No surprises in Day 1 of the World Championship Division II in Croatia

11 Apr 2011 | Davide Tuniz

Romania, Bulgaria and China won easily their first challenge

Inaugural day of World Championship Division II Group B served three games apparently with a clear favourite and a possible underdog: two faded members of hockey tradition, China and Romania, opened the competition showing a decent level just at times: Romania totally dominated first period taking a decisive four goals advantage, controlling the game for two remaining period. China, leading by Belarussian Evgeny Levedev, as part of cooperation plan between two federations, showed again a poor level and few turnover. Asian nation is too strong to risk relegation but probably Division II will be its home for years.

In second game Bulgaria - another regular Division II guest - showed no mercy with a very weak Ireland, hammered 6-0 despite also Bulgaria has a roster combining same faces from years and unexperienced youngs, all from Slavia Sofia. Goalie is 47 (!!) years old Konstantin Mikhaylov and star continues to be Alexei Yotov, playing in Russia with Vityaz Chekov. Ireland sufferes the lack of domestic league in last season, leaving many players without regular icetime. Irish seems the main candidate to relegation. At night host opened its campaign for promotion destroying 9-0 Iceland in front of 3000 spectators. In last days Croatian coach Bruno Bregant warned about Iceland skills, but on ice Croatia totally dominated game giving 17 years old goalie Mate Tomljenovic first shotout in his debut with senior team.

Croatia is definitely the favourite for promotion, probably decisive game will be against Romania