WJC Div 1 B: France up, Japan down

Since Italy defeated Kazakhstan 1-0 (overtime) in the second last game of the tournament it was already clear that France would win the group and be promoted to next year's Division 1 Group A before the last game against Poland. The game against Poland would be France only loss of the tournament as Poland won 3-2. In a close group France still won the division after beating both Italy and Kazakhstan 2-1 earlier in the tournament.

Kazakhstan finished as runners up with Italy in third place. Poland was fourth while Croatia finished fifth avoiding relegation by beating Japan 4-3 on the final day. Japan only got two points (overtime win against Poland) and is relegated to division 2 next year.

Kazakhstan's Pavel Poluektov was selected the best goalkeeper of the tournament while France's Aziz Baazzi was given the best defenseman award. Borna Rendulic from Croatia was the best forward of the tournament. Top scorer was Damian Kapica of the Polish hosts with six goals and four assists in five games.

 

Advanced player search

Tweets by @eurohockey