ANDORRA - The national women's team played its second match of their campaign at the IIHF Women's World Championship Division 2 Group A in Canillo, Andorra today, April 8.
After the narrow defeat against Chinese Taipei, the confrontation with Iceland was no easy task. After the first period, the Belgian Blades were looking at a 3-0 deficit. Team Iceland took advantage of a power play in the second minute - Anke Steeno sits out a boarding penalty in the sin bin - and took full advantage of that majority on the ice through Katrin Bjornsdottir (#24/ISL). In the tenth minute, the opponent scores again. Kolbrun Bjornsdottir (#17/ISL) gets free to outsmart goalie Maud Smits (#1/BEL). Barely two minutes later Arnadottir (#5/ISL) shoots the puck into the Belgian nets for the third time.
However, the Belgians start the second period strong! De Guchtenaere (#6/BEL) finds the way to the opponent's net on a pass from Steeno (#9/BEL) and the top scorer of the previous Worlds scores for Belgium. In the 35th minute, though, the opponent scores again to further widen the gap. Smits (#1/BEL) cleverly blocks a shot, but Bjarnadottir (#9/ISL) is not covered and nets the rebound.
In the final period, the Belgians continue to apply pressure, but the Icelandic defense holds up well. With four minutes left on the clock, Arnadottir (#5/ISL) ends up on the penalty bench for tripping. Steeno (#9/BEL) closes the gap with a second goal via De Guchtenaere (#6/BEL) and Bosmans (#19/BEL). Iceland responds with a fifth goal in the final minute which immediately sets the final score.
Final score ISL vs. BEL: 5-2 (3-0; 1-1; 1-1)
MVP BEL: Eline Leyen (#11/defender)
Match Schedule
07.04 – 13:00 – BEL vs. TPE: 1-3
08.04 – 16:30 – ISL vs. BEL: 5-2
10.04 – 20:00 – ESP vs. BEL
11.04 – 16:30 – BELvs. KAZ
13.04 – 13:00 – MEX vs. BEL