Widening the appeal

Lithuania aims to capitalize on success

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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Lithuania moving up

Next stop: Division IA

In front of 10,170 ecstatic home fans, Lithuania celebrates winning gold in Division IB after downing Estonia, 4-1.

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Japan routs Ukraine

Final day win secures medal

Japan was in command from start to finish as they strolled to brush aside Ukraine 7-1 in their final game of Division IB.

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Romania survives

Sweeps Croatia aside to beat drop

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.

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Hosts grind out OT win

Lithuania vs. Estonia for promotion

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.

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Eesti, Eesti!

Baltic clash for gold awaits

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.

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Late surge for Japan

Fightback overcomes Romania in OT

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.

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King Kasparaitis

Rejoicing to play for his country

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.

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Croatia's ironman

From Zagreb to Czech top division

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.

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Unstoppable Lithuania?

Undefeated hosts roll over Japan

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.

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Leaving it late

Estonia hits winner with 53 seconds left

Excitement right until the very end as Riho Embrich breaks Romanian hearts as a lone goal is needed to separate the two teams.

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First win for Croatia

Upsets odds as Ukraine is beaten

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.

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Transylvanian whirlwind

Thrives after playing with Russia captain

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.

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The next one

Estonia's other Robert aiming high

For long Robert Rooba has been Estonia's lone player in Europe's top leagues. Now following in his footsteps comes Robert Arrak.

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Lithuania breezes past Romania

Second successive win for hosts

A depleted Romania proved to be no match for the high-flying Lithuanians who sailed away to a convincing 8-3 win.

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Japan ignited by comeback

Rallies back to topple Croatia

Trailing 1-3, Japan clicked into gear to grind out a 4-3 win against a plucky Croatia.

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Returnees boost Estonia

Defensive display downs Ukraine

Waterproof defense and clinical finishing lifts Estonia to a surprise 2-0 win with promotion hopefuls Ukraine blanked.

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Hosts off to winning ways

6,050 saw Lithuania brush aside Croatia

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.

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Ukraine blanks Romania

3-0 win in neighbouring clash

Newly relegated vs. newly promoted contest ends with convincing victory for promotion-chasing Ukraine.

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Japan ekes out OT win

Kawai salvages two points vs. Estonia

Despite emphatically winning the shots 42-12, Japan needed overtime to down the valiant Estonians 2-1 as Div. 1B gets underway.

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Hooked on hockey

Lithuania’s Dream Team aiming upwards

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.

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Yuji Iwamoto’s start

Japan’s goal is to go up

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.

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Strong test for Japan

Lithuania finishes second in home tournament

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.

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Kasparaitis back on stage

Plays first game for native country Lithuania

Long-time NHL defenceman Darius Kasparaitis for the first time represented his native country Lithuania on Friday in an exhibition game against Estonia.

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Alisauskas moving up

Second ever Lithuanian to grace the KHL

Following in the footsteps of his hometown hero, the KHL becomes the next step in the ascending career of Lithuanian blueliner Nerijus Alisauskas.

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