Ukraine's Women's Hockey Team Secures Third Place in Division IIB at the 2026 World Championship

The Ukrainian women's ice hockey team demonstrated remarkable perseverance and fighting spirit at the 2026 World Championship, taking place in Division IIB. In their final match, the Ukrainian athletes faced off against Lithuania, a team that had already established itself as a formidable opponent. The first period ended with Lithuania in the lead, creating a significant amount of pressure on the Ukrainian squad.

However, in the second period, the blue and yellow team showcased their strength, managing to equalize the score thanks to a goal from Manchak-Yensen, which was scored at the 3:09 minute mark. Shortly thereafter, at 6:16, Vedmedenko put Ukraine ahead, boosting the team’s confidence. Nevertheless, in the third period, the Lithuanians did not falter and managed to push the game into a shootout, where, unfortunately, they proved to be stronger.

The final score of the match was 3:2 in favor of Lithuania after the shootout, while the main game time ended with scores of 0:1, 2:0, 0:1, and 0:2. The goals scored during the match included: Manchak-Yensen at 03:09, Vedmedenko at 06:16, and for Lithuania, Stirnaite at 05:22 and Mueller at 10:43. This result means that Ukraine finished in third place in their group.

It is worth noting that in the previous round, the Hong Kong team secured first place in the group and promotion after defeating Ukraine with a score of 3:1. Over the course of five matches, the Ukrainian women accumulated 10 points, achieving victories against Mexico (4:2), decisively defeating New Zealand (8:2), and Belgium (5:1).

It is important to highlight that the group winner advances to Division IIA, while the team at the bottom of the table is relegated to Division IIIA. Last year, the Ukrainian team also finished third in Division IIB, indicating the team’s stability, although it does not reflect progress.

This year, the tournament was missed by experienced hockey player Viktoria Tkachenko, who in 2024 took up arms to defend her country from invaders. Viktoria previously shared her journey to becoming a combat medic in the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade in an interview with NV, discussing how she prepared for the World Championship while serving on the front lines. Her story inspires many, as it embodies patriotism and a love for sports.

The NV website provides schedules and results for the 2026 Women's Hockey World Championship, allowing enthusiasts to follow events in the world of women's hockey.

This event has become an important part of Ukraine's sporting life, as the hockey players not only showcased their skills but also their determination to win, which is crucial for maintaining national spirit during these challenging times.