#WUAlmaty2017: Update Ice Hockey – Day 5

ALMATY – Another four games today at the ice hockey tournament of the 28^th Winter Universiade in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Men’s Tournament

CAN vs SVK

After winning their first two games by a combined score of 20-0 against the United States and Great Britain, the Canadians knew they would face a much tougher challenge versus a big and physical Slovak team. They just didn’t know their pool finale would be this wild. The affair featured 23 penalties and 21 power plays, with the winners converting four of nine opportunities and their European rivals going 2-of-12. Canada’s fifth goal, while not scored with the man advantage, came six seconds after a Slovak penalty had expired. Final score: 5-3 (1-0; 3-2; 1-1).

RUS vs JPN

Russia blanked Japan in the second match of the day at the Halyk Arena. Only in the second period Team Nippon could contain the ‘Red Machine’ only letting it score once on a powerplay. The Russians, on their way to the medal round, were too strong for Japan. Final score: 14-0 (5-0; 1-0; 8-0).

CZE vs KAZ

Kazakhstan once again confirmed its status of contender with another victory. In front of a boisterous sell-out crowd at the Halyk Arena, Team Kazakhstan beat Czech Republic in an upscale game. Leading only by one goal in the first period, the Kazakhs quickened the tempo gradually netting more pucks. However, the Czechs were no easy opponent with 21 shots vs 38 on goal. A number of excellent saves from Kazakh goalie Kudryavtsev prevented the Czechs from scoring. Final score: 0-8 (0-1; 0-3; 0-4).

Women’s Tournament

JPN vs KAZ

The women’s counterpart of the host team was less lucky. In a thrilling Asian rivalry against Japan, the latter proved to be the better team. Team Nippon blanked the Kazakhs in front of another capacity crowd at the Baluan Sholak Arena. Kazakhstan could keep up with Japan during the first period, but in the second and third the Japanese notched up their game beating the hosts. Finals Score: 4-0 (0-0; 2-0; 2-0).

C. Pierre, FISU Press Officer