After finishing last in the group with zero points Hungary will be facing Japan in a best of three relegation series at the U-18 women's world championships. Hungary lost three straight to teams that represent countries with a far more superior hockey culture in Sweden, Russia and the United States. Japan was in a slightly weaker group with Canada, Finland and the Czech Republic, Japan had two tight games against Finland and the Czech Republic but also finished without a point.
When looking at the strengths of the Japanese team hands down everyone says that they are great skaters. Canadian head coach Laura Shuler said that after their game against Japan as well as Czech defender Samantha Kolowratova after their game.
Japan looked to catch the opponents off guard in the first periods of their games and against Finland and the Czechs they were able to keep in close late in the game.
“I think we have some mental momentum since we played great despite that we lost three games. We have to shake the loss to Russia off and get ready for Japan” said assistant coach Roger Holéczy.
Best of three series
Thursday at 18:30
Saturday at 14:00 (time is subject to change)
Sunday at 16:00 (if needed)