Release from 10.11.2026

ÖEHV squad lose to Switzerland | Final match to avoid relegation on Friday

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Austria’s women’s national team have also lost their final group match at the World Championships in Esbjerg (Denmark). Against Switzerland, ranked fourth in the world, head coach Alexander Bröms’s side led 2–1 in the second period on Tuesday, but the match ended 2–4. Finishing bottom of Group A, Austria will play on Friday to avoid relegation from the top division.

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Lead lasts just 19 seconds
Switzerland dominated the first period and took the lead through Sinja Leemann. Goalkeeper Selma Luggin of the Sabres St. Pölten kept Austria in the game with numerous saves. In the second period, Theresa Schafzahl, from a rebound, and Lena Dauböck of the KSV Highlanders, on a power play, turned the game around, both times following assists from captain Anna Meixner. Alina Müller equalised just 19 seconds later. However, another Swiss goal was disallowed following a challenge for goaltender interference.

Switzerland scores on the power play
Austria conceded eight penalties, Switzerland three. In the 45th minute, Ivana Wey capitalised on a power play to make it 3–2 to Switzerland. Bröms took Luggin off the ice with 3 minutes and 40 seconds remaining, but Schafzahl could only hit the post. In the final minute, Müller scored into an empty net to make it 4–2. Luggin saved 36 shots, whilst Schafzahl was voted Austria’s best player.

On Friday (13 November, 11.00 am, live on ORF), Austria will face the bottom team in Group B in Herning. Who that will be is decided on Wednesday in the match between Japan and Sweden. If Japan lose, the opponent will be Japan; if Japan win, it will be hosts Denmark. “In this match, we have the chance to show that we belong in this division,” said Bröms.

IIHF Women’s World Championship | Tue, 10 Nov 2026
Switzerland – Austria 4–2 (1–0, 1–2, 2–0)