Polish Hangover, Championship is over
26 Apr 2015 | Kamil Przegendza
The last day of the Division IA Championships in Cracow was really expected in 4 countries : Ukraine, Japan, Poland and Hungary. The two first of these teams were fighting to remain in Division IA, for the next two teams it was a big battle for promotion.
There was also a less important game between Italy and Kazakhstan,
because Kazakhstan clinched the first place and Italy was with no chances of
promotion, although it was match between two highest ranked teams of this
tournament, so it seemed also exciting. Last day of tournament started...
First on the ice the teams of Ukraine and Japan were presented. It was
really a struggle. Everything what was important for this game and remaining in
division IA happened in second. The scoring was opened by Roman Blagy, but the Ukrainians
weren't happy for long, after just 3 minutes Yushiroh Hirano scored a fast equalizer.
The next six minutes brought another 2 goals for Japan scored by Hiroki Ueno
and Daisuke Obara. For the rest of the match the Japanese tried to control the
score and they did it well. After an emotional game Japan made themselves safe
in division IA.
JAPAN - UKRAINE 3:1 (0:0,3:1,0:0)
The second game of this day was for Kazakhstan a game for nothing,
they've claimed the first place after a win against Poland earlier, but they
wanted to end the championship with a strong confirmation of their domination.
For Italy it was a match for honour they've lost the chance for progressing. In
the first the Kazakhs opened the score with Yebgieni Rymarev's goal. The second
period was goalless with advantage of the Italians. In the third period Talgat
Zhailauov after a quick attack scored the second for the Kazakhs. Eight minutes
later Luca Felicetti while playing fouled a Kazakh player and the referees have
decided it will be penalty shot, Alexei Vorontsov stepped forward to take it
and he scored with a confident shot. This was the last goal of this game. Italians
finished fifth only before the team of Ukraine, Kazakhstan finished first.
ITALY - KAZAKHSTAN 0:3 (0:1,0:0,0:2)
The last game of the tournament was a fight for promotion. Host Poland
had a historical chance for progressing to the highest level of world hockey
but on their way stood the strong team of Hungary. Although they started match
really chaotic, Przemysław Odrobny was making incredible saves all over the
first period. After the first period the Hungarians were leading in shots 14-8.
The second period was much closer, but both goalkeepers were in top form this
day and we didn't see any goals in this period. Just in the beginning of third
period we finally saw a goal, unfortunately for Polish supporters it was Janos
Hari to make the score opener and the Hungarians took a lead 1:0. Polish
forwards weren't in top form that day. Coach of Polish team Jacek Płachta 4
minutes before the end took a timeout and made a brave decision, Poland was
playing without a goalie 4 minutes before the end. Effect was absolutely
awesome, Mateusz Bryk tied it by taking strong shot from the blue line. Although
Poland to progress needed a win in regular time, so they risked and played va
banque, and this was catastrophic for the Poles, 6 seconds before the end Bence
Sziranyi scored to the empty net and made it 2:1 for Hungary and they could start
celebrating promotion to the IIHF World Championships 2016 in Russia.
POLAND - HUNGARY 1:2 (0:0,0:0,1:2)
Table
1.Kazkhstan 15 p. - promoted
2.Hungary 12 p. - promoted
3.Poland 6 p.
4.Japan 6 p.
5.Italy 5 p.
6.Ukraine 1 p. - relegated
from Cracow, Kamil Przegendza