U20 World Championships Division 2 Group B – Day 4

Belgium vs Estonia 2-25

If the results against Estonia are used as a benchmark it is likely that Belgium will be the team relegated at the end of this tournament. Belgium had won their other games by large margins, but their game against last place Belgium was the very definition of blow-out. Estonia had 78 shots in the game, and despite that Belgium didn’t look too bad after the first period. After 29 shots in the first period, they were only down 4-0. A somewhat impressive showing by the goalie despite the results of the later periods. In the second period, Estonia scored on every other shot. In the third, they just kept firing the rubber, and there was nothing that Belgium could do to slow things down.

Swinnin and Neven each had a goal for Belgium. Strangely enough, Kolodziejczyk was +8 on face-offs for Belgium. Missenjov lead the way for Estonia with 2 goals and 6 assists for 8 points. Rooba had 2 goals and 5 assists, Gornostajev had 4 goals and 2 assists, Gurtovoi had 2 goals and 4 assists, Taru had 3 goals and 2 assists, Parras 2 goals and 3 assists, while Kulakov and Russ each had a goal and 4 assists. A huge loss like this essentially eliminates Belgium, even with a victory tomorrow against Serbia, the massive goal differential they now have may mean they’d be eliminated.

Iceland vs South Korea 1-5

Korea has done their part to make the final day exciting. A misstep anywhere and tomorrow’s game against Estonia would have been meaningless. A victory in some fashion, be it in regulation or overtime, is what they’ll need to advanced up divisions again. Iceland has ensured they’ll stay in the division with their 2 wins regardless of the outcome tomorrow. Iceland actually got on the board very quickly, just 29 seconds into the game on a goal from Leifsson, but after that it was all Korea. Yoon tied it up, and in the dying seconds of the first Shin gave Korea a 2-1 lead. In the second Shin scored twice, less than 30 seconds apart to give himself a hat trick and Korea a commanding 4-1 lead. Late in the third, Shin was not finished and scored again to make it 5-1 and put together 4 goals on the night. With nearly 3 minutes left, and down 5-1, the Icelandic coach pulled the goalie. Perhaps thinking that goal differentials might be important. Otherwise there was little logic behind the move, down 4 goals in a game you’ve been out shot 49 to 14 in, it’s extremely unlikely that you’d get even one more goal let alone 4.

Shin added an assist for 5 points on the night and Yoon had an assist as well to give himself 2 points. After the game against Australia Korea commented that initially they were tired from the long trip to Serbia, but they've picked up their performance. They feel that Estonia is a very good, physical team, but they are good skaters and they will do their best on Friday against Estonia.

Australia vs Serbia 3-1

Australia may have avoided relegation by defeating Serbia on Thursday. They were outshot 19 to 34 but managed to make the most of their scoring opportunities. There were numerous powerplay chances in the first two periods, but neither team could capitalize. Australia got 2 even strength goals from Stringer and Szalinksi in the second to go up 2-0. In the third, Serbia finally scored with 5 minutes left on the 2-man advantage.  They pulled the goalie with 57 seconds left but Australia’s Humphries found the empty net at 59:45. Showing frustrating, Filipovic from Serbia took a slashing penalty at the same time and then when the game ended he was given a 10 minute misconduct and 20 minute game misconduct.

Wong and Humphries each had 2 points for Australia.

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