2017 WU: Preliminary Round Ice Hockey faced off

ALMATY – Although the official Opening Ceremony kicks off the 28^th Winter Universiade in Almaty, Kazakhstan, tomorrow 29 January, the ice hockey matches for the preliminary round in the men’s and women’s tournament have started today.

Men’s Tournament

Men’s KAZ vs CHN

SVK-GBR

In the Halyk Arena, Slovakia opened the tournament against Great Britain. The Slovaks opened the scoring shorthanded with a first goal already in the second minute of the game and set the tone of the match leaving Team GB scoreless. Final score: 9-0 (3-0; 2-0; 4-0).

JPN-LAT

A tight game between Japan and Latvia with Team Nippon starting out strong getting ahead with two goals. Latvia took good use of two powerplays to equalise the game in the second period, finishing the period turning the tables. Japan equalised the game towards the end pushing it into Overtime, where Latvia scored the winning goal after 18 seconds. A genuine thriller of a game. Final score: 3-4 (2-1; 0-2; 1-0; 0-1).

KAZ-CHN

Host team Kazakhstan was no match for Team China. Boosted by the home crowd Team Kazakhstan beat China with double digits. Final score: 22-0 (9-0; 6-0; 7-0).

Women’s Tournament

Women’s KAZ vs GBR

CAN-CHN

Canada started the tournament in the Baluan Sholak Arena with a win against China. After losing the gold at the previous WU in Granada, a determined Team Canada will aim to claim it back. Canada opened the score early in the game and never looked back. Final score: 9-1 (3-0; 4-1; 2-0).

KAZ-GBR

Another win for the host team. After the men’s victory, also the Kazakh women started their tournament strong. The Kazakh team dominated the game effortless pocketing its first victory. Final score: 11-0 (4-0; 4-0; 3-0).

Pierre, FISU Press Officer