A tight 2:1 win boosted Ukraine’s momentum. Upcoming clashes with France and Kazakhstan will decide their bid for a promotion slot.
In the Polish city of Sosnowiec, the Ice Hockey World Championship in Division IA is underway, with teams from Kazakhstan, France, Ukraine, Japan, Poland, and Lithuania taking part.
The Ukrainian national team, in its second game, defeated Lithuania 2-1 (1-1, 0-1, 0-0).
In the other matches of the second day, Japan were defeated by Kazakhstan 0-6, and France faced Poland.
At the start of the tournament, the Ukrainian team lost to Poland 2-3.
Schedule of upcoming matches
Tuesday, May 5: 13:30 – Lithuania vs Japan; 17:00 – France vs Ukraine; 20:30 – Kazakhstan vs Poland.
Thursday, May 7: 13:30 – France vs Lithuania; 17:00 – Ukraine vs Kazakhstan; 20:30 – Japan vs Poland.
Friday, May 8: 13:30 – Kazakhstan vs France; 17:00 – Ukraine vs Japan; 20:30 – Poland vs Lithuania.
Prospects and final summary
The Ukrainian team continues to strive for promotion to the elite Division, as the tournament winner earns the right to compete in the top division, while the bottom-placed team will be moved to Division IIA.
The 89th Ice Hockey World Championship will take place from May 15 to 31 in Zurich and Fribourg (Switzerland).
The Ukrainian national hockey team defeated Lithuania at the 2026 World Championship.