Release from 16.05.2026

Austria and Slovenia Open Worlds with Key Wins | Losses for Italy and Hungary

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Austria opened its 2026 IIHF World Championship campaign with an impressive 5-2 victory over Great Britain, sending an early statement in the battle against relegation. Slovenia, meanwhile, pulled off an overtime upset against Czechia, with Olimpija Ljubljana forward Marcel Mahkovec scoring the game-winner. While Italy suffered a 6-0 loss to Canada despite a spirited display, Hungary also showed plenty of determination in a 4-1 defeat to Finland.

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Austria enjoyed a dream start against Great Britain, building a 3-0 lead within the opening ten minutes. Benjamin Nissner opened the tournament scoring for the ÖEHV side in the third minute, while Peter Schneider and Paul Huber added shortly after. The British fought back with two goals in 37 seconds before the first intermission to cut the deficit to 3-2, but Austria quickly regained control. Schneider netted his second of the night and Leon Wallner scored his first-ever World Championship goal to extend the lead to 5-2 in the middle frame. In the final period, Roger Bader’s side comfortably closed out a deserved opening win against a direct rival in the relegation battle. Another crucial matchup awaits on Sunday against Hungary.

ICE Stars Fire Slovenia to OT Win Over Czechia
Slovenia also caused an upset by defeating Czechia 3-2 in overtime to secure important points in the fight against relegation. Several players from the win2day ICE Hockey League played key roles in the victory: Fehérvár forward Anze Kuralt tied the game at 2-2 in the third period to force overtime, before Olimpija Ljubljana forward Marcel Mahkovec scored the winner in the extra frame.

Italy Show Fight Despite Heavy Defeat
While Austria celebrated, Italy faced one of the tournament favorites in Canada to open its campaign. The Azzurri battled hard against the NHL-powered squad but ultimately fell 6-0. Goaltender Fadani, in particular, prevented an even heavier loss with numerous outstanding saves. Italy also produced some brave offensive moments and nearly got on the scoresheet, but a goal by Pietroniro was waved off due to a controversial goaltender interference call. Despite the defeat, Italy left the ice having delivered a disciplined and committed performance against a vastly superior opponent.

Hungary Hold Their Own Against Finland
Hungary also opened the tournament with a loss but gave a good account of itself in a 4-1 defeat to Finland. The Magyars kept the game scoreless through the opening period before Finland’s individual quality began to show in the second. After an early Finnish double strike, Sebők Balázs pulled Hungary back within one at 2-1. Another Finnish goal late in the second period, followed by a powerplay marker in the third, sealed the result. Despite the loss, Hungary’s effort and determination provided optimism for the games ahead.