U18 Women: World Cham­pi­onship form and team within reach

“I am very satisfied with our preparations so far. You can see that the players have worked on themselves over the summer. The results of the performance tests also showed that. The two wins over Germany were definitely good for confidence. But we must not overrate them either. On the one hand, Germany had already finished with its 2004 age group and fielded the following age group. And we experienced highs and lows in those games,” says Head Coach Mario Bellina in his initial assessment of the preparations.

The team had particular problems when it came under pressure in its own zone. This is something that will be worked on intensively once more. Bolzano from the Women´s Hockey League are the perfect final friendly opponents for precisely such situations. The game will be played on World Championship ice in Radenthein, with puck drop at 19:00.

“I would like them to put us under real pressure. I want to see a solid defence from my team. Going forward, they have plenty of freedom; they should move, skate and not lose sight of the direct route to goal,” says Bellina.

20 players born between 2004 and 2007 have been called up to Radenthein, excluding the goaltenders. Two players still have to be cut from the squad. That decision will only be made after the final friendly against Bolzano.

Mario Bellina: “We have talent across all age groups. In our view, these are the best players from the respective age groups. The ‘oldest’ age group has to lead the way. It includes many players who have already been called up to the senior national team and played matches. They know what it is all about.”

Local Heroes Hobitsch & Schall

The 20-woman squad also includes two Carinthian players in Zoey Hobitsch and Tamina Schall. Head Coach Mario Bellina believes both are capable of making the difference in a game: “If they play the ice hockey they are capable of, they are absolute top players. They must be prepared to push themselves to the pain threshold. In terms of their technique, ability and skills, they have the tools to make things happen up front.”

Preparations & squad: U18 women’s national team

01–05 September, Radenthein

Schedule 2022 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship

Austria vs. South Korea
Tue., 6 September 2022, 19:00

Poland vs. Austria
Wed., 7 September 2022, 19:00

Austria vs. Chinese Taipei
Fri, 9 September 2022, 19:00

Denmark vs. Austria
Sun, 11 September 2022, 18:00

You can find the full schedule HERE!