ANDORRA - The national women's team is kicking off its World Championship campaign today, April 7th. Our ladies will participate in Canillo in the microstate of Andorra from April 7 to 13 in the IIHF Women's World Championship Division 2 Group A, where they will face Kazakhstan, Iceland, Chinese Taipei, Mexico and organizing country Spain. After two consecutive promotions, a tough job awaits them, according to coach Tim Vos.
The first game against Chinese Taipei with experienced goalie Hsu (#20/TPE) between the posts was no sinecure. The first period was mostly scanning the opponent, but in the ninth minute Chinese Taipei managed to take the lead. Huang (#10/TPE), assisted by Chang (#19) outsmarts Smits (#1/BEL) and puts the first point on the scoreboard. Just before the end of the first period, Hsieh (#16/TPE) puts Chinese Taipei further ahead.
In the second period, the Belgians work hard. Midway through the period, Van Hootegem (#4/BEL) lands on the penalty bench for tripping, but Anke Steeno (#9) provides the surprise with a shorthanded goal. However, Chinese Taipei, still on powerplay, almost immediately provides with Huang (#10/TPE) scoring again.
In the last period, Chinese Taipei drives the pressure up. Smits (#1/BEL) has to endure a whole series of shots but keeps her team in the game. The Belgian Blades still try to reconnect, but in vain. The Belgian Blades lose their first match.
Final score: BEL vs. TPE: 1-3 (0-2; 1-1; 0-0)
MVP BEL: goalie Maud Smits (#1)
PHOTO: IIHF / Joan reyes
Games Schedule
07.04 – 13:00 – BEL vs. TPE: 1-3
08.04 – 16:30 – ISL vs. BEL
10.04 – 20:00 – ESP vs. BEL
11.04 – 16:30 – BELvs. KAZ
13.04 – 13:00 – MEX vs. BEL