Australia opens home tournament with a bang

World Champion Division II Group A opens today in Melbourne Ice House with just two games, after Korea DPR forfeit for financial reasons. So New Zealand earns 3 points without lace up the skates, while two european partecipants - Belgium and Serbia - crossed the sticks in the opening match. Belgium has a long tradition in II Division, while Serbia is back after one disappointing experience in Division I last season. But Serbian hopes to rejoin the higher level are frustrated by a very active and positive Belgian team, winning the game 3-2 with a great performance by goalie Bjorn Steijen, awarded as MVP. Bad news for Belgium is injury of Joris Peusens, taking to hospital with a cut on foot. At night Australia delights the 1200 fans with a superb game against Mexico, another regular II Division host. Aussies suffered in the first period, closed with minimum advantage, a goal by defender Tomas Manco, but found their way in following 40 minutes, scoring 10 goals - six in last period - showing a good physical condition, while Mexico, with thin roster, can't resist with same strength for all the game. Fan favourite Joseph Hugues, Melbourne Ice forward, was the star of the night with four goal and the title of MVP in final 11-1
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