowice (POL)
Participants: Austria, Poland, Spain, China, Australia, Great Britain

Great Britain vs. Austria
Mon., 05 January 2026, 13:00, Katowice

Austria vs. China
Tue., 06 January 2026, 13:00, Katowice

Austria vs. Australia
Thu., 08 January 2026, 13:00, Katowice

Spain vs. Austria
Sat, 10 January 2026, 20:00, Katowice

Austria vs. Poland
Sun, 11 January 2026, 20:00, Katowice