World Championship d2B

Belgium wins in Sofia

The 2024 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship Division II, Group B, took place in Sofia, Bulgaria, from April 22 to 28, 2024. The tournament featured six teams: Belgium, New Zealand, Georgia, Bulgaria, Chinese Taipei, and Turkey.

Belgium dominated the competition, finishing in first place with an undefeated record. They won all their games, scoring a total of 37 goals while conceding only 4. New Zealand secured second place, with three wins and two losses, showing a strong performance overall. Georgia rounded out the top three, demonstrating solid play throughout the tournament​​.

Bulgaria, the host nation, struggled, finishing fourth. They managed one win and one overtime win but fell short in other matches. Chinese Taipei and Turkey ended in the bottom two positions, with Turkey failing to win any games and Chinese Taipei managing a single win​.

Key individual performances included Jelle Lievens of Belgium, who was the top goalkeeper with a save percentage of 93.33%. Sam Verelst, another Belgian player, led as the top forward, scoring 9 goals and providing 14 assists​. Vadim Gyesbreghs, also from Belgium, was the top defender, contributing 6 goals and 5 assists.

Israel on top after day 2

Israel is the only team with two victories after the second day of the World Championship Division 2B in Mexico. Results of day 2:
Iceland - North Korea 8-0
New Zealand - Israel 3-5
Mexico - Georgia 2-3

World Championship Div. 2B opens in Mexico City

Results of day 1:
Israel - Iceland 6-3
Georgia - North Korea 4-9
New Zealand - Mexico 7-2

Brad Vigon new coach of Australia

Australian Federation announced the appointment of Brad Vigon as new national team headcoach, replacing Ryan O'Handley, in charge since 2014, who recently resigned also as Adelaide Adrenaline headcoach to become Vice President and Director of Hockey Operations of the club. Vigon, 46, native of Santa Monica, California, coached Melbourne Mustangs since 2012, winning a title in 2013-2014. He already had an experience on national team bench in 2013, when was assistant coach at World Championship Division IIa.
Matti Luoma was named assistant coach. The duo will lead Australia, relegated last season, at World Championship Diviion IIb at Mexico City next April