Blue-and-white skates to hockey gold in Bulgaria

In a remarkable display of resilience and determination, Israel's national ice hockey team has clinched the gold medal at the 2026 IIHF World Championship Division II Group B, held in Sofia, Bulgaria. The team concluded the tournament with an undefeated 5-0 record, culminating in a decisive 5-2 victory over Iceland in the final match. This triumph, however, is overshadowed by the significant administrative and logistical hurdles the team overcame.

Remarkably, the squad did not participate as an official national delegation. Instead, they competed as a group of independent athletes, a situation arising from the federation's ongoing liquidation process, the impact of the war, and bureaucratic obstacles that prevented formal approval. Many players were compelled to fund their own travel, driven by an unwavering commitment to represent their country when official avenues failed.

The final game against Iceland was a high-stakes, winner-take-all showdown, with both teams entering the match knowing the gold medal was on the line. Despite the immense pressure, the Israeli team, fueled by a defiant spirit against the administrative chaos back home, delivered a clinical performance that Iceland could not match. The team's offensive prowess was evident, with a total of 26 goals scored throughout the tournament. Standout performers included the imposing forward Kirill Polozov and the dynamic Malashchanka brothers, Henadz and Kiryl, whose technical skill and chemistry were instrumental. Goaltender Maksim Kaliaev was the hero of the decisive clash, making critical saves to secure the victory.

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Having that kind of technical depth from the Ashdod core allowed us to dictate the pace.