With an average of 7,368 watching its home favourites win gold in Div. IB, the host city of Kaunas is now in sharp focus as Lithuanian hockey targets growth.
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In front of 10,170 ecstatic home fans, Lithuania celebrates winning gold in Division IB after downing Estonia, 4-1.
Japan was in command from start to finish as they strolled to brush aside Ukraine 7-1 in their final game of Division IB.
A Romanian goal-spree downed Croatia 7-3 in the battle against relegation to stay in the Division I Group B. Croatia takes the step down to Division IIA.
It will come down to an all-Baltic final between Lithuania and Estonia for promotion during a Saturday offering excitement from start to finish in Division IB.
Estonia's success story continues. A 5-1 win against Croatia sets up a sensational showdown with hosts Lithuania for top spot in Div. 1B.
Shogo Nakajima's overtime goal separates a tight contest. A 3-2 win keeps Japan in contention in Div. 1B. Romania earns their first point.
Aged 45, Darius Kasparaitis is finally fulfilling his dream to represent his native Lithuania at a World Championship and aiming to bow out on a high.
Steely resolve has seen Croatia's 22-year-old blueliner Ivan Puzic play at the top level in Czech Republic and the Champions Hockey League.
Lithuania called the tune from start to finish for a resounding 6-1 win against Japan to remain top of the standings in the Division I Group B.
Excitement right until the very end as Riho Embrich breaks Romanian hearts as a lone goal is needed to separate the two teams.
A first frame goal burst lifts Croatia to their first win in Div. 1B. When Ukraine eventually sparked into life it proved to be all in vain.
Having scored the winner that sealed the domestic title, Csanad Fodor now looks to cap off a long season by firing Romania to safety in Division 1B.
For long Robert Rooba has been Estonia's lone player in Europe's top leagues. Now following in his footsteps comes Robert Arrak.
A depleted Romania proved to be no match for the high-flying Lithuanians who sailed away to a convincing 8-3 win.
Trailing 1-3, Japan clicked into gear to grind out a 4-3 win against a plucky Croatia.
Waterproof defense and clinical finishing lifts Estonia to a surprise 2-0 win with promotion hopefuls Ukraine blanked.
Having receiving a rapturous heroes welcome even before the puck was dropped, Lithuania did not disappoint in a comfortable opener as Croatia were blanked 3-0.
Newly relegated vs. newly promoted contest ends with convincing victory for promotion-chasing Ukraine.
Despite emphatically winning the shots 42-12, Japan needed overtime to down the valiant Estonians 2-1 as Div. 1B gets underway.
Following four straight bronze medals, Lithuania and head coach Bernd Haake now raise their stakes considerably at the World Championship Div. IB on home ice.
Yuji Iwamoto has taken over as the head coach of the Japanese national team and wants to get his young squad focused and pull in the same direction.
Three of the teams participating in the 2018 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship Division I Group B had their first tests of the season in November 2017.
Long-time NHL defenceman Darius Kasparaitis for the first time represented his native country Lithuania on Friday in an exhibition game against Estonia.
Following in the footsteps of his hometown hero, the KHL becomes the next step in the ascending career of Lithuanian blueliner Nerijus Alisauskas.
