18 Feb 2025, 15:00 | Regular season | Skenderija Sports Arena Sarajevo |
Bulgaria | 5-3 | Estonia |
Periods: Shots: | 1-1 (14-7) | 1-2 (10-13) | 3-0 (22-2) | Total: 46-22 |
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Referees: Audrey-Anne Girard (CAN)  |  Spectators: 35 |
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Goals and assists
SARAJEVO - Bulgaria completed a thrilling 5-3 victory over Estonia to clinch the gold medal and secure promotion to Division IIIA at the IIHF Women's World Championship Division IIIB. Trailing 1-3 midway through the game, Bulgaria staged a stunning third-period comeback, outshooting Estonia 22-2 in the final frame. Maria Runevska played a crucial role with two goals and two assists, while goaltender Monika Nedyalkova made 19 saves to secure the historic win.
Estonia grabbed an early 1-0 lead on a power-play goal by Kirke Kulla (5:18), assisted by Diana Kaareste. Bulgaria equalized at 11:49, as Runevska capitalized on a setup from Stefani Stoyanova.
The second period saw Estonia take control. Kulla scored again at 25:47 off a pass from Nora Vont, and Olesja Prants extended the lead to 3-1 at 30:07. However, Bulgaria fought back, with Stoyanova narrowing the deficit to 3-2 at 36:51 after a feed from Runevska.
Bulgaria came out firing in the final period, completely overwhelming Estonia. Maya Georgieva tied the game on a power play at 43:13, assisted by Runevska and Lena Ivanova. Just four minutes later, Runevska struck again, giving Bulgaria its first lead at 47:31.
Estonia pulled their goalie in the final minute, but Ivanova sealed the victory with an empty-net goal at 59:39. The 5-3 win secured Bulgaria's first-ever Division IIIB championship, earning them a well-deserved promotion.